Drought risk management, natural resource management and social protection: new alliances for sustainability and resilience
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German Development Institute / Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik (DIE)
There is a close link between three areas of rural life in poor countries which are usually not regarded together: Drought crises, natural resource management of landscapes, and social protection. How can local communities – supported by governments, development and humanitarian agencies – protect and restore landscapes, the natural resources therein and the livelihoods that rely on them, before, during and after drought crises? This session explores research and policy pathways to improving the nexus of drought risk management, natural resource management and social protection (the DNS Nexus) across the African continent.
Natural Resource Management: Natural resources are the basis for well-being and (drought) resilience in rural area LIVE NOW
Agro-ecosystems in a broad sense, including agriculture, livestock, forestry and fishery, form the basis of livelihoods of rural populations in developing countries. Keeping them healthy is a key ingredient of ecological diversity and stability, human wellbeing and resilience to many risks and disasters including milder forms of drought. The session will start with introducing the concept of Land Degradation Neutrality, a key concept of ecological sustainability on land anchored in the Sustainability Development Goals, and provide examples from research and development which help rural people improve their productive, sustainable and resilience-enhancing use of natural resources.
Drought Risk Management: Pro-active drought management is multi-sectorial, but healthy landscapes are key in rural areas LIVE NOW
Drought, particularly if in combination with weak or inactive governments, is a threat for ecosystems and for poor people in poor countries. Drought frequency and severity are increasing and tipped to increase further in many parts of the world due to climate change. Countries are challenged to change from a reactive to a pro-active, risk management approach. Starting with a broad overview of comprehensive drought risk management, the session will then highlight how drought risk mitigation can support natural resource management. Ample room is provided to discuss with researchers, activists, development agency representatives and a panel of people from the headquarters of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Social Protection: The role of social protection in promoting social and ecological resilience to droughts LIVE NOW
Social protection programmes are key to assisting the very poor and vulnerable to cope with income and security shocks caused by droughts. Such programmes can also be instrumental in implementing nature-based solutions for drought prevention; protecting productive assets threatened by droughts including natural capital; and channelling emergency aid into building back better through investments in ecological resilience. This session will bring together scientists, policy makers, donors and conference participants to discuss the implications of global warming and the current COVID-19 crisis for drought risk management, food security and ecological resilience in the rural regions of Africa, and the role of social protection in responding to this ‘double crisis’.
