ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews numerous definitions of drought to determine those characteristics scientists consider most essential for a description and understanding of the phenomenon. It discusses the far-reaching impacts of drought on society. The chapter suggests that definitions of drought are typically simplistic and, in that way, often lead to a rather poor understanding of the dimensions of the concept. It also suggests that definitions of drought should not be formulated in a narrow sense, but rather should incorporate both physical and social measures that have a local or regional significance. Drought is frequently defined according to disciplinary perspective. Drought's impacts must be seen as dynamic, resulting from interactions between supply and demand. The inadequate understanding of the concept of drought and the lack of appreciation of its physical and social impacts by the scientific community and governments has serious worldwide implications for the future as the difference between food production and consumption narrows.
