Overcoming drought vulnerability in rangeland communities: lessons from central-western Queensland

Abstract

Drought and climate variability are an increasing global problem, especially in rangelands which may lack robust socioeconomic systems. Vulnerability is being applied in drought and climate change policy theory, by describing exposure and sensitivity factors, and adaptive capacity. In this paper we examine these vulnerability factors in central-western Queensland (CWQ), Australia, as a case study to test the idea that vulnerability and resilience must be considered together to build strong and enduring rangeland communities. The region’s economy and employment are strongly coupled with rain-fed agriculture. Drought is a key risk to CWQ communities, with 13 extended droughts recorded since 1898. The region has been officially in drought since 2013 following well below-average rainfall, and remains in drought in 2019. The impact has led to reductions in town business turnover of 30–60%, loss of livelihoods and outmigration of 20%. Outmigration corresponds to the recent periods of drought. Social networks have been destabilised, highlighting that the cascading impacts of drought are complex, interrelated and affect the whole community. Regionally led responses have helped to re-build social cohesion, provide mental health support and stimulate economic activity and employment. These actions provide examples of a systemic, whole-of-community approach, that (1) captures place-based advantages; (2) enhances internal and external socioeconomic networks; (3) engages meaningfully through multi-level consultation; and (4) seeks to build sustained financial investment. A common theme of success is partnerships which provide external support for regionally-identified issues and solutions. There has been considerable investment of public, philanthropic and private funds in drought relief and infrastructure programs. This has occurred through a whole-of-community approach, and suggests a move towards policy which aims to build long-term regional resilience. CWQ has linked vulnerability and resilience by asking of both internally and externally led drought relief ‘will this action build or undermine community resilience’. This approach could also be applied to the design of drought policies and responses in other rangeland regions.

Challenges, solutions and research priorities for sustainable rangelands

“…The socioeconomics of Australian rangeland communities are strongly dependent on land used in pastoralism, tourism, mining and conservation, and increasingly for Indigenous cultural connection and renewable energy generation (Foran et al 2019;Kelly and Phelps 2019). Although there are numerous potential viable land uses under stable economic, social and environmental conditions, rangelands are vulnerable to major environmental disturbances such as floods and droughts, unstable market forces and other externalities (Phelps and Kelly 2019). Rainfall is likely to become more extreme and unpredictable under climate-change projections (Howden 2017;Godde et al 2020) and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the potential for global events to act as major disruptors of markets and supply chains (Branson 2020;Greenville et al 2020) with the potential to affect livelihoods of communities in rangelands.…”

“…In the face of disruptive changes and future uncertainties, a key challenge is to embed adaptation and transformation processes into land use to enhance the resilience of rangeland communities. Resilience incorporates the capacity, skills and knowledge of communities 'to adequately prepare, respond and adapt in the face of rapid change' (Queensland Government 2017) and the ambitions of a community to adapt and transform, progressing towards socially desired goals and values (Maru et al 2014;Phelps and Kelly 2019). Therefore, Theme 1 focuses on adaptation of land management with the potential to enhance the resilience of rangeland communities, in the context of these broad global disruptions.…”

“…Of note in this regard is the use that agricultural industries make of the Farm Management Deposits, a scheme established by the Australian Government to reduce risk, to smooth farm income over time, and as a tax-effective way of maintaining reserves, to manage climate variability (Australian Government 2020). However, the reliance of rangeland regions on grazing has led to high vulnerability to climatic events (Phelps and Kelly 2019), and debt levels in many regional small businesses often preclude them from building reserves. This is a consideration for not only land managers, but also for local government and other policy-makers.…”

Vulnerability of rangeland beef cattle production to climate‐induced NPP fluctuations in the US Great Plains

“…Australia (Phelps & Kelly, 2019), may be particularly relevant to beef cattle production in the Great Plains as the century progresses.…”

Building human capacity, capability and future leaders for Australia’s rangelands

“…employment, childcare/education) (Roufeil and Battye 2008) and break down in family relationships (McKenzie 1999). The loss of people causes significant economic, social and environmental costs, and frustration for government and the private and public sectors (Haslam-McKenzie 2011), and reduces a community's adaptive capacity (Phelps and Kelly 2019), yet the ongoing presence of skilled and educated individuals in rangeland communities is critical to address challenges, adapt to change and achieve resilience. Those who stay will become more versatile and 'rounded' professionals, and often find that they have opportunities not available in bigger centres, fast-tracking their early career.…”