Multi-dimensional assessment of drought vulnerability with composite drought index and principal component analysis for socioeconomic development in Semi-Arid regions

Abstract There are multiple drought indices, which are useful for monitoring various types of droughts. The multi-faceted effects of drought can be better estimated with the integration of various metrics. The drought conditions can be more accurately diagnosed with the use of a composite drought index (CDI). This study explores integrated assessment for drought vulnerability in semi-arid regions, employing principal component analysis to understand the socio-environmental dynamics. The fusion of climatic, hydrological, and socio-economic data may help to identify the key factors influencing community resilience and vulnerability. The CDI integrates meteorological and agricultural drought indices to provide a holistic approach to drought conditions. The study combines the standardised precipitation index (SPI), Standardised Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and the vegetation condition index (VCI) for CDI. Temporal and spatial analysis of CDI shows the distinct drought patterns of the study area to highlight the vulnerability of specific areas with varying drought intensities. The CDI shows 4.6% of extreme drought and 7.9% of severe drought, which is significantly higher than the individual indices. The findings highlight the need for multi-dimensional approaches to drought assessment in semi-arid regions, reflecting the complex interaction between climatic and vegetative factors. This research presents valuable insights for policymakers and resource managers in developing targeted drought mitigation strategies and adaptive management practices. The mentioned approach is versatile and replicable for any other early warning systems to reduce the socio-economic impacts and environmental factors, improving the resilience of vulnerable communities to drought-related challenges.