Drought and water scarcity are a major hazard for harvest and food security, particularly in Africa and parts of Europe. An understanding of hydro-meteorological variability, drought monitoring and warning, and drought mitigation and adaptation strategies can reduce adverse impacts of drought, and improve harvest and food security. This session seeks contributions on recent advances in science as well as in practical application, including: (i) benefits, experiences and challenges in drought monitoring and the use of drought forecasts in warning, and (ii) drought adaptation strategies to improve natural resources management and/or increase harvest & food security.