Abstract

Botswana a semi-arid nation located in Southern Africa has experienced some of the most prolonged and severe droughts in the region’s recent history. As climate variability intensifies and rainfall patterns become increasingly unpredictable the country faces escalating challenges that profoundly affect society and the economy. Botswana’s droughts disrupt agricultural systems endanger livestock production limit water availability intensify food insecurity and negatively affect rural livelihoods which depend heavily on natural resources. The effects extend far beyond agriculture influencing public health migration patterns gender dynamics educational outcomes and national development planning. Economically droughts strain public finances reduce GDP growth undermine industrial productivity and heighten dependence on food imports. Despite significant government interventions including drought relief programs water management strategies and climate adaptation planning the socio-economic imp