ABSTRACT
Drought is a natural phenomenon in which human demand for water exceeds the natural availability of water extensively. It is, therefore, not as purely a physical phenomenon that can be defined by weather. Drought affects all components of the water cycle, ranging from a deficit in soil moisture through reduced groundwater recharge and levels, and low stream flow or dried-up rivers. Drought has wide-ranging social, environmental, and economic impact, with consequences on agriculture and health. Drought can be natural and brought about by the ever-changing climate or can be man-made due to poor management of soil, water, and air pollution. Since drought is a global phenomenon, the necessity for a global approach in tackling its menace is imminent. This has led to enactment of policies and laws at international levels to be domesticated at national levels. The institutional framework for drought-related law and policies entails the activities of such organizations as United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Meteorology Organization (WMO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), African Union (AU), United Nations Economic Compassion for Europe (UNECE), International Law Commission (ILC), and many others. Policies on drought are dynamic and are subject to periodic modifications as occasioned by different outcomes. Drought-related laws can generally be classified as primary or secondary. The primary drought laws are directed toward drought declaration, notification, and management, while secondary laws are directed toward prevention of man-made contributing factors and management. At national levels, different organizations and departments are responsible for enactment of drought policies and as such may be at local, state, or national government levels. However, the underpinnings of successful implementation of these policies include public participation, access to information, and enforcement.
