Drought in Northeast Brazil: A review of agricultural and policy adaptation options for food security

The semiarid lands of Northeast Brazil represent one the most densely populated regions country. Rainfall variability together with land degradation and large-scale poverty in rural areas makes this region vulnerable to droughts. Most agriculture is rainfed deficient rainfall leads severe drought impacts. In review, we examine different short- long-term strategies directed cope possible impacts droughts proposed by government, farmers, civil society, private sector. These are approaches adaptation Brazil, among them, have agricultural management soil conservation better water resources. Other actions include seasonal climate forecasts funds transfer credits affected small-scale farmers. Although some these for short term may help survive situation, they be only postdisaster mitigation options that do not improve adaptive capacity. They favor maladaptation create dependency farmers government actions. Some experiences such as AdaptaSertão show potential benefits We identify key challenges moving toward a more holistic risk approach highlight need integrate tools adaptation, combining technology-based solutions in-depth knowledge local regional social, economic, cultural aspects, them studies, other proactive predisaster ways, rather than reactive Adaptation must increase resilience food production Brazilian Northeast, going beyond an individual event.