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A 12-target global framework for measuring drought resilience: Insights from a multi-country review

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Droughts are slow-onset disasters with severe environmental, economic, and social consequences, disproportionately affecting regions with limited resources and institutional capacity. Climate change, land use practices, and complex interactions exacerbate drought impacts, which vary in length, depth, and frequency, and interact with other hazards depending on environmental, socio-economic, and geographic contexts.Key challenges to effective drought resilience include socioeconomic disparities, fragmented policies, financial constraints, and governance weaknesses. To address these gaps, this study focuses on developing indicators for assessing drought preparedness and resilience across different economic contexts.Drawing on a review of 16 national drought and water policies, the study develops a drought resilience framework comprising 12 global targets, 45 sub-targets, and 129 indicators, aligned with existing international frameworks. The framework is designed to standardize best practices, improve cooperation, and guide resilience-building across diverse contexts while distilling shared dimensions of preparedness and resilience.The analysis emphasizes the role of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) indicators in proactive drought management, where governance, leadership, and evidence-based policymaking are as critical as financial and technological resources. It recommends flexible measurement tools and institutionalized assessment mechanisms to track progress and refine strategies, enabling a shift from reactive crisis response to long-term resilience, strengthening accountability and enhancing global drought preparedness.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2026.106239
Language: English
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,200
OpenAlex ID: W4416585410
FWCI:
Cites: 7
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Related to: 10