As if the ravages of COVID-19 upon the largely rural population of Moldova was not enough, this impoverished European nation now struggles with another major drought and faces the prospect of famine in the days ahead.
Situated between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova remains one of the poorest countries in Europe. The whole region is threatened by climate change and efforts to address irrigation, forestry and improved crop management are slow to make progress.
After many months without adequate rainfall the harvests have mostly failed. Crop yields of corn, wheat and sunflowers have been decimated resulting in a huge spike in the cost of basic food items in the shops. Many families have no other option but to raise poultry and animals for slaughter to provide food. There is widespread fear about surviving the coming winter.
Although 40% of the working population already work abroad and try to send money back home, COVID-19 has resulted in tens of thousands of Moldovans losing their jobs. Within Moldova, working men have been unable to travel to find traditional work due to the local restrictions of movement caused by the pandemic. At least five of Moldova’s wineries have been forced to abandon the grape harvest due to high levels of COVID-19 among the labourers.
The emerging crisis has led to recent protests by farmers in several cities who have suffered severe losses. They are calling upon the government to help alleviate their mounting debts and to declare a state of emergency.
Please pray for all those affected by the drought and especially TEN’s partners in Chisinau, Cahul, Burlacu, Badicu, Ursoaia, Tigheci and Brinza.
Pray for the church planters reaching out to rural communities.
Pray for the Moldovan Prime Minister, Ion Chicu and for the government as it grapples with national problems.
To find out more visit www.ten-uk.org
