Revitalizing Syrian agriculture through inclusivity and innovation

02/12/2024

Ahmad Al Nasser attributes his successes to believing in himself and being able to help others persevere in the face of challenges. 

Ahmad is a facilitator of a Farmer Field School (FFS) run by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in the Syrian Arab Republic’s rural Hama Governorate. He has been living with a physical disability due to polio since childhood. Gaining recognition for his expertise and gratitude from the people he supports, his self-esteem and fortitude have only grown stronger over the years.

At first “the farmers were surprised and shocked. It was not easy for me to ignore the way they looked at me as a person living with a disability,” says Ahmad. However, his years of experience and specialized know-how quickly shifted the mindsets of the community. 

Over twenty-five years ago, Ahmad completed his technical education at the Veterinary Technical Institute and furthered his studies with a two-year training course on bovine artificial insemination techniques, becoming a certified technician.

Now as an FFS facilitator, he works with 25 cattle keepers, exchanging knowledge and suggesting techniques to improve livestock production. His regular visits to farms help to make sure that these are being implemented correctly.

“Having Ahmad as a facilitator was a true motivation for me. His determination and great enthusiasm inspired us to listen to the beneficial information he shared. He is a great communicator and consistent in providing trustworthy practices for improved livestock production and productivity,” says Jumana Saleh Al-Ali, a 38-year-old FFS participant and mother of five.

But Ahmad’s role goes beyond imparting technical knowledge; it's also about fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among the farmers.

“Ahmad and I share the same condition; I also suffered from polio. Being the sole breadwinner for my family of six, I was under pressure to increase my income,” offers Muhammad Hassan Al-Sheikh, a cow breeder and FFS participant. “When I joined the Farmer Field School with Ahmad, I became more self-confident, determined and a problem-solver.”

Muhammad adds that his time at the FFS positively impacted his work: “Thanks to the information and techniques I received at the Farmer Field School, I began making my own fodder mixtures and dairy products, and correctly examining my cows, which was very useful for my production.”

At the heart of FAO’s “Building Local Resilience in Syria” (BLRS) project, supported by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, is helping farmers become resilient to challenging circumstances. The intervention focuses both on agricultural training for farmers but also on empowering individuals, giving special focus to those living with disability, to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Thanks to Ahmad’s guidance, the farmers in his village achieved remarkable results through innovations introduced in their livestock production. They began processing their own dairy products and reaping the profits, bypassing middlemen who controlled prices. Additionally, they started producing both organic compost as fertiliser for their crops as well as their own fodder, such as sprouted barley, silage and dried alfalfa for their cows.

This increased daily milk production rates and reduced expenses, leading to better earnings. They also learned how to measure the weight of their cattle to negotiate better prices for their livestock. All this added up to a newfound self-sufficiency, empowering  them to improve their livelihoods and incomes despite the difficult environment in the country.

Reflecting on his journey, Ahmad said, “My self-perspective changed after this experience. I realized my potential and capabilities, which drove me toward achieving my dreams, regardless of the circumstances. Being a person with a disability made me proud. I defeated polio and became a true influencer for others through FAO’s Farmer Field School.”

By ensuring that people with disabilities are integrated into agricultural projects, FAO and its partners are fostering a more equitable and resilient agrifood sector.

As part of the BLRS project, FAO is operating 390 FFSs, enhancing good agricultural practices and climate-smart agriculture approaches for nearly 9 600 farmers across five governorates: Aleppo, Deir ez-Zor, Hama, Homs and rural Damascus. 

Through continued support and investment in projects like the BLRS, Syrian agriculture can not only recover but thrive. The resilience and innovation demonstrated by Ahmad and his fellow farmers offer a blueprint for sustainable development even within the country’s challenging circumstances.

Related links

Learn more

• Website: FAO emergencies and resilience: Syrian Arabic Republic
• Website: FAO country profile: Syrian Arab Republic
• Website: FAO in Syria