Compiled by Chris Kriel
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“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to
success when they gave up.” – Thomas Edison
The following is a compilation of articles of two international experts on the topic of understanding and coping
with the financial, physical and psychological trauma, experienced by farmers and other individuals in cases of
extreme drought as currently experienced nationally and in other regions of the world. As human nature in such
circumstances universally tend to result in distress and feelings of hopelessness, I considered the following article
to be of assistance for those presently caught in the middle of such emotional distress. There is always a way out,
as long as one recognises and understands the possible symptoms and how these reactions can be managed in an
informed manner; there is a light at the end of the tunnel!
T
he social and psychological
effects of living through a
drought can be more subtle than the effects of other
natural hazards, and can also be
more widely felt. There are clear
risks for the farming communities
and those dependent on the farming economy for the short-medium
term.
For those whose livelihoods are disrupted by water shortages, the primary impact tends to be experienced economically. This can flow
through to the general public
through rising food prices.
Economic loss may also be associated with a higher risk of emotional
distress. People may experience
heightened or overwhelming anxiety, constant worrying, and trouble
with sleeping. Reactions can vary
from person to person but these
are common responses to disasters
like droughts.
Although it may feel like the worst
is over, the risk is that the difficulties may merely have been deferred.
Most people that experience disasters are resilient and have the capacity to adapt to their changed
circumstances in a short period of
time, especially if they have the
support of their family and friends
and have access to resources to satisfy their basic needs - food, water,
security etc.
This carries through to other members of communities who may be
dependent upon farming industry
resilience, particularly the dairy industry.
But given that water is in shortage
for the economic livelihoods, this
has the potential to complicate
things. The rain may offer false
hope that the immediate problems
are over to many, and that may
cause people to think that they will
have enough resources to get
through the periods of distress.
The practical challenges will include
the financial burdens for those affected by the lack of rain in recent
months as well as causing immediate stressors for farmers and people
working in transport and stock
management, it will also place a
considerable psychological burden,
even for the most robust people,
this can take a toll.
Financial implications are likely to
be carried forward into the next