People face several difficulties, including very cold winters, hot, dry summers and the lack of trees. Without forests, the soil erodes more easily, and the land is more exposed to strong winds. Water can become scarce in summer, and the short growing season limits what can be planted. Winters require a lot of heating which can cause air pollution in the valleys.
People in Sivas adapt by growing crops that can survive in dry, treeless areas and by raising animals on natural grasslands. Dams and irrigation systems help store water for the dry season. Homes are built with good insulation to handle cold winters, and communities use fuels other than wood for heating. Reforestation efforts help reduce erosion, while industrial jobs provide alternatives to farming. Through these strategies, people continue to live successfully in a challenging environment.
