Drought is a period of below-average precipitation in a given region, resulting in prolonged shortages of water. Droughts can last for months or even years, and can have devastating impacts on agriculture, the environment, and the economy.
Drought has been a major problem throughout history. It has been a major factor in the collapse of many civilizations, including the Anasazi culture in the American Southwest and the Mayan civilization in Central America. Drought has also been a major cause of famine and displacement of people. In the 20th century, drought was a major factor in the Great Depression in the United States and the Sahelian famine in Africa.
