Impact of Military Conflict on Agricultural Productivity in Kherson Region

Overview of Agricultural Decline

According to Ukraine’s National Resistance Center, Russia’s military presence in the southern Kherson region has severely damaged agricultural productivity. The Center reports that the tally of this year’s harvest in the temporarily occupied areas reveals disastrous results.

Factors Contributing to Reduced Yields

• Sustained pressure on farmers
• Illegal extortion
• Widespread infrastructure damage, including the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam

Even official figures, which may be inflated, indicate only 1.9 tons of crops per hectare—approximately half the yield recorded in 2021.

Continued Agricultural Challenges in Liberated Areas

Russian shelling persists in the liberated parts of Kherson, resulting in the destruction of over 500 hectares (1,235 acres) of wheat fields in frontline rural communities on the western bank of the Dnipro River.

Security Threats Impacting Harvest

Due to ongoing security threats and risks of drone attacks, farmers are sometimes unable to commence harvesting activities. Reports from Suspilne Kherson highlight these challenges faced by the agricultural community.

Targeting of Agricultural Resources

Dmytro Yunusov, head of the regional Department of Agricultural Development and Irrigation, confirms that Russian drones have targeted both farmers and agricultural equipment. Explosives dropped from drones and artillery strikes have caused fires, with no incidents attributed to negligence or accidental causes.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

1. The destruction of crops and farmland directly threatens food security in the Kherson region.
2. Reduced agricultural productivity undermines efforts to achieve zero hunger and ensure access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.

SDG 15: Life on Land

1. Damage to agricultural land and infrastructure disrupts sustainable land management and threatens biodiversity.
2. Fires and destruction caused by military actions degrade soil quality and reduce arable land.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

1. The ongoing conflict and military occupation hinder peaceful and inclusive societies necessary for sustainable development.
2. Protection of farmers and agricultural infrastructure is essential to uphold justice and security in the region.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

1. International support and cooperation are critical to restore agricultural productivity and infrastructure.
2. Donations and awareness-raising efforts contribute to rebuilding efforts aligned with the SDGs.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article highlights the destruction of agricultural productivity, decline in crop yields, and challenges faced by farmers in the Kherson region, directly relating to food security and sustainable agriculture.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land – The damage to agricultural land and infrastructure, including destruction caused by military actions and fires, affects terrestrial ecosystems and sustainable land use.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The ongoing conflict, military occupation, and security threats impacting civilians and farmers relate to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 2 Targets:
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, including through secure and equal access to land, resources, and markets.
   • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production.
2. SDG 15 Targets:
   • Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by conflict, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.
3. SDG 16 Targets:
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Crop Yield per Hectare: The article mentions “1.9 tons of crops per hectare,” which is a direct indicator of agricultural productivity (related to SDG 2.3 and 2.4).
2. Area of Agricultural Land Affected: The destruction of “more than 500 hectares of wheat fields” and the impact on farmland can be used as an indicator of land degradation and loss of productive land (related to SDG 15.3).
3. Incidence of Conflict-related Damage: The number of fires caused by explosives and artillery strikes, as well as the ongoing security threats preventing harvesting, can be considered indicators of violence impact (related to SDG 16.1).
4. Access to Agricultural Resources and Security: The extent of illegal extortion and pressure on farmers implies challenges in access to resources and security, which can be monitored through qualitative and quantitative measures under SDG 2 and SDG 16.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: ukrainianworldcongress.org