ABSTRACT

Drought is a phenomenon that leads to complex issues that affect vulnerable communities across the globe. Small-scale farmers and rural communities are considered the most vulnerable to the impacts of drought, due to their high reliance on agriculture and the numerous socio-economic conditions that sustain their vulnerability. Understanding the perceptions of those that are the most vulnerable to drought as well as the relevant stakeholders that are involved in drought management is important to gain a holistic understanding of the impacts of droughts and how they affect individuals from various socio-economic backgrounds. The objective of this research study was to assess the perceptions of droughts from a Multi-stakeholder perspective. This was achieved by assessing a range of stakeholder perceptions utilizing a conceptual framework for drought perception which is built on the elements that shape perceptions of drought which are, experience, memory, definitions and expectations. The study utilized a qualitative research approach incorporating focus group discussions, interviews and participatory research techniques. The results of the research study revealed that drought is a relative concept and is experienced differently by individuals from different socio-economic backgrounds. This also influenced the way respondents adapted to the impacts of droughts.

摘要

干旱是一种导致影响全球脆弱社区的复杂问题的现象。小规模农户和农村社区被认为最容易受到干旱的影响，因为他们高度依赖农业，而且许多社会经济条件维持着他们的脆弱性。了解最易受干旱影响的人群以及参与干旱管理的相关利益相关者的看法对于全面了解干旱的影响及其对不同社会经济背景的个人的影响非常重要。本研究的目的是从多方利益相关者的角度评估对干旱的看法。这是通过利用干旱感知概念框架评估一系列利益相关者的感知来实现的，该概念框架建立在塑造干旱感知的要素之上，即经验、记忆、定义和期望。该研究采用定性研究方法，结合焦点小组讨论、访谈和参与式研究技术。研究结果表明，干旱是一个相对的概念，不同社会经济背景的人会有不同的经历。这也影响了受访者适应干旱影响的方式。访谈和参与式研究技术。研究结果表明，干旱是一个相对的概念，不同社会经济背景的人会有不同的经历。这也影响了受访者适应干旱影响的方式。访谈和参与式研究技术。研究结果表明，干旱是一个相对的概念，不同社会经济背景的人会有不同的经历。这也影响了受访者适应干旱影响的方式。