Water scarcity has a negative impact on agricultural and food production in the Syrian Arab Republic. In addition to the burdens accumulated during years of crisis, farmers face challenging production circumstances because of drought and lack of water resources. This water scarcity has led to conflict between neighbours over the fair allocation of water for irrigation. For more information

FAO in Syria, with the support of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), has conducted light rehabilitation works in Durbul, which included the installation of irrigation pipelines, repair of water gates, installation of solar-powered pumping system and the rehabilitation of the irrigation system to ensure sustainable access to water. Moreover, FAO supported the creation and training of a water users association, a community-based entity, whose role is to schedule and operate water access for 510 farmers and fruit producers based on the size of their land and crops needs. As a result, the farmers in Durbul are now able to irrigate more than 115 ha of land and avoid conflict with one another.

From 2014 to 2021, FAO, with the support of FCDO, successfully assisted more than 95 000 vulnerable farming families (approximately 570 000 people) through a variety of projects that have boosted vegetable and cereal production, supported animal health and provided veterinary services. The partnership between FAO and FCDO has also focused on increasing water availability for farmers by rehabilitating pumping equipment in Deir Ez-Zor, Homs and Rural Damascus Governorates, benefitting more than 5 000 farming families who have restored their farming activities and improved their livelihoods. 

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