Barren fields, dry wells: After war, drought ravages Syrian farms
After years of war and sanctions, drought is pushing Syrian farmers to the edge, threatening food security as harvests fail.
- Syrian farmers face severe drought after years of war
- Digging wells adds costs as harvests fail
- Many farmers have heavy debts, want assistance
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In the capital Damascus, people are rationing their consumption of water, even in affluent neighbourhoods after the government restricted supply this year.
In Douma, a town on the northeastern outskirts of Damascus that was also a rebel stronghold during the civil war, Abu Yassir, who runs a farm supply store, said the drought meant business was down about 30% this year.
Even during years of siege by government forces, Yassir said he never had to import seeds as he was able to source everything from the surrounding region, an agricultural hub.
But this year, local markets are depleted and he has had to import agricultural supplies like barley and increase prices by around 25%.
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