The World Bank has outlined a comprehensive set of drought services aimed at helping countries manage and reduce the risks associated with drought. The services are organized into six main areas: economic analysis of drought impacts, resilience-building measures, monitoring and forecasting, risk financing for water service providers, risk and resilience assessments, and advisory support on policy design. Each service can be delivered independently or as part of a customized package to address specific client needs.
A recent paper from the organization uses advanced empirical methods to provide updated estimates of the economic consequences of drought. It points out that effective management of forests and other natural resources—often overlooked in discussions about drought—can play a significant role in mitigating negative impacts on economic growth. The report also calls for proactive steps to reduce vulnerability, such as early warning systems, investment in water storage and desalination infrastructure, improvements in drought policy, and targeted risk-financing strategies for groups most at risk.
The World Bank publishes quarterly drought bulletins that combine climatic and socioeconomic data to offer global forecasts and regional updates on current and developing conditions. These bulletins are intended to inform regional teams about potential threats and help initiate planning discussions with local partners.
The organization emphasizes that while drought cannot be prevented, early action is crucial to saving lives, livelihoods, and financial resources before emergency relief becomes necessary. To support this goal, the Drought Risk and Resilience Assessment (DRRA) Methodology provides governments with a framework for evaluating their preparedness. This approach helps identify stakeholders, prioritize actions across sectors, optimize investments, and empower institutions during crises.
Additionally, the Menu of Measures serves as a reference tool for governments seeking to build resilience by categorizing key intervention areas. The EPIC Response Framework offers guidance for national governments aiming to lead coordinated efforts across society to manage both flood and drought risks. It assists in identifying gaps within hydro-climatic risk management systems and supports policy discussions involving diverse stakeholders.
"We cannot prevent drought, but we can prepare for it. Early action on drought can save lives, livelihoods, and money—before disaster relief is your only option."