Lanzarote, an island where agricultural activity began early, once saw every arable patch utilised by humans. However, due to the challenging terrain—steep, arid, and volcanic—the farmers had to develop their own cultivation techniques. Today, what remains is merely a shadow of a thriving sector that fades with each passing day.

The Impact of COVID-19

Following the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, many people sought residential options in open spaces. As a result, much of the cultivable agricultural land has shifted towards urban development, driving up land prices. This has rendered it nearly impossible to acquire land for agricultural work, stifling both the growth of farming and the development of new farmers.

The Water Crisis

What can be said about water? Each day brings reports of supply shortages in villages. When focusing on agriculture, where water is vital for crop life, the situation is even bleaker. There is a lack of guaranteed irrigation; the availability of agricultural water is uncertain, making it impossible to plan a reliable irrigation schedule. Additionally, rainfall has been diminishing for years. In the municipality of Haría, several farms have been waiting for a decade for a connection to the agricultural water supply, preventing them from being farmed effectively.

Consequences of Agricultural Abandonment

This agricultural neglect, coupled with hunting restrictions, also adversely affects farming itself. One of the greatest risks is the damage caused by animals such as crows, partridges, and pigeons to the harvest. Previously, this risk was diluted as almost 100% of the island’s agricultural land was cultivated. Now, the damage is concentrated on the few existing crops, termed agricultural oases. Moreover, human activities pose threats as well; crop theft at night leads to destruction without care or knowledge of proper cultivation techniques.

Preserving Agriculture in Lanzarote

Lanzarote cannot afford to lose its agriculture. This was evident in 2020; tourism cannot solely drive the island’s economy—primary industries must also thrive. Our agriculture needs to be promoted and passed down to new generations, fostering a commitment to field management. Importantly, it requires support from our local administrations.

Call for Urgent Measures

It is imperative that decisive action is taken. I am not only referring to financial incentives but to realistic measures, such as providing agricultural water connection points for all cultivable land intended for farming. Ensuring stable and uninterrupted agricultural water supply, offering training in cultivation techniques to new farmers, and establishing rural guards or surveillance cameras could provide vital security for crops. These, along with other measures, could offer salvation for our agriculture, an endeavour in decline and neglect, yet essential for sustaining life.