Drought causes temporary water shortages whilst aridity is a state of chronic water deficit. It is important to recognise this difference and to realise that emergency responses to drought will usually occur in semi arid areas that suffer from chronic water deficit. It is therefore vital that any WASH interventions do not undermine the populations’ coping strategies by a failure to understand those strategies.

B12.1 Integrated working with EFSVL

Close collaboration with the EFSVL team is required to ensure ‘joined up’ programming (see A1.6). Amongst other things this will entail:

• Joint assessments and planning

• Regular coordination meetings

• Leadership and supportive management

• A coherent approach to communicating Oxfam’s programme to communities and authorities

Cash for work (CFW) which can increase access to cash for targeted individuals and communities can be used to support the rehabilitation of water sources or the disposal of dead carcases. Paid labour or the use of vouchers and cash transfers can also be considered, depending on the context analysis and programme objectives.

B12.2 Assessment

In drought responses, an in depth assessment is critical to determine the specific PHP and PHE actions that are necessary. Use the Public Health Conceptual Model to examine the different influences on health and nutrition. The following issues should be considered:

• Drought coping mechanisms in relation to food, water and hygiene

• Inter and intra family food sharing practices

• Infant and young child feeding practices

• Community perceptions of vulnerability to disease and the links with malnutrition

• Infant and young child caring practices and health seeking behaviour

• Household decision making and power relations

An understanding of how the target population normally accesses water during the dry season and what coping strategies could be supported or reinforced is also vital.

B12.3 Response

The response must:

• Be based on the specific outcome of the assessment in each context rather than drawn from a standard menu of interventions.

• Have clear selection criteria to identify areas where water will be provided

• Ensure that water provision does not encourage new settlements

• Be tailored to specific target groups (especially communication and mobilisation)