Syria faces food crisis as worst drought in 36 years devastates harvests

Syria is confronting a severe food crisis triggered by the worst drought in nearly four decades, threatening the livelihoods and food security of millions in the war-battered country.

The prolonged dry spell has severely impacted agriculture, compounding the impact of years of conflict and economic turmoil.

According to experts, water levels in rivers and reservoirs have dropped to critical lows, with wheat and barley production, dietary staples, falling by as much as 70% in some regions.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) warns this year’s harvest could be among the lowest ever recorded, driving food prices to unprecedented levels.

“Half of the population is threatened to suffer from the drought, especially when it comes to the availability of bread, which is the most important food during the crisis,” said Toni Ettel, FAO’s representative in Syria.

The crisis came as Syria continues to recover from more than a decade of civil war that left infrastructure shattered and millions displaced. International sanctions have further strained supply chains, leaving households heavily dependent on humanitarian aid. The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that around 13 million Syrians, more than half the population, are now food insecure.

Aid agencies are calling for immediate global support, but funding shortfalls remain a major obstacle. The Syrian government has announced water rationing and subsidies for farmers, though analysts warn these measures will not be enough.

Climate experts caution that extreme weather events like this drought are likely to intensify with climate change, posing lasting risks to food security across the region.