Catalonia remains under a state of emergency as it faces its worst drought on record. In some areas of the Spanish region, it has not rained in over three years. Water restrictions have been extended to Barcelona and the surrounding areas, affecting more than 6 million people. Farmers are among the worst hit, having to cut down consumption by 80%.

Barcelona

Extreme weather events are occurring more frequently amid rising sea-levels and increasing temperatures.

Climate Crisis

Farmers in Catalonia are experiencing severe hardships due to the region's most significant drought in history. The Spanish area has been declared a state of emergency due to the unprecedented dry spell, with some locales not receiving rainfall for over three years. This prolonged lack of precipitation has led to the extension of water restrictions, now encompassing Barcelona and its surrounding areas, impacting the lives of more than 6 million inhabitants.

Among those hardest hit by these conditions are the local farmers, who have been forced to reduce their water consumption drastically. The mandated cutbacks in water usage amount to 80%, significantly affecting their agricultural activities and livelihoods. These severe restrictions underline the dire situation in Catalonia, demonstrating the extensive impact of the drought on both urban and rural communities.



Farmers struggle in drought hit Catalonia

For generations before them, this fertile valley had been a source of prosperity. Jordi's apple orchard covering 20 hectares was passed on to him by his father. Joan Marc inherited 70 hectares of cereal crops. But successive droughts and severe water restrictions could mark the end of the family business. This year I won't be able to sow anything or perhaps just sunflowers or sorghum. If only they gave me some water, I'd be able to sow and keep on working. But without water, I can't do anything here. Nothing will grow. Jordi is the head of a farmers' association, counting 5,000 members in the region. If in the next four to five years we don't find a solution for the farming sector, we'll have to close shop and maybe work in the tourism industry. They have water. Both cities and rural areas share the same water supply, seven reservoirs across Catalonia. Jordi depends on the Sau Reservoir. The site of a church once underwater has made headlines around the world. It has dropped to one percent of its capacity. These reservoirs help regulate supply, but a large share of water goes to Barcelona. Given that the city, businesses and the tourism industry are the priority, other sectors and us farmers come last. Jordi began working at the farm at the age of 18 and has since expanded production to several apple varieties, harvesting 700 tons per year. Shortages have since forced him to reconsider his water usage. Now we have drip irrigation systems that slowly drip water at the root. We have sensors in the soil, but I can't do more than that. It already tells me precise water and humidity levels. Beneath the barren land, sea water is also creeping in, yet another consequence of recurring droughts. Aquifer levels have dropped so low that the Mediterranean Sea is silently gaining ground. Nothing grows here, it's like the desert. Both farmers blame authorities for failing to anticipate the long-lasting drought. It will need to rain for 70 consecutive days for groundwater levels to return to normal.

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