Management of drought risk in the Sudano-Sahelian region of Nigeria

Drought is a prolonged absence or marked deficiency of precipitation. One major consequence of this abnormality has always been shortage of water for man and his activities. This is usually evidenced by a reduction of streamflow and soil moisture and lower lake and groundwater levels. Thus, drought occurrence has always resulted in an enormous loss of lives and properties as well as disruption of economic and social structures with a lot of institutional consequences most especially in the developing world. Rational water management therefore requires an in-depth study of drought severity, occurrence and duration among others, in order to provide precise and accurate scenarios for decision-making processes on drought management and preparedness schemes.