Water Sector Policy for Drought Management 2023.

This Water Sector Policy for Drought Management is a sub-sectoral document developed by the Ministry of Water and Irrigation to set clearly defined rules to manage the scarce water resources efficiently and sustainably, taking into account the risks of droughts on the water sector. This new Policy lays out the measures and actions required to achieve the national goals for long-term water security, built upon the results of the previously developed and adopted national water strategy, policies, and plans, constantly updated based on the results. The main objective of the Policy is to promote an integrated management approach to minimize the negative impacts of drought on society, economy, social values, environment, and natural resources, especially water. Specific objectives are (i) ensure adequate supply of water to meet the basic needs of the population to ensure good health and preserve lives during all phases of drought, with special focus on vulnerable groups, that might include - but not limited to women, girls, refugees, and persons with disabilities; (ii) minimize the negative impacts of drought on water resources and bodies, especially freshwater resources, dams, and surface and groundwater; (iii) reducing the negative impacts of drought on agriculture and other economic activities; (iv) strengthening national capacities through the establishment of a national drought forecasting and early warning system; (v) develop and implement national drought management plans based on proactive risk management rather than crisis management to address various types of droughts in coordination with the public and private sectors; (vi) ensure effective coordination of institutional response to drought mitigation measures; (vii) develop, coordinate, and evaluate action plans and contingency plans to address various types of droughts, through the National Center for Security and Crisis Management and in coordination with vital public institutions and the private sector; (viii) planning and implementing educational, training, and public awareness programs related to drought management, engaging youth students at schools and universities, NGOs and local community-based organizations; (ix) encourage affected economic sectors and population groups to adopt self-reliance measures that enhance risk management.
Implementation involves a legislative and institutional framework to ensure a cohesive, proactive, and coordinated response. This includes updating laws to support a national drought policy and activating the National Committee for Drought Management. A dedicated Drought Management Unit has been established within the Ministry of Water and Irrigation to collect and analyze data, assess risks, and provide recommendations. The Policy also requires defining roles across all levels of government and investing in capacity-building for institutions and individuals, with a special focus on youth and women, to enhance monitoring, early warning, and overall management capabilities. Furthermore, the Policy aims to strengthen scientific research and academic cooperation to improve drought management, focusing on risk mapping, forecasting, and assessing socio-economic impacts to better inform policy decisions.