What are the effects of drought in southern Africa?

Macroeconomic impacts

Why is Cape Town running out of water?

In a dry climate, with rapid urbanization and relatively high per capita water consumption, Cape Town had all the makings of a water crisis. In 2018, after three years of poor rainfall, the city announced drastic action was needed to avoid running out. Reducing demand was a key priority.

Will Cape Town run out of water again?

According to current projections, Cape Town will run out of water in a matter of months. This coastal paradise of 4 million on the southern tip of South Africa is to become the first modern major city in the world to completely run dry. But Cape Town is no developing-world urban quagmire.

What will happen if drought continues?

When a drought occurs, their food supply can shrink and their habitat can be damaged. Losses or destruction of fish and wildlife habitat. Lack of food and drinking water for wild animals. Increase in disease in wild animals, because of reduced food and water supplies.

What are the consequences of drought in Africa?

The effects of drought are exacerbated by conflict in the region and can lead to repeated displacement, deaths, increased vulnerability to harmful practices like FGM, loss of education, increased exposure to risks such as recruitment into the armed groups, etc.

How can dams cause drought?

Dam building – large dams can be built across a river to produce electricity and store water in a reservoir. This can reduce river water flowing downstream and cause drought below the dam. This leaves the ground vulnerable to erosion and desertification which can lead to drought.

What effect will the drought have on South Africa’s agricultural exports?

Declining agricultural production could lead to shortages of some food items like maize, wheat and some protein sources such as meat and eggs. This could, in turn, force South Africa to import more. Thirdly, a shortage of local produce could push up prices.

What was day zero?

Using new high-resolution simulations, researchers from Stanford University and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) concluded that human-caused climate change made the “Day Zero” drought in southwestern South Africa – named after the day, barely averted, when Cape Town’s municipal water supply …

Which city in South Africa has no water?

Cape Town
Two years ago, Cape Town faced becoming the first major city in the world to run out of drinkable water as it dealt with serious water scarcity. Between 2015 and 2018, a decline in rainfall resulted in Cape Town’s worst droughts on record.

How does drought affect food production?

Drought also affects the environment in many different ways. Plants and animals depend on water, just like people. When a drought occurs, their food supply can shrink and their habitat can be damaged. Sometimes the damage is only temporary and their habitat and food supply return to normal when the drought is over.