Global drought is one of the most serious challenges facing agriculture worldwide. This phenomenon is caused by various factors, including climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable use of water resources. The impact is clearly visible in agricultural productivity, food security and community welfare. One of the most significant impacts of global drought is a reduction in crop yields. Plants depend on the availability of water for optimal growth. When the soil becomes dry, plants experience stress, resulting in decreased production. Data shows that drought can reduce crop yields by up to 50% in some crops, especially rice and wheat, which are staple foods for much of the world’s population. Apart from reducing productivity, drought also affects soil quality. Soil that lacks water tends to experience a salinization process, where salt accumulates and reduces fertility. As a result, farmers are forced to apply more chemical fertilizers to maintain production, which can cause pollution and damage local ecosystems. This practice risks reducing the long-term sustainability of agriculture. Additionally, global drought is creating challenges for food supply chains. With production costs increasing and crop yields decreasing, food prices are likely to soar. This has the potential to cause market instability and threaten food security, especially in developing countries that rely heavily on agriculture. Traders and farmers become more vulnerable to price fluctuations, which can result in poverty and social insecurity. Droughts also impact water resource management. Many farmers face a dilemma in using water for irrigation. Inefficient irrigation systems lead to greater water wastage. Therefore, innovation in irrigation technology is very important to overcome this problem. Technologies such as drip irrigation and soil moisture monitoring can help optimize water use. Not only that, climate change which causes drought accelerates shifts in weather patterns. Planting seasons have become irregular and difficult to predict, resulting in uncertainty for farmers. This condition encourages the adoption of more adaptive agricultural practices, such as planting plant varieties that are more resistant to drought and implementing sustainable agricultural systems. This initiative aims to create resilience to extreme conditions. Community involvement in managing local water resources is also very important. Education and training programs can help farmers understand the importance of water conservation and sustainable farming practices. By increasing awareness about the impact of global drought, it is hoped that farmers can adapt better and contribute to environmental sustainability. Finally, government policy in dealing with the impact of drought is very decisive. Investment in irrigation infrastructure and agricultural research needs to be a priority. Driven by scientific data and best practices, policies that support sustainability will help build food security and improve the welfare of farmers in the future.
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