The National and International Importance of Drought and Salinity Effects on Agricultural Production

Abstract

This review examines the impact of drought and salinity on agricultural production in both the semi- arid and humid regions of the world. The frequency and nature of drought events and some recent approaches to drought prediction are discussed along with the distribution of salinity and the various factors leading to its occurrence under both irrigated and dryland conditions. Strategies to minimize the impact of drought and salinity on the rural community and on the stability of land resources have been developed largely in high-income countries. However, because of the high cost, little has been done in the developing world where extensive areas of valuable land are deteriorating, representing a serious threat to food security.