Is Syria's Severe Drought Driving Millions to the Edge?

This article explores the devastating impact of the severe drought on wheat production in Syria, particularly around the city of Hama. Farmers like Maher Haddad face catastrophic losses, with wheat yields plummeting by up to 40% this year compared to normal conditions. The crisis threatens the food security of millions, as wheat is a staple in the Syrian diet. With rising prices and a lack of aid, many families are struggling to afford basic necessities.

Last updated: 13 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The drought in Syria has caused wheat harvests to drop by 40%, leading to significant food insecurity.
• Nearly 90% of the population already lives in poverty, exacerbating the crisis.
• Wheat prices have skyrocketed, affecting families' ability to afford basic food items like bread.
• The UN estimates a wheat shortfall of 2.73 million tonnes, risking hunger for 16.25 million people.
• International aid is crucial, but long-term solutions are needed to support local farmers.

The Drought's Impact on Farmers

For farmers like Maher Haddad, the drought has turned fertile fields into barren landscapes. His 40 dunums (10 acres) of land, usually a source of sustenance and income, are producing only a fraction of their normal yield. Maher reports that his fields yielded merely 190 kg (418 lbs) of wheat per dunum, far below the expected 400-500 kg.

"This year was disastrous due to drought," Maher reflected, explaining how he has lost money on agriculture and struggles to finance basic needs for himself and his family. With two teenage daughters depending on him, he has resorted to borrowing money from relatives to survive.

The Nationwide Crisis

This plight is not unique to Maher; it resonates across Syria, where the worst drought in decades has significantly affected wheat production. According to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the nation faces a staggering wheat shortfall of 2.73 million tonnes this year. This deficit could jeopardise the dietary needs of around 16.25 million people.

As reported by Piro Tomaso Perri, FAO's senior programme officer for Syria, "Food insecurity could reach unprecedented levels by late 2025 into mid-2026." With over 14 million Syrians, or six in ten people, already struggling to access enough food, the situation is dire. Among those, 9.1 million face acute hunger, and 1.3 million are in severe conditions.

Declining Rainfall and Its Consequences

The FAO report revealed that rainfall has decreased by nearly 70%, crippling 75% of Syria's rain-fed farmland. This drop in precipitation has catastrophic effects on both urban and rural households, leading to increased bread prices and the collapse of farming livelihoods.

As Mr Perri highlighted, the drought's impact extends beyond agriculture: "This is the difference between families being able to stay in their communities or being forced to migrate." As bread prices rise, urban households are feeling the pinch, and rural families are losing their ability to sustain themselves.

Personal Stories of Struggle

For individuals like Sanaa Mahamid, a widow with six children, the struggle to afford basic necessities is overwhelming. She relies on the earnings of her two sons, but their salaries are insufficient to cover the family's needs. "Sometimes we borrow money just to buy bread," she lamented.

Last year, she could buy a bag of bread for just 500 Syrian pounds (£3), but now it costs 4,500 pounds. To feed her family, Sanaa must purchase two bags daily, amounting to 9,000 pounds, not including other food essentials. "This is too much. This is just bread, and we still need other things," she said, highlighting the dire nature of her situation.

The Government's Response

The crisis poses a significant challenge for interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, as his administration strives to rebuild Syria following 14 years of conflict. International organisations, including the UN World Food Programme (WFP), are stepping in to provide emergency aid and bread subsidies for those at risk of severe food insecurity.

However, aid officials caution that these measures are only temporary solutions. Marianne Ward, the WFP's country director for Syria, has noted that direct payments totalling $8 million (£6 million) have been distributed to around 150,000 small farmers who have lost their crops. "If you're not going to make money, you're going to leave the land," she warned, emphasising the importance of sustaining agricultural production.

Challenges in Agriculture

Even before the drought, Syria's agricultural sector was already severely weakened by years of war, economic collapse, and destroyed irrigation systems. Dr Ali Aloush, the agriculture director for the Deir al-Zour region, explained that wheat fields typically require irrigation four to six times per season. However, many farmers struggle to provide this due to a lack of rain and escalating fuel prices, which have soared to 11,000 to 12,000 Syrian pounds per litre.

The combination of high fuel costs and power cuts has rendered water pumps inaccessible, resulting in further distress for farmers already burdened with debt. Dr Aloush stated that the transitional government is prioritising investments in irrigation projects, including solar-powered systems to enhance water access for farmers. However, such initiatives take time and resources—both of which are currently in short supply.

The Future of Food Security in Syria

As the situation continues to deteriorate, the people of Syria find themselves facing an uncertain future. The country will need substantial rainfall to recover from this crisis and restore agricultural productivity. For many, the only recourse is hope and prayer.

The implications of this drought extend beyond immediate hunger; it threatens the very fabric of communities and livelihoods across Syria. Without effective interventions, the nation risks slipping further into a cycle of poverty and food insecurity.

FAQs

What caused the drought in Syria?

The drought in Syria is attributed to a significant decline in rainfall, which has decreased by nearly 70%, severely affecting rain-fed agriculture.

How many people are affected by food insecurity in Syria?

More than 14 million Syrians, or approximately 60% of the population, are currently struggling with food insecurity, with 9.1 million facing acute hunger.

What is the government doing to address the food crisis?

The interim government, alongside international aid organisations, is providing emergency food assistance and working on long-term solutions to support farmers and agricultural production.

How has the drought impacted wheat prices in Syria?

The drought has led to a dramatic increase in wheat prices, with a bag of bread rising from 500 Syrian pounds to 4,500 pounds over the past year, making it unaffordable for many families.

What are the long-term solutions for Syria’s agricultural challenges?

Long-term solutions include investing in irrigation projects, improving agricultural practices, and ensuring farmers can sustain their livelihoods to prevent further food insecurity.

As Syria grapples with the repercussions of the drought, the need for effective strategies and international support is more crucial than ever. The future of food security in the region hinges on these efforts, and the time to act is now. #SyriaDrought #FoodCrisis #WheatShortage