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Strenghtening the agricultural sector for food and nutrition security in Syria

In Syria, the ongoing conflict, worsening economic crisis and devastating earthquakes have severely impacted the agricultural sector. This contributes to challenges in ensuring food and nutrition security for many families. Years of instability have disrupted agricultural production, distribution channels, and market access, leading to shortages of essential food items. Additionally, the economic downturn has made it difficult for families to afford both food and non-food essentials. Following the earthquakes, the situation has been exacerbated, with increased demand for credit and financial services to cope with the aftermath. However, limitations in the agricultural supply chain, including struggling vendors and inadequate resources, hinder the availability of essential goods. High-demand items, particularly those relying on imports from neighboring countries like Türkiye, face additional challenges due to market shortages and price hikes. These barriers within the agricultural sector highlight the urgent need for interventions to strengthen food and nutrition security in Syria.

Together with the local organizations, Malteser International is supporting the livelihoods of farmers to strengthen the agricultural sector and ensure food and nutrition security in Syria.

Food security in Syria is threatened by a major disruption to crop and livestock production. This includes damage and loss to livestock, agricultural equipment, and infrastructure such as greenhouses, irrigation, storage facilities, as well as food and feed production facilities. The decrease in food production has led to households struggling to earn income and losing their purchasing power. Market access is challenging, with 7% of communities lacking access, and shortages of both food and non-food items are widespread. The growing demand for food, along with market dysfunction in multiple areas, exacerbates the food and nutrition security situation in northwest Syria.

The programme is targeted at farmers and residents affected by the earthquakes in the Jinderes area, north of Aleppo. There is an urgent need for interventions that enhance food and nutrition security and empower vulnerable communities through sustainable agricultural practices.

Our goal is to ensure food and nutrition security in Syria by supporting the livelihoods of farmers and strengthening their agricultural resilience. 

 

  • Support farmers with agricultural inputs (fertilizer, pesticide, fuel for irrigation, and harvesting support) and refresher training on climate-smart agriculture.  
  • Offer Cash-for-Work activities to support farmers in weeding and harvesting. 
  • Provide food processing kits, training on food processing, and marketing to female-headed households. The kit will include the necessary materials for food processing (kitchenware, such as trays, big bowls, big spoons, jars, sodium benzoate, salt, and kitchen accessories for processing). 

 

Country info

Capital: Damascus
Area: 185,180 km²
Population: approx. 22.13 million

Project data

Financing: Nachbar in Not, Germany's Relief Coalition (ADH)

Partner: Hand in Hand for Aid and Development (HIHFAD), Shafak

Duration: April 2023 - September 2024

 

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