The African Drought Monitor uses available satellite remote sensing and in-situ information, a hydrologic modeling platform and a web-based user interface for operational and research use in Africa.The monitor, developed by Princeton University, is available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic and Chinese. Based on macro-scale hydrologic modeling, the system ingests available data to provide real-time assessment of the water cycle and drought conditions, and puts this in the context of the long-term record dating back to
1950. Drought is one of the leading impediments to development in Africa. Much of the continent is dependent on rain-fed agriculture, which makes it particularly susceptible to climate variability. Recurring drought conditions, most recently seen in Eastern Africa, have had devastating humanitarian impacts and impose significant reductions in GDP for countries whose economies are tied to agriculture. The prospect for continued drought impacts and water scarcity is made more worrisome because of climate change and population pressures.