The Australian government has announced a one-billion-dollar aid package for drought-stricken farmers.
But economists are questioning whether the handout is better politics than economics - asking if it is worth it to grow crops and raise animals in an increasingly harsh climate.
They also doubt whether all farmers entitled to payouts really need them.
Al Jazeera's Andrew Thomas reports from near Parkes in New South Wales, which has not seen decent rainfall in two years.
