ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the interaction between scientists and farmers in the technical and social responses to drought. The Australian environment ranges from the tropics to deserts to a Mediterranean type of climate in the southern areas. The major part of Australia consists of arid rangelands in the center of the continent. Drought management has many different aspects. These include research into understanding the causes of drought, prediction and statistical probability, survival, lack of feed, land degradation, and shortage of finance. Droughts are a normal part of the climate of South Australia, and it is important to have a record of their frequency. In Australia, national disasters are handled by arrangements established between the federal and state governments. Drought is included in this general area, and drought policy is set by the National Drought Consultative Committee. Drought bonds and income equilisation deposits. These have been introduced at times by government and then withdrawn.
