Social Vulnerability to Drought and Its Determinants: The Case of Fig Growers in Estahban, Fars Province

Drought as a recurrent phenomenon causes vulnerability for households and communities whose livelihoods depend principally on agriculture. Lack of sustainable livelihood, poverty and social inequity also pose challenges to residents of drought affected regions. While drought impacts increase in arid and semi-arid regions such as Iran, understanding social vulnerability becomes more imperative. Therefore, the aim of this research was to explore the nature of social drought vulnerability and its determinants. A systematic sampling technique was used to collect a representative sample of fig growers of Estahban County who have experienced drought, in recent years. A total of 246 fig growers were interviewed using a questionnaire. A panel of experts verified face validity and a pilot study were used to assess the reliability of the measuring instrument. Results indicated that drought has caused reduction of bridging and bonding, loss of empathy, health and well-being of fig growers’ family members, economic impacts of drought, age, dependency ratio of income to fig production, and farm structure were also the main determinants of social vulnerability. Recommendations and implications for drought management policies are then offered to reduce social vulnerability.