Aim:
"Over the past years, drought has emerged as a significant natural hazard with far-reaching economic, social, and environmental impacts, profoundly influencing rural livelihoods, especially in the arid and semi-arid areas of the country."
The present study was conducted to investigate the impacts and livelihood mechanisms of rural households in response to climate shocks caused by drought in the villages of Gasht Rural District, Saravan County.
Material & Method: The study employed a combination of descriptive-analytical and survey approaches. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered to a sample of 248 rural residents. For data analysis, the McKinnon–Haug–Michel statistical test and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) were used.
Finding: Drought has had the greatest impact on rural poverty, rural migration, and the reduction of water resources. These findings highlight the urgent need for policymaking aimed at reducing the vulnerability of rural communities and promoting drought-adaptive practices.
Conclusion: The findings of this study can contribute to identifying the most significant impacts of drought and local coping strategies, thereby supporting the planning efforts of governmental institutions, rural development organizations, and crisis management authorities. Moreover, these results provide a scientific basis for formulating supportive policies and enhancing the resilience of rural communities against drought
Innovation:The findings of this study can play an effective role in identifying the most significant impacts of drought and indigenous coping strategies, thereby aiding the planning efforts of governmental institutions, rural development organizations, and crisis management authorities. Furthermore, these results provide a scientific foundation for formulating supportive policies and enhancing the resilience of rural communities against drought.