Sicily, a Mediterranean island known for its rich biodiversity and ancient agricultural traditions, is currently facing an unprecedented water crisis. In recent years, rising temperatures and declining rainfall have led to an alarming average reduction of approximately 30% in water availability compared to historical levels. This decline has severe repercussions for agriculture and livestock, with yields of essential cropssuch as olives, citrus fruits, and cereals, plummeting significantly. Farmers are increasingly confronted with a growing water shortage for their livestock, threatening their livelihoods and food security. Additionally, about 50% of the available water in Sicily is lost due to poor management practices, inadequate infrastructure, and inefficient irrigation systems, contributing to significant waste and worsening the crisis. The consequences of this emergency reveal a stark contrast between the island’s natural beauty and the daily challenges faced by farmers and breeders amid arid and desolate landscapes. A motherland that turns into a stepmother, highlighting the contrast between the natural beauty of the territory and the daily challenges these individuals face in a context of increasing water scarcity. This situation highlights the urgent need for sustainable water management and infrastructure improvements to protect Sicily’s agricultural heritage and the livelihoods of its people.
