Drought Disaster Risk Reduction and Its Environmental Benefits

Investing time and resources in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), not only influence disaster losses, but also enhance economic, social and environmental benefits that enhance the well-being and resilience of countries and communities. This study aimed at evaluating environmental and human benefits through drought disaster risk reduction based on the existing information on drought disaster events. Data used in this study were acquired from the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT). This database compiles essential core data on the occurrence and effects of disasters, globally, from 1900 to date. Findings revealed that drought disasters affected about 31%, 22%, and 41% of the total population in Angola, Tanzania, and Zambia, respectively, during the survey period. More so, investing in drought disaster risk reduction can influence or contribute to disaster resilience. This unprecedented amount of investment in disaster risk reduction offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rebuild better and guide the planet toward a safer, healthier, more sustainable, and inclusive future. We must, therefore, ensure that the funds invested in these projects are not destroyed due to disasters and that the new infrastructure does not implement new risks.