NETWORKS AND DROUGHT COMMUNICATION

Drought management requires direct involvement by both the scientific community and public officials. Technical measures, such as various indices that detail drought severity, may provide an early indication of developing problems or point toward improved conditions. However, there is some concern as to whether these types of information are understood by senior agency officials charged with directing resources. In order to examine the effectiveness of this interaction, a study was conducted concerning the formation of state drought plans.

The study was conducted between the summer of 2004 and spring of 2005. More than fifty individuals, representing both the scientific and state-level policy communities, were interviewed. Questions focused upon how scientists conducted and communicated their research, and information sources upon which policy-makers draw for advice on creating state drought plans. The study examined communication processes between the two communities, including preferred forms of communication.

The “two cultures” barrier did not seem to be a significant factor in this process. While little direct communication between scientists and top policy-makers was found, routine communication at lower levels of state organizations assured an effective flow of information into the policy planning process. Drought and climate information was communicated effectively to the policy community and utilized appropriately in creating or updating state-level drought plans. Even those state-level drought managers who did not have a formal background in science were able to easily interpret and apply information received from the scientific community.

An additional component, intermediary organizations that help to integrate and reformat information, is included. Findings suggest that these intermediary organizations are a key component in facilitating interaction between the two communities. Scientists, intermediary organizations, and technical staff from state agencies operate together in knowledge communities, in which information is shared for development of state policy. Routine discussions through the Internet, in this case the Drought Monitor's discussion list, helped to generate consensus and keep all key participants informed of relevant information.