Severe drought in Argentina ravages farmers and economy, threatens livelihoods
Once full of life, these enormous plants now suffer, dropping branches with each passing hour. The vibrant bushes have faded into mere outlines, and the ground, once teeming with life, has turned to dirt.
- 5 months ago
June 15, 2024
In La Adela, Argentina, a severe drought has significantly impacted the region's grasslands, livestock, and local economy. | Photo courtesy of Antonia Ochandorena
LA ADELA, Argentina — As I walk alone in silence along the countryside roads, a panorama greets me. We each step, the scene changes. The first few kilometers reveal lush vegetation, signaling hope for animal and plant life recovery. However, as I venture further into La Adela [a village in La Pampa province], the scenery shifts dramatically. Now, the drought has left the landscape dry, littered with the remains of animals and plants that succumbed to its effects.
The trees, though still standing, lose their color and vitality. They dry out, shedding their branches daily in a testament to their struggle. Once full of life, these enormous plants now suffer, dropping branches with each passing hour. The vibrant bushes have faded into mere outlines, and the ground, once teeming with life, has turned to dirt. Consequently, the lack of grass forces the animals to survive on what little the trees can spare.
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Severe drought devastates grasslands, livestock, and local economy
Since 2022, we have grappled with a severe drought in La Adela that worsened in 2023 and continues to challenge us. Normally, our grasslands thrive with an annual rainfall of 650 to 700 millimeters, but the recent scarcity of rain leaves the land parched. The grass, once vital for our livestock, stopped growing. This causes a decline in animal health and weight, negatively impacting the local economy.
Producers from Buenos Aires began abandoning their fields upon witnessing the dire conditions. As the risk to livestock escalated and potential losses mounted, workers also began to leave. The landscape, once abundant with pastures for grazing and breeding cattle, drastically transformed. Thankfully, the chañar trees in the area, which produce bean-like fruits, have provided some sustenance for the surviving animals, though they are underweight.
We, the locals, observe the current state of the region with deep sympathy. The cracked, dry earth is a somber sight, reminding us of the initial wave of significant cattle mortality. Non-local producers have relocated their herds in search of greener pastures to salvage their investments. Meanwhile, we faced the tough decision of selling off our livestock and depleting our capital, starting with the breeders, to mitigate further losses.
Farmer loses 300 cows, grapples with dire mental state
For years, we nurtured and cared for livestock, and our bond with these animals grew stronger. Unfortunately, amidst the drought, we expedited processes, sold off the young, and isolated the breeders to ensure their survival. We made these difficult decisions to preserve the animals we have for future breeding.
I now face the most challenging phase of this ordeal. As a producer first and the president of “La Rural” (The Rural Association), I bear the weight of my role. I represent my fellow producers, listen to their distress, and hear their shared stories. Each person brings unique struggles, and in these trying times, they all seek support. The agricultural community faces an unprecedented crisis, but I remain hopeful that we will persevere.
A farmer, once the proud caretaker of 800 animals, now finds himself in a dire mental state. Over the past year, he suffered the heartbreaking loss of nearly a third of his herd, equating to 300 cows. Despite his relentless efforts to save the breeding cows, he is repeatedly confronted with the harsh reality of insufficient fodder. At the age of 64, he devoted his entire life to farming, pouring his soul into the land he loved. Today, however, helplessness grips him as he fears he may not salvage his life’s work. Yet, in this plight, he is not alone as we all share the same despair.
Facing drought: unity, hope, and a plea for divine intervention
Despite deep sadness and concern, we persist with hope in our community. Climate complications force us to sell our working capital, accelerating every process to meet people’s needs, and we witness the death of our animals. Nonetheless, we refuse to lose hope, keeping it tangible even when morale deteriorates.
This is not our first encounter with drought; we experienced a similar surprise between 2008 and 2009. Back then, we reduced our herd from over 200 cows to a mere 70. We suffered, yet we managed to recover. We allowed the calves to grow into breeders, and through perseverance, we found success.
The lessons from that time are clear: we rebuilt once, and with this recurring drought, we know we cannot relent. We must continue to fight for what remains, ready to start anew with less if necessary. A little rain will open the door to resurgence, a possibility we eagerly await. We need it not just as a desire but as a necessity. While the situation is intense, we accept this reality and commit to persevering. Together, we call upon divine grace, asking God and the Virgin to bring rain and revive our lands and spirits.
