ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes selected research approaches and experiences in the interaction between scientist and layman in the perception of the drought in southern Africa, with emphasis on agricultural impacts. It examines the scientist to possess systematized knowledge to assess the drought phenomenon and its impacts objectively in order to help resolve practical problems using scientific know-how. Perception of a phenomenon like drought can be genuine or induced. Extensive climatic data bases, data networks, and computers have enabled the scientist only recently to undertake more or less "objective" assessment of drought severity as a guide to the disbursement of drought management aid. Agricultural drought occurs when soil moisture stress causes crop yield reductions. Modern media, selling news most effectively when it is the "worst," "most severe," "biggest," or "smallest," may blur and distort our perception of drought Newspaper articles on drought during 1933 contain information, humor, hard sell, soft sell, threat, and criticism.
