Impact of Flood and Drought on Agriculture and Health Sector: An Empirical Analysis of South Asian Countries

Abstract: Extreme weather events now a days attract the attention of public and scientific community across the globe. Extreme weather events have increased from past two decades particularly droughts, storms, and floods, which have led to havoc, destruction, and the disruption of food systems, increase in zoonotic and food, water and vector-borne diseases, and mental health issues. However, little is known about the interactions of hazards, particularly floods and drought, and the communities that are directly or indirectly exposed to these hazards, the susceptibility of communities to adverse health hazards when exposed, and the capacity of communities to prepare for and cope with the threats. An attempt is made to fill the gap in the existing literature by gaining a deeper understanding of droughts and floods from 1981-2020 as source of frailty in the south Asian region of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, with particular attention given to EWEs and their impact on agriculture (food security) and direct and indirect impact of drought and floods and channels through which they increase food insecurity and health vulnerability. Results confirmed negative impact of floods and drought on agriculture sector. Findings prompted policy implications that community level support and global support will get countries out of traps, and global support should emphasize capacity development of healthcare professionals, appropriate disaster risk reduction and management programs, assessment of vulnerabilities, and formation of adaptation strategies.

Keywords: Extreme Weather Events; Health Hazards; Vulnerability; Global Support

JEL Classification Number: P28, R11, O53