More Efficient Drought Relief for the Karoo: Lessons from Australia’s Big Dry

Abstract

Under climate change, multi-year droughts will become a more predictable feature of the Karoo. Australia’s Millennium Drought triggered a comprehensive policy reform in which the trade-off between humanitarian relief and structural adjustment to climate change had to be confronted. This paper tells that story, drawing lessons that could improve the efficiency of South Africa’s drought relief efforts. This account highlights the adverse consequences that can result from failing to actively pursue structural adjustments to climate change. We can learn from Australia’s experience 1) To pay attention to messages that come up from the grassroots level, 2) incentives matter for adaptation, 3) resilience can only be achieved through structural adjustments,4) mental health support should be left to professionals, and 5) better coordination and more transparency should increase readiness.