Enhancing Sustainable Agriculture in Syria
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In a bid to strengthen food security and improve livelihoods, ICARDA, in partnership with Action Against Hunger-Spain (AAH) and supported by EU-DGNEAR, has introduced the project “Building Food Security and Livelihood Resilience in Syria.”
As part of this initiative, Conservation Agriculture (CA) technology is being rolled out across multiple Syrian governorates, aiming to promote sustainable farming methods and ensure long-term agricultural resilience.
Empowering Farmers Through Conservation Agriculture
Guided by ICARDA, the project is distributing 17 locally produced CA seeders to participating farmers in its initial phase. Conservation Agriculture is centered around three key principles:
- Minimal or no soil tillage
- Consistent soil coverage using crop residues
- Diversified crop rotations for soil health
By adopting these practices, farmers can achieve greater sustainability, both economically and environmentally.
The Proven Benefits of CA
ICARDA’s previous application of CA techniques in Syria has demonstrated the approach’s advantages over conventional farming. Some of the notable benefits include:
- Higher crop productivity
- Reduced seed usage during planting
- Minimized soil preparation efforts
- Lower fuel consumption
- Enhanced soil structure and fertility
- Increased moisture retention
- Project Scope and Implementation
The initiative is set to support 1,100 farmers across Aleppo, Hama, Edlib, and Hasaka Governorates. Out of these beneficiaries, 100 farmers will receive barley seeds sourced from ICARDA’s Tel Hadya farm, while the remaining 1,000 farmers will cultivate lentils.
In addition to seed distribution, participants will benefit from comprehensive training programs, equipping them with essential knowledge and techniques for effectively implementing Conservation Agriculture practices.
This project represents a significant step toward revitalizing Syria’s agricultural sector, ensuring that farmers have the tools, knowledge, and support needed to sustain production while preserving the land for future generations.
