Water allocation for drought adaptation: a review of practical options

This review highlights five types of strategic activities and four types of operational activities through which water allocation systems can mitigate the impacts of droughts and increase the resilience of communities and ecosystems to climate change. The review draws on the literature of drought and water allocation in general and that of Ethiopia, South Africa and Chile in particular. The analysis discusses the complexities and challenges that can arise during the implementation of these activities. Many existing water allocation systems are inadequate or outdated, as they were designed at a time when water was perceived as abundant. Significant reforms may be needed to manage water resources more equitably, efficiently, and sustainably, in recognition of the "new normal" created by climate change. The insights are relevant both to low-income countries in Africa and South Asia where severe drought conditions are intensifying, and to high-income countries that are newly experiencing droughts.