记者手记｜降雨减少、热浪加剧——约旦河谷农民面临气候变化压力

Core Insights - The agricultural sector in the Jordan Valley is facing significant challenges due to climate change, including reduced rainfall and increased heat waves, which are impacting crop production and farmer livelihoods [1][2][3] Group 1: Climate Impact on Agriculture - The Jordan Valley, known as Jordan's "basket of vegetables," is experiencing shorter rainy seasons and intensified heat, leading to difficulties in crop cultivation [1] - Farmers are now forced to grow drought-resistant crops during the summer, with many fields left fallow due to extreme temperatures, which may reach 50 degrees Celsius [1][2] - The increase in winter temperatures has delayed planting schedules, requiring farmers to wait for suitable conditions to sow seeds [2] Group 2: Water Supply and Irrigation Challenges - Insufficient rainfall has led to inadequate water supply from reservoirs, with current irrigation only sufficient for one-quarter of the farmland [2] - Farmers report a significant reduction in irrigated land, with some losing up to half of their cultivated area due to ongoing heat and drought conditions [2][3] Group 3: Economic Strain on Farmers - Rising costs for fertilizers and labor, coupled with declining crop prices, have resulted in many farmers accumulating debt and abandoning agriculture for urban migration [2][3] - The agricultural sector's reliance on food imports is increasing as rural populations move to cities, exacerbating food security concerns [3][4] Group 4: Adaptation Efforts and International Cooperation - The agricultural department is implementing technical guidance for farmers, including drip irrigation and drought-resistant crops, to mitigate the effects of climate change [4] - Despite these efforts, the lack of reliable international climate funding poses a significant barrier to effective adaptation, threatening food security and rural stability [4]