Contextual Level. 2.1.a: Drought Ethiopia has a long history of drought, historically averaging one every three to five years (Little, et al 2008). The regular occurrence of droughts has lasting effects on the water security, food security and economic growth of the country, in addition to the well-being of those living in drought-prone areas. Particularly in regard to water security, Ethiopia lacks the infrastructure to hold water during times of plentiful rain that can then be used during a drought; per capita, the country has less than one percent of the reservoir water storage capacity of North America (Grey and Xxxxxx 2007). Drought has been found to greatly impact the physical and mental health of those living in areas suffering from frequent droughts. For example, a literature review on hazards and mental health found that, across a variety of cultures and geographies, multiple studies have found drought is responsible for both short- and long-term mental health outcomes, including stress, anger, fear, depression and vulnerability (Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx-Xxxxxxxxxxxx and Xxxxxxxxxx 2006). However, potentially mediating the effects of drought on mental health is food insecurity. The absence of rain and water, especially in low-resource settings, greatly affects food production, leading to food insecurity (Xxxxxxx 1976). Food insecurity, in turn, can have devastating impacts on nutrition and health. Additionally, according to a study conducted by Xxxx and Xxxxxx (2007), one drought within a 12-year period can diminish the average economic growth across the entire 12-year period by ten percent. Averaging two to four droughts within that specified timeframe, Ethiopia is in a constant battle for economic growth. The effects of these regular droughts are evident in the poverty statistics for Ethiopia.
