The drought problem in the karoo areas

Abstract

Drought is a natural and characteristic phenomenon in the Karoo Region and an event which occurs frequently. This paper describes an objective method of analysing the drought problem. Most current methods are subjective and difficulties have been experienced in applying them in practice. The problem of defining drought is investigated. The Palmer drought analysis was adapted for this research and its results for the Karoo Region are discussed and compared with those of the Orange Free State, Highveld, Transvaal, Natal and Eastern Cape Regions. Some considerations are given to bridging practices for the drought problems in the Karoo.

Uittreksel

Droogte is ‘n natuurlike en kenmerkende verskynsel in die Karoostreek, en kom dikwels voor. Hierdie referaat beskryf ‘n objektiewe metode vir ontleding van die droogteprobleem. Die meeste huidige pogings is subjektief en probleme is ondervind met die toepassing daarvan in die praktyk. Daar word gekyk na die probleem van droogte definieering. Die Palmer droogte‐ontledingsmetode is gebruik vir die navorsing en die resultate soos vir die Karoostreek word bespreek en vergelyk met dié van Vrystaat‐, Hoëveld‐, Transvaal‐, Natal en Oos‐Kaapstreke. Aandag word ook gegee aan oorbruggingspraktyke vir droogte probleme in die Karoo.