Developing an operational enhanced Composite Drought Index (eCDI) to support drought early warning in the Middle East and North Africa region
Experts predict that conditions will become drier and hotter across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as climate change progresses. The MENAdrought project aims to provide Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco (countries in the MENA region) with the tools they need to anticipate, prepare for and mitigate the impacts of drought going forward. A central part of the work to date has involved developing a satellite- and model-based drought early warning system, which is built around an enhanced Composite Drought Index (eCDI).
MENAdrought Synthesis of Drought Vulnerability in Lebanon
This report summarizes MENAdrought findings on the underlying causes of vulnerability to drought impacts in Lebanon. It serves as a link between the impact assessment and policy planning process.
The objective of the vulnerability studies has been to identify who or what is at risk from drought, what causes that risk, and the effects of how actors manage that risk. This can inform drought management planning so that interventions target underlying causes of vulnerability for the identified communities and systems.
MENAdrought Synthesis of Drought Vulnerability in Jordan
This report summarizes MENAdrought findings on the underlying causes of vulnerability to drought impacts in Jordan. It serves as a link between the impact assessment and policy planning process.
The objective of the vulnerability studies has been to identify who and what is at risk from drought, what causes that risk, and the effects of how actors manage that risk. This can inform drought management planning so that interventions target underlying causes of vulnerability for the identified communities and sectors.
Research Series Issue 66: Can perceptions of reduction in physical water availability affect irrigation behaviour? Evidence from Jordan
Frequent droughts and rapidly depleting groundwater reserves have deepened the water scarcity crisis in Jordan. Even though most farms use ‘water-saving’ technologies, groundwater depletion continues at an alarming rate.
Reducing the impacts of drought in Jordan
Climate disruption is making droughts more likely in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with related detrimental impacts on water and food security. Jordan is already one of the most water-scarce countries in the world. The MENAdrought project aims to empower decisionmakers and practitioners in Jordan with the tools and action plans needed to anticipate, prepare for and mitigate the worst impacts of drought.
English version | Arabic version
Reducing the impacts of drought in Lebanon
As climate change disrupts historical weather patterns, droughts are increasingly likely to have detrimental impacts on water and food security in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Despite its generally wetter conditions, Lebanon’s water security is challenged by various ongoing issues. The MENAdrought project aims to empower Lebanon with the tools to anticipate, prepare for and mitigate the worst impacts of drought.
English version | Arabic version
Reducing the impacts of drought in Morocco
As climate change disrupts historical weather patterns, droughts are increasingly likely to have detrimental impacts on water and food security in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. In Morocco, the change is already noticeable. Since the 1970s, extreme drought has become a more regular element of Morocco’s climate. The MENAdrought project aims to empower Morocco with the tools to anticipate, prepare for and mitigate the worst impacts of drought.
English version | Arabic version
Drought Monitoring in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region
Citation
Fragaszy, S. R.; Jedd, T.; Wall, N.; Knutson, C.; Belhaj Fraj, M.; Bergaoui, K.; Svoboda, M.; Hayes, M.; McDonnell, Rachael. 2020. Drought monitoring in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region: participatory engagement to inform early warning systems. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (BAMS), 101(7):E1148-E1173. [doi: 10.1175/BAMS-D-18-0084.1]
Drought Management Norms: Is the Middle East and North Africa Region Managing Risks or Crises?
Citation
Theresa Jedd, Stephen Russell Fragaszy, Cody Knutson, Michael J. Hayes, Makram Belhaj Fraj, Nicole Wall, Mark Svoboda, and Rachael McDonnell [doi.org/10.1177/1070496520960204]
Media Coverage
Strengthening Drought Monitoring Across the Middle East and North Africa
In one of the world’s most water-stressed regions, USAID and partners are helping create more resilient communities by preparing them to stay one step ahead of the next drought.