Syria drought worsens: Farmers and shepherds struggle as crops fail and dams run dry

Key Concepts

• Drought in the Eastern Mediterranean region, specifically Syria
• Impact on livestock (sheep) and agriculture (wheat, olives)
• Economic consequences for shepherds and farmers
• Water scarcity and depletion of reservoirs and rivers
• Humanitarian and natural disaster risk
• Government and NGO responses and long-term plans

Drought's Devastating Impact on Syrian Livestock and Agriculture

Syria is facing a severe drought, significantly impacting its agricultural sector and the livelihoods of its people. The eastern Mediterranean region has experienced "unreasonably low rainfall" since 2020, pushing Syria to rank seventh globally in terms of risk for humanitarian or natural disasters. Rising temperatures and shrinking water supplies are exacerbating the situation, leading to an intensification of the drought.

Economic Hardship for Shepherds

Shepherds like Amomar, who has herded sheep in Homs for over a decade, are experiencing unprecedented challenges. The cost of feed has surged, with each sheep requiring "$2 of feed every day." This has drastically reduced profits, with shepherds now earning "barely $100 per animal, nearly half of what they once earned." Amomar's flock has dwindled from 200 to just 70 sheep due to the inability to sustain them. He states, "I'm selling sheep just to feed the others. It's like the sheep are eating each other." The once lush greenery that supported grazing has been replaced by thorns, forcing cattle to eat what little is available.

Agricultural Collapse and Food Security Concerns

The drought has led to a significant drop in agricultural yields. Wheat harvests have declined by "40%," pushing the country closer to a food crisis. Farmers and shepherds are resorting to borrowing money to survive. In Damascus, rainfall has been only "29% of average" in the past year, severely depleting surface and underground reservoirs. Dams are operating at a mere "12% of their total capacity." The Rastan Dam, a critical water source, is at its lowest level in decades.

Depleted Water Resources and Impact on Aquatic Life

The rivers that once fed these dams, such as the Orontus River, are now barely flowing. Fishermen report a drastic decline in catches, with one individual stating, "I used to catch about 10 fish, 5 kilos. Now I can't catch even one fish." Fish are dying due to the lack of water, and the Orontis River is now "empty of fish."

Suffering in Idlib and Broken Promises

In Idlib, all forms of agriculture are suffering. Olive harvests, a source of pride, have "dropped sharply." Khaled, who returned to his village after displacement hoping to rebuild, expresses frustration: "We're starting from scratch. Agriculture is our only income. Since liberation a year ago, all we've heard are empty promises from the government and NGOs across Hama." Parched fields stretch for kilometers, a stark visual representation of the drought's severity.

Water Experts' Long-Term Solutions and Immediate Reality

Water experts are working on solutions, including efforts to increase dam storage and repair irrigation networks. A long-term plan involves diverting water from the Euphrates and coastal regions to central and southern Syria to refill aquifers and restore water supplies for drinking and irrigation. However, for communities like Amomar's, where sheep struggle to find sustenance, the immediate reality is grim: "Syria needs money and rain. Right now it has neither."

Conclusion

The Syrian drought is a multifaceted crisis, impacting food security, economic stability, and the environment. The severe lack of rainfall has decimated livestock and agricultural production, leading to widespread hardship and pushing the nation towards a humanitarian crisis. While long-term solutions are being explored, the immediate need for financial aid and rainfall remains critical for the survival of its people and the restoration of its vital resources.