Abstract
Drought in Balochistan has remained a devastating natural disaster that impacted almost 90% area of the province. The 1998-2004 drought was probably the most severe in the history of province. The main focus of this paper is to analyze the specific vulnerability factors, and the socio-economic impacts of drought in Balochistan. The study is a combination of both qualitative and quantitative data analysis. The results reveal that more than 75% of the population belongs to agriculture and livestock sectors. The decrease in water resources severely affected local population directly and indirectly. Several vulnerability factors such as detrimental cultural practices, poor groundwater governance, lack of community’s awareness of drought mitigation, environmental degradation, weather related religious beliefs, insufficient supply of electricity for agriculture and climate change intensifies the socio-economic impacts of drought. Consequently, a large number households suffer from decline in crop yields, food insecurity, unemployment, out-migration, increased conflicts, taking loans, and impacts on women and children. The article suggests policy and practice focused initiatives combined with further scientific research in order to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of drought
Mohammad Yousuf, Mohammad Nasir2. (2016) Vulnerability Factors and Socio-economic Impacts of Drought in Balochistan (A Case Study of District Nushki), Balochistan Review, Volume 1, Issue 1.
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