Deep in the Sands of Yemen, there is a rare plant that is only grown and found in the Middle East called Qat. But despite how rare it is, it uses up a lot of soil and is sucking Yemen dry from water, which is causing a major drought in the Native areas of Northern Yemen. Even though they know that this plant is very harmful to the environment, and is causing a massive drought, the government does not supply these villages with other sources of food. This is mainly because of the journeys they need to take in order to reach these villages, and because of the lack of good weather that is needed to enrich and fertilize the soil for the growing season. The U.N is launching an International Food Program that is to help aid the people that inherit these villages who are currently being affected by this crisis. However, this is very Ironic in the fact that many people are using this plant as a last resort despite the fact that it is also one of the causes of what making it impossible to grow crops in their current location.
Worth, Robert F. “Thirsty Plant Dries Out Yemen.” New York Times 31 Oct. 2009, A6.
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