In the past the response of governments and the international community to a drought has been to provide food aid and famine relief. Decentralization of DPM is essential for a rapid response. Efforts need to foster greater coherence between local, district and national institutions and regional cooperation among governments. WMO and UNSO have jointly sponsored training seminars on drought preparedness and management in West Africa and in the Maghreb region. Assistance has been provided by UNSO to Ethiopia and national drought management programmes have been initiated in Ecuador, Mozambique, and Swaziland.
Discussions are on the way with countries in all regions.