Surge in Sinkholes Threatens Turkey's Farmers

In the agricultural province of Konya, Turkey, farmers are facing an alarming increase in giant sinkholes, a phenomenon that has become a significant threat to their livelihoods. Fatih Sik, a local farmer, experienced this firsthand when a sinkhole measuring 50 meters wide and 40 meters deep opened on his land, just a year after a previous one had formed. This event is part of a broader trend, with experts reporting nearly 700 sinkholes in the region, attributed to a combination of dwindling rainfall, reduced groundwater, and intensive agricultural practices.

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Konya, historically known as Turkey's breadbasket, has roots tracing back to ancient civilizations, including the world’s first agricultural society at Çatalhöyük around 8,000 BC. However, the region is now grappling with severe drought conditions, with almost 90% of Turkey at risk of becoming desert by 2030. The situation has worsened due to record heat and low rainfall, leading to the loss of 186 of its 240 lakes over the past 60 years. According to Fetullah Arik, a geology professor at Konya Technical University, the area's geological predisposition to sinkholes has been exacerbated by heavy groundwater extraction for irrigation, resulting in underground cavities collapsing as water tables drop.

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Farmers like Sik have reported drastic changes in water availability, with many now needing to dig wells up to 90 meters deep to access groundwater, compared to just 30 meters a decade ago. The financial implications are severe; Sik estimates that sinkholes have cost him approximately £17,000 annually, and filling in the land to make it usable again would require nearly £35,000. Many farmers are now reevaluating their agricultural practices, with some advocating for the cultivation of less water-intensive crops. Mahmut Senyuz, head of a farming collective, has begun reintroducing hemp production, which requires significantly less water than traditional crops.

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In response to the crisis, some farmers are turning to ancient dry-farming techniques. Dr. Ece Onur, a former academic who returned to her ancestral lands, is training farmers in these methods, which rely on natural water reserves rather than irrigation. She emphasizes the importance of adapting to natural conditions, stating, “The only way to solve this crisis is to stop trying to make nature do things our way. We have to imitate her ways.”

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The Turkish government's climate policies have been criticized as "highly insufficient" in addressing the challenges posed by climate change, according to Climate Action Tracker. As Turkey prepares to host the UN climate summit Cop31, questions arise regarding its commitment to effective climate leadership amidst these pressing environmental issues.

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• “Every night I pray before I go to bed and when I wake up I pray again,” — Fatih Sik, Farmer

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• “Over the past two years, things have accelerated and the difference is hard to ignore,” — Fetullah Arik, Professor of Geology

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• “The only way to solve this crisis is to stop trying to make nature do things our way. We have to imitate her ways.” — Dr. Ece Onur, Agricultural Innovator

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While experts agree on the increasing frequency of sinkholes in Konya, there is a lack of consensus on the exact number of sinkholes and the specific financial impact on farmers, with estimates varying widely among local farmers and researchers.

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The situation in Konya serves as a critical reminder of the intersection between climate change, agricultural practices, and the livelihoods of those dependent on the land.

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