以來

以來

"Since" or "from the time of."

Here, '以来' is used with '自从' to indicate the time period from last year up to now.

自从去年以来，我一直在学习中文。

Since last year, I have been learning Chinese.

In this sentence, '以来' follows a specific event ('干旱') to mark the time since that event occurred.

干旱以来，农作物的产量一直在下降。

Since the drought, crop yields have been declining.

Here, '以来' connects a personal event ('加入俱乐部') with the current or ongoing situation, emphasizing the time span.

加入俱乐部以来，我认识了很多新朋友。

Since joining the club, I have made many new friends.