Drought Management and Planning for Water Resources

Droughts have serious consequences for ecosystems, agriculture, water supply and energy, requiring proactive measures to mitigate long-term and potentially irreversible damages. Droughts are divided into four types: meteorological, agricultural, hydrological and socio-economic. Each of these categories is found in arid, semi-arid and tropical regions of the world. Drought monitoring and forecasting studies help decision-makers and planners to adapt to future water management challenges. The objective of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impacts of droughts on water resources. It highlights how changes in the climate influence drought frequency and severity, emphasizing the growing uncertainties surrounding water availability. It also discusses adaptation strategies, contrasting crisis management with risk management for sustainable water use. Special attention is given to Turkiye’s drought management, including basin-level plans, infrastructure improvements, and agricultural water conservation initiatives. These insights aim to enhance planning and policy for mitigating drought risks and securing water resources.