Worst drought in decades threatens Syria's fragile recovery from years of civil war

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🗞️ Driving the news: The worst drought in decades is devastating Syria, compounding the country’s fragile recovery from 14 years of civil war
• Rainfall has been declining for decades, and this year’s extreme drought has dried up rivers, shriveled crops, and left major cities facing water cutoffs
• Wheat yields have collapsed to around 1 million tonnes — less than a third of prewar levels — forcing Syria to rely heavily on imports and aid

🔭 The context: Before the 2011 uprising, Syria produced enough wheat to feed its population of 23 million
• Years of war reduced yields to 2.2–2.6 million tonnes, but this year’s drought slashed them further, leaving only two to three months of domestic supply
• Farmers already weakened by war lack resources to adapt, while regional shortages — including Lebanon’s shrinking reservoirs — are worsening the crisis

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Syria’s plight highlights the growing link between climate shocks, food security, and political stability
• A drier Middle East threatens livelihoods, accelerates displacement, and deepens reliance on imports and foreign aid
• With groundwater falling by more than 10 metres in some areas, the risk of permanent agricultural collapse is rising

⏭️ What's next: Syrian authorities are considering costly irrigation reforms, but progress depends on international support
• Experts warn that unless drought-resistant crops and water-saving techniques are rapidly scaled, vast tracts of farmland could become unusable
• The crisis could further delay reconstruction, deter refugee returns, and intensify food insecurity across the region

💬 One quote: “This season is weak; you could call it half a season. Some years are better and some years are worse, but this year is harsh.” – Mansour Mahmoud al-Khatib, Syrian farmer

📈 One stat: 1 million tonnes — Syria’s expected wheat harvest this year, down from 3.5–4.5 million tonnes before the war

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