Detection and characterization of meteorological drought and its impacts in the UNESCO designated world heritage site of Konso Cultural Landscape, southern Ethiopia

Drought is one of the challenges that face our globe. The objective of this study is to examine the occurrences and spatiotemporal patterns of drought and explore its impacts on the Konso cultural landscape in southern Ethiopia. The study used Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation Stations data (1981–2022) and qualitative data collected using key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. The Standard Precipitation Index was used to generate drought indices for two wet seasons and annual timescales. The results indicate that 1999, 2000, 2009, 2011 and 2022 were the worst drought periods in Konso across all timescales. There were also severe droughts in recent years (2021 and 2022) in both wet seasons. Frequency and severity of drought events were higher for the two wet seasons than the annual timescale. The results also confirmed that the Konso cultural landscape is being threatened by the recent drought. Drought-induced reductions in agricultural productivity have deterred the rituals practiced during the harvest period, significantly impacting ceremonial practices that are essential for passing knowledge and responsibilities from older to younger generations. As recurrent droughts worsen, many people, particularly the young, engaged in nonfarm income generating activities to sustain their livelihoods. Additionally, rampant droughts contributed to the changes in the architectural design and structure of houses within the villages. The study provides useful and up to date information on drought frequency, spatiotemporal patterns, projections and its major impacts which help policy makers devise appropriate adaptation strategies to maintain the sustainability of the Konso cultural landscape.