euronews.com
Devastating Drought Exacerbates Syria's Post-War Food Crisis
A decades-long drought in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East has severely impacted Syria, where a drastically reduced wheat harvest, following a protracted civil war, threatens the nation's food security and necessitates heavy reliance on expensive imports.
- What is the immediate impact of the severe drought on Syria's wheat production and food security?
- Syria's wheat harvest has plummeted to an estimated 1 million tonnes this year, a fraction of the 3.5 to 4.5 million tonnes produced annually before the civil war. This shortfall forces Syria to import 60-70% of its wheat, straining its already limited resources and threatening the food security of a population where half is already food-insecure.
- How has the drought interacted with the consequences of Syria's civil war to create the current food crisis?
- The drought has severely impacted farmers already weakened by the 14-year civil war. Pre-war annual wheat production of 3.5-4.5 million tonnes dropped to 2.2-2.6 million during the war. Now, with this year's harvest at only 1 million tonnes, the combined effects of conflict and drought have created a critical food shortage, exacerbated by limited resources for adaptation.
- What are the long-term implications of the drought and the resulting food insecurity for Syria's stability and future?
- The unsustainable reliance on wheat imports and aid threatens long-term food security. The drought, coupled with the ongoing instability and massive reconstruction costs, casts doubt on the government's ability to maintain stability. The crisis could lead to further displacement and hinder the return of refugees, exacerbating existing challenges and delaying recovery.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of the drought's impact, highlighting the suffering of farmers and the government's struggles while also mentioning the role of the war and climate change. The narrative doesn't explicitly favor any particular group or perspective, although the human impact is strongly emphasized through individual stories.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. While descriptions like "withering crops" and "vast expanse of parched land" are evocative, they don't appear to be overly charged or manipulative. The quotes from farmers and officials are presented without editorial spin.
Bias by Omission
The article could benefit from including diverse perspectives beyond farmers and government officials. For instance, including expert opinions on potential long-term solutions or the perspectives of aid organizations could provide a more comprehensive picture. However, given the article's length and focus, these omissions don't seem to significantly distort the overall message.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a severe drought in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, significantly impacting Syria's wheat production. The resulting crop failure threatens food security, forcing increased reliance on imports and aid, impacting the population's access to sufficient food. This directly relates to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) which aims to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. The decrease in wheat production from 3.5-4.5 million tonnes to an expected 1 million tonnes this year directly demonstrates a negative impact on food security and availability.