Sicilian farmers are facing a crisis as extreme heat and a year-long drought have raised concerns about the future of agriculture on the island. Record-high temperatures and a lack of rainfall have significantly impacted fodder production, with some farmers fearing they may need to sell their animals due to shortages of both fodder and water. The Sicilian Meteorological Service has confirmed that temperatures in June were above average, often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in many areas. The severe water shortage has led to a 70% decrease in fodder production according to Italy’s primary farmer’s association, Coldiretti.
The lack of rainfall has left the island’s main water basins almost empty, putting a strain on farmers like Liborio Mangiapane, a cheese maker who is struggling to provide water for his cows and sheep. Local authorities have imposed strict water rationing, but the high temperatures have only increased the demand for water. As a result, farmers are facing challenges in providing enough water for their livestock, with shortages leading to dire consequences. In Caltanissetta, lakes have dried up to mere puddles, making grazing-based farming impossible for farmers like Luca Cammarata who are watching their sheep desperately search for water.
Farmers like Mangiapane blame the government for not taking strong measures to address the dire situation. Despite the declaration of a state of emergency for drought in Sicily and the allocation of 20 million euros for water tankers and other solutions, farmers feel that more needs to be done. They are calling on national and local authorities to implement long-term solutions to address the changing climate and its impacts on agriculture. The hope is that this crisis will serve as a wake-up call for the government to prioritize sustainable solutions rather than temporary fixes.
In the face of extreme heat and frequent droughts, Sicilian farmers are recognizing that this may be the new normal. Giulio Boccaletti, scientific director of the Euro-Mediterranean centre on climate change (CMCC), explains that society, particularly in Sicily, will need to make decisions about water usage, particularly in agriculture. This includes evaluating what crops are grown and ensuring that water is being used efficiently. More efficient aqueducts and a greater spread of reservoirs will allow for more efficient rain collection, while new deep wells will help Sicily become more independent in its water supply.
The crisis in Sicily is a stark reminder of the challenges that agriculture faces in the face of a changing climate. Farmers are not only struggling to provide water for their livestock, but also dealing with decreased fodder production and uncertain futures. The urgency of this situation calls for immediate action from the government to implement long-term solutions that will address the impacts of climate change on agriculture in Sicily. By prioritizing sustainable practices and efficient water usage, Sicilian farmers hope to adapt to the new normal of extreme heat and drought in order to ensure the future of agriculture on the island.
