CAMMARATA, Italy (AP) — In the blistering heat of a Sicilian summer, the struggle for survival is palpable on Liborio Mangiapane's farm. As a municipal water truck spews dust upon arrival, it signals a brief respite for the 250 cattle and sheep that depend on Mangiapane's care. The truck's 10,000 liters of water will be depleted by tomorrow, a stark reminder of the relentless drought that has gripped southern Sicily.
The region is parched, with a year nearly devoid of rain and temperatures soaring to record highs. This has scorched much of the hay, a critical feed for livestock, and pushed farmers like Mangiapane to their limits. Each day is a battle to secure water, involving frantic calls, long treks to distant wells, and anxious waits for municipal tankers. Without rain by the end of August, Mangiapane fears he may have no choice but to part with his beloved animals.
"We are in a moment of extreme heat and therefore animals need a lot of water," Mangiapane explained. "It’s a constant anxiety to keep the animals from suffering, but also just to have a chance to wash ourselves."
Sicily, known as one of Italy's breadbaskets, is facing a crisis. The island produces 20% of the country's durum wheat, essential for pasta, but this year's drought could slash production by up to 70%, according to Coldiretti, Italy's primary farmers association. The impact extends beyond wheat; olive oil and peach production could also suffer, and the grape harvest has started nearly four weeks early due to the heat.
In response to the escalating situation, the Italian government declared a state of emergency in Sicily in May, allocating 20 million euros to address the crisis. This funding is aimed at purchasing water tankers, digging new wells, and repairing leaky aqueducts. Coldiretti has contributed 1.5 million tons of fodder, and regional governments have provided subsidies for farmers forced to buy hay from external sources.
Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire. Parts of Sicily have experienced rainfall deficits of up to 60%, according to the meteorology department at Italy's National Research Council. Reservoirs, lakes, and ponds that once reliably supplied water have dried up, leaving farmers to contend with vanishing water sources.
Luca Cammarata, a farmer in the province of Caltanissetta, one of the hardest-hit areas, watched helplessly as his sheep searched for water in a basin that was once always full. "Here in this small basin, water has never been lacking," Cammarata lamented, as the sheep's bells echoed in the dry air.
The plight of farmers like Mangiapane and Cammarata underscores the harsh realities of climate change. As temperatures rise and rainfall becomes more erratic, the resilience of Sicily's agricultural sector is being tested. There is hope that investments in aqueduct renovations, new reservoirs, and deep wells will help the region adapt, but the path forward is fraught with challenges.
Giulio Boccaletti, scientific director of the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change, noted that Sicily is experiencing "the new normal" of climate change. This new reality demands a reevaluation of how scarce water resources are allocated, including what crops are cultivated and how they are irrigated.
As the summer drags on and the threat of further drought looms, the future of Sicily's farmers hangs in the balance. The resilience of these agricultural communities will be crucial in navigating the uncertain waters of a changing climate.