The drought problem in the karoo areas

Abstract

Drought is a natural and characteristic phenomenon in the Karoo Region and an event which occurs frequently. This paper describes an objective method of analysing the drought problem. Most current methods are subjective and difficulties have been experienced in applying them in practice. The problem of defining drought is investigated. The Palmer drought analysis was adapted for this research and its results for the Karoo Region are discussed and compared with those of the Orange Free State, Highveld, Transvaal, Natal and Eastern Cape Regions. Some considerations are given to bridging practices for the drought problems in the Karoo.