Introduction: Drought is one of the most pressing environmental and economic challenges facing agricultural regions in Iran. It poses a serious threat to food security, rural livelihoods, and sustainable development. In areas such as Bavi County, where agriculture is a primary source of income, drought can have devastating consequences for farmers and their communities. Understanding how farmers perceive drought and the strategies they adopt to cope with and adapt to its impacts is essential for designing effective and context-sensitive policies. While meteorological definitions of drought focus on precipitation deficits and hydrological imbalances, farmers often interpret drought through the lens of their lived experiences, which may include social, economic, and cultural dimensions. This study aims to explore the subjective definitions of drought among farmers in Bavi County and to identify the coping and adaptive behaviors they employ in response to this phenomenon.
Materials and Methods: This research employed a qualitative phenomenological approach to capture the lived experiences of farmers dealing with drought. The study population consisted of farmers residing in Bavi County, selected through snowball sampling to ensure the inclusion of diverse perspectives. Data collection methods included 25 semi-structured in-depth interviews, direct field observations, photography, and document analysis. Interviews were conducted in the local language and transcribed verbatim. Colaizzi’s method was used for data analysis, allowing for the extraction of significant statements, formulation of meanings, and identification of key themes. This approach facilitated a deep understanding of how farmers define drought and the behavioral responses they adopt.
Results: The findings revealed that farmers primarily define drought in terms of reduced water availability, decreased rainfall, and irregular precipitation patterns. Their definitions often reflect immediate and tangible impacts on crop production, irrigation practices, and livestock management. Beyond physical indicators, some farmers also associated drought with economic hardship, social stress, and psychological burden. A total of 18 distinct behavioral responses to drought were identified and categorized into two main types: Coping (Reactive) Behaviors and Adaptive (Proactive) Behaviors. Coping behaviors included short-term actions such as reducing irrigation frequency, selling livestock, borrowing money, and shifting to drought-resistant crops. Adaptive behaviors, on the other hand, involved long-term strategies such as investing in water-saving technologies, diversifying income sources, participating in cooperative farming, and engaging in community-based water management initiatives.
Discussion: The study highlights that farmers in Bavi County possess a multidimensional understanding of drought that goes beyond technical definitions. Their perceptions are shaped by environmental realities, socio-economic conditions, cultural norms, and personal experiences. The diversity of coping and adaptive behaviors reflects the complexity of drought as a lived phenomenon and underscores the importance of localized responses. While coping strategies may provide immediate relief, they often lack sustainability and can exacerbate vulnerability in the long run. Adaptive strategies, though more resource-intensive, offer pathways toward resilience and long-term sustainability. The findings suggest that policy interventions should prioritize capacity-building, access to financial and technical resources, and participatory planning to support farmers in transitioning from reactive to proactive drought management.