In the mountainous and arid regions of northwest Syria, water and land resources are under pressure from natural and human-induced forms of land degradation. This has resulted in lower incomes for families dependent on olive farming. This study explores the impact of natural resource management, supported by a micro-credit system, on the environment and the livelihoods of farming communities in the area.The aim of the project was to expand the implementation of water harvesting, soil conservation, and water-use efficient diversification technologies among communities. The problems associated with this included establishing practices to provide farmers with an income in both the short and long term, overcoming community resistance to these new practices, and financing the projects.