The Near East and North Africa (NENA) region is mostly dry by nature because of its geographic location and climatic conditions. Around three quarters of the region consist of desert that is unwelcoming to life and normal human activities, with average annual precipitation less than 50 mm, and arid climate where average precipitation is less than 150 mm per annum. The rest is of either semi-arid or Mediterranean climates. Sub-humid and humid climatic conditions exist only in patches of specific coastal areas and relatively high mountains on the sides exposed to prevailing winds.
This reports published by FAO reviews drought and the way it is managed in the region which is highly prone to the phenomenon, on one hand, and is highly vulnerable to it because of weak institutional and policy frameworks, on the other. The report constitutes a good basis to rethink policies and reformulate preparedness and response plans which can strengthen resilience to droughts in the region, taking into account the social, economic and environmental contexts specific to each country.
