About the Eswatini Drought Intelligence Hub
The Eswatini Drought Intelligence Hub is a platform that provides information and resources related to drought conditions in Eswatini. It aims to support decision-making and response efforts by offering data, analysis, and tools for stakeholders.
How is the CDI Computed?
The CDI is generated in a mostly automated process that includes the following steps:
Data Retrieval
The system checks for the latest datasets from global sources, and automatically downloads and stores LST, NDVI, SPI, and Soil Moisture data.
Processing
Computes percentile ranks and long-term trends using 40+ years of data where available.
Weight Adjustment
If needed, experts can change the weight of each dataset depending on data quality or relevance.
CDI Map Generation
Monthly drought maps (CDI) are produced indicating the drought levels per Inkundla (region).
Validation
The Technical Working Group (TWG) reviews the maps and provides expert feedback.
Final Publication
Once validated, the CDI is published and made available to the public on this platform.
What Do the CDI Categories Mean?
CDI drought classifications are relative, meaning they compare current conditions to a long-term historical baseline for each specific location. This helps answer the question: "How rare or severe are current drought conditions compared to what’s typical in this area?"
For example, if an area is classified under Severe Drought (D2), it means that in the long-term record (usually 40+ years), conditions have only been this dry less than 10% of the time. This percentile-based method allows us to detect both long-term droughts and short-lived, extreme events—always in the context of local climate norms.
| Category | Description | CDI Percentile | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | Normal or wet | >30.01 | Common or wetter-than-average |
| D0 | Abnormally Dry | 20.01 – 30.00 | Drier than usual, but not yet drought |
| D1 | Moderate Drought | 10.01 – 20.00 | Unusual dryness—seen ~1 in 5 years |
| D2 | Severe Drought | 5.01 – 10.00 | Rarely this dry—<10% of the time |
| D3 | Extreme Drought | 2.01 – 5.00 | Extreme dryness—only ~2–5% of years |
| D4 | Exceptional Drought | 0.00 – 2.00 | Among the driest conditions on record |
Who is Involved in Validation?
The Technical Working Group (TWG) - comprising representatives from Eswatini’s NDMA, the Ministry of Agriculture, MET, Department of Water Affairs (DWA) and the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) - plays a crucial role in the review and validation process. Their responsibilities include:
Reviewing the generated maps monthly.
Benchmarking against other datasets and around reports.
Approving or requesting changes before publication.
ABOUT EDM
The Eswatini Drought Intelligence Hub (DIH) is a vital initiative created through the joint efforts of the National Drought Management Center, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of tourism & environmental affairs, the Ministry of tinkhundla administration and the Eswatini Meteorological Service. This collaborative platform aims to provide timely and accurate information on drought conditions, helping to mitigate the impacts on agriculture and water resources.
