Drought and Water Shortage Issue - Essay Example

Drought can be defined as “an interval during which the actual moisture supply at a given place consistently is less than the climatically expected or climatically appropriate moisture supply.” (Palmer, 1965, p. 3). The question, of whether draught causes water shortage, is a ticklish one because of their inter-relationship; like the ‘hen or egg first?’ issue. It is well known that when there is a drought there will be a water shortage, and when there is a water shortage there will be spells of drought.

The effects of drought can be linked with meteorological, hydrological, or agricultural aspects and it is a major influence on the social and economic activities of a given region. The role of water in natural calamities is paramount. Heavy downpours cause a flood and scarcity of rain lead to drought. Continued spells of drought result in a shortage of water in the region. These two phenomena are beyond human control and their aftermaths have long-lasting effects on the economy of a nation. Drought can be attributed to proximity to the equator, geographic position, and the lack of greenbelt in a region. When a nation is dependent on agriculture for its economic growth, unexpected seasonal changes hamper its prospects. During drought, there is a scarcity of water and continuous heat wave, which damages crops and livestock. Deforestation and reduced greenbelt are also conducive to drought and desertification. Thus, the shortage of water can be construed as one of the major reasons for the drought.

Water is the most abundant natural resource. Yet, the planet is running out of freshwater sources. The rapid increase in world population and the recurrence of drought further aggravate the situation. It is estimated that by 2025 two-thirds of the world’s population could live in countries with severe water shortages. (Icenhower, June 2006). Though drought is an imminent danger, people tend to consider it as a normal part of the climatic condition. With expanding deserts, deforestation, and growing droughts, compounded with the increasing demand for freshwater for human consumption, everyone should be concerned about the potential worldwide calamity caused by diminishing water supply. Due to the random nature of its occurrence, drought is relegated to an insignificant status, and the world in general considers food shortage and emergency medicines supply as the pressing concerns to tackle starvation and the spread of disease. Most of us do not recognize the need to recognize drought conditions as a priority and take concrete measures to face a future shortage of water. Water is the most basic need and when we don’t have enough supply of it we may not be able to fulfill many of our other requirements.

Drought is the single most natural hazard to mankind. Its effects are long-lasting and devastating to the ecological system and environment because it results in a short supply of water. It is a major cause of death worldwide and accounts for about half of the victims of natural disasters (WHO. 1999). Reduced supply of water for drinking and personal hygiene increases infectious diseases. There will be a shortage of water and food supply, during drought-propelled heat waves, which contributes to malnutrition and high mortality. According to Eric Patrick the effects of drought are "insidious" due to their "'creeping nature", and "Human mortality is simply the end state of this process.” (2005).
In countries predominantly dependent on agriculture, draughts can spell the doom of their economy.
Drought in a simple or intermediate economy can have a particularly significant impact on the economy, both directly and through knock-on effects. Most developing countries experience human fatalities from drought-related disasters, and it correlates with GNP. (UN Humanitarian News). Developmental projects are adversely affected by the pressing need of keeping people alive in the face of drought. Though there is a concerted effort through science and organizations such as the United Nations, to solve the world’s water problem, the Bible reveals that “dark times are immediately ahead. As prophetic trends, caused by man’s disobedience to his Creator, worsen—as droughts and famines increase and spread—wars among nations will arise. On the heels of such wars will come more droughts and famines, of even greater intensity.” (Matt. 24:6-7; Rev. 6:4-6). Thus humans are still puppets in the hands of nature. Read More