The Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture in Northeast Syria
After years of war, drought, and economic crisis, farmers in northeast Syria are facing the devastating effects of climate change on their agricultural production. Rising temperatures, drought, and spiraling costs have led to a decline in farming, forcing many farmers to abandon their land and seek alternative sources of income.
Once known as the country’s breadbasket, northeast Syria’s agriculture sector has been severely affected by the ongoing conflict that began in 2011. The government’s repression of peaceful protests triggered a war that has claimed the lives of more than 500,000 people and displaced millions. Now, climate change is compounding the region’s woes, further exacerbating the challenges faced by farmers and their families.
Omar Abdel-Fattah, a farmer from Jaabar Al-Saghir in Raqqa province, was forced to rent out his farmland after being unable to keep up with the costs of farming, including irrigation. He now works at a water pumping station run by the area’s semi-autonomous Kurdish administration, earning a meager $70 a month. To make ends meet, he also runs a small shop selling hardware and other items. Many of his relatives have also rented out their land or left Syria due to the dire financial situation.
Jassem Al-Rashed, a farmer from Qahtaniyah, echoes Abdel-Fattah’s sentiments. Agriculture was his sole source of income for 30 years, but now it has become a loss. His children have either left for Europe or pursued other professions due to the recent years of drought. The World Weather Attribution group has confirmed that human-caused climate change has made drought about 25 times more likely in Syria and neighboring Iraq.
Faruk Mohammed, a former farmer from Tal Hamis in Hasakah province, now works as a teacher employed by the Kurdish administration. He changed jobs solely to earn a living, as farming was no longer sustainable. Mohammed hopes that local authorities will step in to support farmers and preserve the remaining agricultural land. Years of drought and rising fuel prices have taken a toll on farmers, making it increasingly difficult for them to afford seeds and fertilizer.
Leila Sarukhan, an official with the Kurdish administration, acknowledges the decline in agriculture due to factors such as drought and rising costs. Climate change has impacted rainfall patterns, while desertification continues to expand in northeast Syria. These factors pose significant dangers to farming in the region.
Adnan Ibrahim, another farmer from Raqqa province, revealed that his children have abandoned agriculture and joined the Kurdish security services to secure a steady salary. The constant threat of conflict and the possibility of warplanes bombing their lands have instilled fear in farmers, making them prioritize stable jobs over farming.
To address the challenges faced by farmers in northeast Syria, it is crucial for the Kurdish administration and international agricultural organizations to provide support and loans. Financial assistance can help farmers overcome the obstacles posed by climate change and rising costs, encouraging them to return to their fields and revive the region’s agricultural sector.
In conclusion, climate change has dealt a heavy blow to agriculture in northeast Syria. Rising temperatures, drought, and spiraling costs have forced many farmers to abandon their land and seek alternative sources of income. The decline in agricultural production has had a profound impact on the families that depend on farming for their survival. Urgent action is needed to support farmers and preserve the region’s agricultural land for future generations.