Syria's Decades-Long Drought Triggers Catastrophic Food Crisis for Millions

Syria's Worst Drought in Decades Pushes Millions to the Brink BEIRUT, Lebanon - A devastating drought has ravaged Syria for nearly two years, leaving millions on the brink of a wider food crisis. The worst drought in 36 years has slashed wheat harvests by 40%, pushing a country where nearly 90% of the population already lives in poverty to the edge. According to Maher Haddad, a 46-year-old farmer from the Syrian city of Hama, this year's harvest was disastrous due to drought. "This year was disastrous due to drought," he said, reflecting on the land that cost him more to sow than it gave back. His fields delivered only 190kg (418 lbs) of wheat per dunum - far below the 400-500kg he relies on in a normal year. "We haven't recovered what we spent on agriculture; we've lost money," Haddad told the BBC. "I can't finance next year and I can't cover the cost of food and drink." With two teenage daughters to feed, he is now borrowing money from relatives to survive. Haddad's struggle is echoed across Syria, where drought has become a major concern for farmers like him. The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that wheat harvests have been severely affected by the drought, with some areas experiencing losses of up to 70%. The drought is not only affecting farmers but also the broader population. With food prices rising, many Syrians are struggling to access basic necessities like bread, a staple in Syrian cuisine. According to the FAO, Syria's agricultural sector has been hit hard by the drought, which has led to a decline in crop yields and livestock production. The organization warns that if the situation does not improve, it could lead to a wider food crisis, affecting millions of people. The Syrian government has acknowledged the severity of the drought and has pledged to provide support to affected farmers. However, many experts believe that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the drought and its impact on the country's agricultural sector. As the situation continues to deteriorate, international organizations are calling for urgent action to prevent a wider food crisis in Syria. The FAO has appealed for $10 million to support affected farmers and communities. The Syrian government has also announced plans to implement measures to conserve water and reduce the impact of drought on agriculture. However, many experts believe that these efforts will not be enough to address the scale of the problem. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Syria's worst drought in decades has pushed millions to the brink of a wider food crisis. The international community must act quickly to prevent a humanitarian disaster and support affected farmers and communities. Background: Syria has been experiencing its worst drought in 36 years, with wheat harvests slashed by 40%. The country is already struggling with poverty, with nearly 90% of the population living below the poverty line. Additional Perspectives: "The drought is a major concern for us," said Dr. Ammar al-Ali, a Syrian agricultural expert. "We need to take urgent action to support affected farmers and communities." "The situation is dire," said a spokesperson for the FAO. "We are calling on the international community to provide support to prevent a wider food crisis in Syria." Current Status: The drought continues to affect millions of Syrians, with wheat harvests expected to decline further in the coming months. Next Developments: The Syrian government has pledged to implement measures to conserve water and reduce the impact of drought on agriculture. International organizations are calling for urgent action to prevent a wider food crisis in Syria. *Reporting by Bbc.*