Responding to droughts: learning from crises

The paper examines the growing human impacts of drought, intensified by the climate crisis, with recent examples such as the Horn of Africa experiencing cycles of floods and drought between 2019 and 2023. While some progress has been made since 2011—particularly in cash-based assistance—key challenges remain unresolved. Early warning systems have improved, but timely action is still lacking, and humanitarian responses often fail to act quickly enough to prevent worsening crises. Additionally, much of the existing research reflects the perspectives of aid providers rather than affected communities, limiting its effectiveness.

The study also highlights structural issues in the humanitarian system, including weak implementation of localization efforts and a significant decline in funding despite increasing needs. This mismatch between rising vulnerability and shrinking resources disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations. The report calls for bridging the gap between policy and real-world practice by learning from past responses and prioritizing community-centered, practical approaches to drought management and resilience.