Impact of Drought on the Health of Women and Children in Drought Prone Rural Maharashtra (India)

Kisan Algur, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
R. Nagarajan, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

Drought, exacerbated by climate change, significantly impacts health, particularly among women and children, who are vulnerable to adverse conditions due to water scarcity. This chapter explores the multifaceted health consequences of drought on women aged 15-49 and children under five years, focusing on malnutrition, water-borne diseases, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in rural India. Data from two contrasting Tehsils Akkalkot (high-rainfall) and Malshiras (low-rainfall) of drought-prone rural Maharashtra state of India show significant disparities in nutritional status, with Malshiras reporting a higher prevalence of underweight women and malnourished children. Women's involvement in household water collection exacerbates their physical strain, leading to nutritional deficiencies. Moreover, drought-induced food insecurity escalates malnutrition rates in children, furthering issues like stunting, wasting, and underweight conditions. The study also identifies a significant increase in NCDs such as hypertension, diabetes, and anxiety among women during drought years. By highlighting these critical issues, the chapter underscores the importance of targeted interventions, including improved healthcare access, sanitation, and nutritional support, to protect women and children in drought-prone regions.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Gender Dynamics, Mixed methods research, Population, Environment, and Climate Change

See extended abstract.