Not only will droughts be longer and more intense in such regions, but new areas will also suffer from drought. The IPCC also reports that drying is evident in new regions, such as the sub-humid areas of Southern Africa. It suggests a 90 percent probability these developments will take place, implying a need for effective adaptation measures in dryland communities.
Over the years, communities living in drylands affected by desertifi cation and land degradation have learned to live with more predictable weather events. In the absence of adequate fi nancial and technical assistance, however, these communities are unlikely to cope when new hazards strike. Unless rapid response and adaptation measures are in place, past experience with these kinds of disasters suggests the human and economic consequences will be tragic.