Abstract

Shah Dhyan Kapoor

Drought induces distress like food and water scarcity and it has other adverse impacts, particularly on gender. The paper analyses socio-economic costs of drought and household coping mechanism in India in two different development scenarios. It highlights unequal and inadequate access and use of land, water and other resources in semi-arid areas as it continues to pose challenge for agricultural growth, occupational mobility and gender equity. Long term drought measures, integrated regional land and water management and strengthening local institutions are suggested for better access to basic resources, to reduce household distress, enhance coping capability and to improve gender equity.