Combating drought using geo-spatial information and participatory modelling

The course will take a project-centred approach where the participants will focus on a particular problem and will perform analysis in attempt to find solutions. Particular attention will be paid to the application of geo-information, systems analysis, participatory modelling and scenario analysis to develop alternative planning strategies and technology transfer to combat drought.

What will be achieved?

The main aim of the refresher course is to apply participatory approaches and models to understand, assess and adapt to drought and, possibly, desertification in Sub-Sahara African countries.

Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to:

- describe climate change and its impact on regional systems
- explain the causes and impacts of drought and how it leads to desertification
- facilitate effective stakeholder involvement
- define drought indicators
- identify and assess drought vulnerability and risk zones applying participatory spatial modelling tools and techniques
- develop specific adaptation strategies to prevent and mitigate drought
- encourage the sustainable use of natural resources
- demonstrate the value of and promote stakeholder involvement and participation in managing the effects of drought.

An important aspect of the course is to refresh contacts with fellow ITC alumni by sharing experiences with those facing similar challenges after completing their program at ITC.

What is the course content?

The course will start with a pre-course on-line module, which will introduce the applicants to the topic and will invite them to participate in some on-line discussions.

The on-site course is build up of several sessions and related practical exercises:

An introduction to climate change and participant’s experiences and examples of drought:
- Introduction and expectations.
- Course participants will exchange their experiences on climate change: impacts, causes and responses to drought. This will lead to an overview of experiences from the participants’ countries.
- Introduction to the case study and its key stakeholders.

Causes and impacts of drought
- Causes of drought.
- Impact of drought.
- Spatial aspects of drought.

System analysis of drought and possible desertification outcomes
- Processes and actors involved in drought and desertification.
- Temporal and spatial scales.
 - Delayed effects, irreversibility.

Stakeholder participation and participatory modelling
- Concept of stakeholder participation.
- Reasons for stakeholder engagement and empowerment.
- Methods for stakeholder participation – practices and pitfalls.
- Case study: developing and practicing participatory methods and skills.

Indicators for drought and desertification
- Biophysical aspects: biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- Socio-economic aspects: economic growth, poverty, food security, energy; emphasis on gender issues.
- Group work related to the case study.

Drought vulnerability and risk zoning
- Concept of vulnerability and risk.
- Assessment and mapping of drought vulnerability areas using RS and GIS.
- Site visit.
- Drought risk zoning.

Drought adaptation strategies
- Strategic planning.
- Technology transfer and adoption.
- Formulation and assessment of strategic alternatives.
- Prevention measures.
- Mitigation measures.
- Group work.

Final reflections and synthesis
- Presentations of group work.
- Discussion on experiences and findings.
- Evaluation and closing.