scholarly journals Barriers and Opportunities for Actionable Knowledge Production in Drought Risk Management: Embracing the Frontiers of Co-production

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Grainger ◽  
Conor Murphy ◽  
Sergio M. Vicente-Serrano

Drought risks pose serious threats to socio-ecological systems, built environments, livelihoods and human wellbeing. Managing these risks requires long-term collaboration between diverse groups with different values, interests and forms of knowledge. Funders, researchers and practitioners have increasingly advocated for collaborative models of knowledge production in which all participants recognise the multiple ways of understanding drought risk and strive to co-create knowledge for decision making. Such transdisciplinary research approaches aim to develop and sustain more equitable and meaningful interactions between scientific and societal actors, and have been shown to increase knowledge use and build resilience to climate variability. In practice, however, collaborations around drought remain largely science-driven and, as a result, can struggle to produce actionable knowledge necessary to better manage drought risk. This article draws from drought studies and related transdisciplinary fields to highlight common barriers inhibiting actionable knowledge production across a broad range of drought risk management contexts. We also propose opportunities for improved knowledge production that can guide researchers, practitioners and funders seeking to engage in transdisciplinary work. Diverse understandings of drought risk have hindered widespread advances in knowledge production and resilience building. We argue for multi-disciplinary researchers to come together with stakeholders and focus on creating inclusive and context-driven environments. While not appropriate or cost-effective in all situations, co-production between researchers, practitioners and other stakeholder groups offers opportunities for actionable management plans and policies that reflect the complex and contested problem framings and socio-ecological contexts in which droughts impact society.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia De Stefano ◽  
Jesús Vargas ◽  
Nuria Hernández-Mora ◽  
Alba Ballester ◽  
Tony Herrera ◽  
...  

<p>Droughts are recurrent phenomena that are intrinsic to any climate. In Spain, as in many countries in the Mediterranean region, forecasts derived from climate change models predict an increase in the frequency and intensity of this type of phenomena. This makes even more necessary to focus efforts on strengthening social and institutional capacities through prevention, mitigation and adaptation strategies to mitigate the possible impacts of drought on the society and the environment. Despite the progress achieved at the scale of river basin districts and large municipalities, small and medium-sized towns often do not have drought risk management tools adapted to their specific needs. This study developed a participatory methodology for the elaboration of drought risk management plans in small and medium-sized towns. The methodology was tested and validated in three pilot municipalities: Madridejos (Toledo), Puente Genil (Córdoba) and Xàbia (Alicante). As a result, a methodological guide was developed to facilitate the preparation and adaptation of these plans to the different contexts, realities and needs of each municipality. The communication presents the key elements of this participatory methodology and the lessons learnt from the experience in the three pilot sites.</p><p> </p>


2015 ◽  
Vol 526 ◽  
pp. 274-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark D. Svoboda ◽  
Brian A. Fuchs ◽  
Chris C. Poulsen ◽  
Jeff R. Nothwehr

Water Policy ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (S2) ◽  
pp. 70-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomoyuki Okada

Japan has experienced several severe drought disasters in the past and is still suffering from drought conditions in some parts of the country every year. To cope with the drought disasters, Japan takes three types of countermeasures: (i) water resources planning and development as supply side measures; (ii) promotion of efficient water use as demand side measures; and (iii) coordinated drought risk management as risk control measures. Owing to continuous efforts in water resources development, water saving, and water recycling, drought risk is currently mitigated to some extent. Japan further needs to improve the drought safety level and secure stable water supply.


2003 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Goddard ◽  
Sherri K. Harms ◽  
Stephen E. Reichenbach ◽  
Tsegaye Tadesse ◽  
William J. Waltman

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