This is an arid climate that experiences an annual sequence of wet and dry seasons, each lasting between two to four months. On average the two wet seasons, fall and spring, produce a total rainfall of between 250 and 1400 mm. This rainfall is unreliable and sporadic creating a very sensitive water balance for humans, agriculture, and livestock. When drought conditions combine with low food supplies and other factors, the region can experience catastrophic human and livestock impacts and crop failures. Relief aid is sparsely active in the region and cannot be depended upon as a permanent solution. Improved local and regional water resource management remains the critical requirement to provide food and water security in the region.