Archive · 18 Aug 2025
Historic Drought Creates Food Crisis for Syria's New Leaders
Syria is facing a tough time because it hasn't rained much, causing a big wheat shortage.
Wheat is super important because it's used to make bread, which many people eat every day.
Because there's less wheat, there might not be enough bread for everyone.
The government is trying to buy more wheat from other countries, but it's been difficult because of money problems and past restrictions.
The United States has stopped some rules that made it harder to get food, but getting the wheat and paying for it is still tricky.
About half of the people in Syria are struggling to get enough food.
It's a big problem for the new government, which is trying to rebuild the country after a long war.
Syria faces a potential food crisis due to the worst drought in 36 years.
Wheat production has decreased by approximately 40%, leading to shortages and impacting the subsidized bread program.
The new government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, is struggling to secure sufficient wheat imports.
Half of Syria's population is food insecure, and about 3 million could face severe hunger.
The U.S. lifted sanctions in May, but Syria still faces challenges in securing wheat imports and payments.
- Who
- Syria's government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa and its citizens.
- What
- Syria faces a potential food crisis due to a severe drought-induced wheat shortage.
- When
- The drought is happening now, and the wheat shortfall is expected this year.
- Where
- Syria
- Why
- The drought has slashed wheat production and the government struggles to import the needed amount.
Syrian Government
International Community
Wheat Procurement
Syrian Government
Needs to secure wheat imports due to drought and production shortfalls. They are trying to rebuild the country.
International Community
Struggles to secure imports and may need international support.
- Wheat Production Decrease
- Approximately 40%
- Wheat Shortfall
- 2.73 million metric tons (estimated)
- Food Insecurity
- Over half of the population
- People Facing Severe Hunger
- Around 3 million (estimated)
- Wheat Purchased by Government
- 373,500 tons (this season)
- Wheat from Iraq
- 220,000 tons (emergency aid)