A series of challenges have affected the agriculture sector adversely climate change, disruption of facilities and systems, currency inflation and shortage of inputs have all added pressure to the production results of vulnerable farmers. There are pressing calls to strengthen the farmers’ resilience by promoting adaptable practices to protect and enhance their livelihoods. Knowledge and skills; financial resources and early warning tools are key to achieving resilience.

FAO in the Syrian Arab Republic prioritizes early recovery for agriculture, through:

• Developing capacities of technicians to use technology and analytic tools for early warning and/or improved management of natural resources.
• Promoting adaptable agricultural skills and practices through Farmers Field Schools to enhance farmers’ productivity.
• Facilitating farmers’ access to markets, especially women, by addressing micro-business skills, such as negotiation, branding, bookkeeping and others.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to sustain the natural resources with eco-friendly solutions to mitigate climate change effects.

Despite the worsening food security situation, FAO and its counterparts are making all efforts to make food available and accessible for all. The Organization designs interventions to support farmers grow crops and manage their animals through light rehabilitation of water infrastructure; the provision of seeds, giving close attention to wheat and barley as staple crop production for the country; health care and nutrition campaigns for livestock, and more.

Through the provision of well-designed production kits (livestock and plant inputs), the Organization promotes the consumption of locally-produced food for an improved and diversified diet, and increased income for producers. All FAO’s distribution processes are accompanied with training sessions on good agriculture practices to guarantee sustainability and resilience to future shocks.

The Syrian crisis has caused an extensive displacement of farming families many of whom have lost their male breadwinner. This difficult situation has left women among the most vulnerable affected by the crisis. Gender equality and support for rural women is at the core of FAO’s mandate on food security. The Organization is keen to design integrated small-scale production chain projects for women involving production, packing and promoting goods in the local market, whether they choose to work individually or grouping with other women within a food processing unit. 

Women receive agricultural inputs, packaging tools, appliances, training and supervision by experts to support their seasonal production for family consumption, with any surplus sold to provide an ongoing income. Moreover, FAO is also tackling needs of women in establishing their micro-businesses individually, and supplying the tools they need through cash and/or voucher schemes.

In a country hit by crisis, water scarcity, drought and climate change, FAO addresses sustainability of natural resources use through the improvement of local water management, besides the modernization of irrigation systems, soil fertility and plant protection to mitigate the negative effects of shocks on vulnerable farmers.

With a cadre of leading experts and solid experience, FAO offers its partners and key stakeholders consultation and recommendations to restore access to water for farmers, considering technical and environmental conditions alongside the positive impact on vulnerable people’s lives.

Besides its contribution to rehabilitation of canals, dams, irrigation facilities and pumping stations in several governorates across Syria for a continuous flow of water for farmers, the Organization promotes resources sustainability through the establishment of Water User Associations, managed by members of the local communities, to develop equitable water use plans, operate and maintain the irrigation facilities and make farmers aware of the best irrigation practices to avoid waste of water while strengthening the social cohesion in the area.

The human capital of the agriculture sector has been deeply affected by the Syrian crisis. Many experts and staff of agricultural agencies and organizations have left the country after 2011; others who decided to stay could not update their skills due to limitation of training opportunities. Water management, agricultural extension and agricultural research have been particularly badly affected. 

FAO’s tailored and specialized topics for experts and technicians contribute to the enhancement of food production situation in the country. The technicians will be empowered by their use of tools and technologies to provide data-oriented reports and accurate information on occurring conditions or threats that may affect agriculture. 

The restoration of agriculture activities has been a key factor that encourage internally-displaced people’s return to their lands, which had been abandoned during the years of crisis. However; the stability and cohesion of communities require the availability of vital production elements, such as irrigation water, seed, fuel and services, to strongly boost food production in these affected areas.

FAO identifies agriculture and food security as significant element in peace building and social stability in the country, and advocates for the involvement of the international community in restoring access to water for irrigation, establishing local associations to fairly manage the resources, and sustaining the availability of quality inputs through seed multiplication programmes.