FAO in Syria

Spineless cactus fodder making for resilient livestock keepers

13/02/2022

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in the Syrian Arab Republic, has assisted farmers in adapting to the impact of climate change with a pilot intervention involving cultivating spineless cactus on the edges of their fields.  Spineless cactus has use as a fodder crop, and the approach has opened the farmers’ eyes to the use of neglected parts of their lands for the production of alternative sources of animal feed.  It also heightened their attention to the need for growing drought-tolerant crops, and more generally to the importance of effective irrigation management to help boost their food production.

The spineless cactus fodder-making pilot comes as part of FAO’s regional programme, through a generous contribution from the Government of Japan, for the countries of Yemen, Syria, and Iraq to help boost the resilience of livelihoods of people vulnerable to threats and risks. The programme also focused on developing public capacity to formulate and promote risk reduction policies, plans, and investment programmes. 

“This is a leading intervention for climate change mitigation and adaptation.” Said Jalal Hamoud, Food Security Officer, FAO Syria. “Spineless cactus is a superior drought-tolerant crop, and great supplementary fodder for livestock. It will provide good returns for those with a livestock keeping activity, as it is cost-effective, and requires little water for irrigation compared to other types of cultivation,” he added.

Mustafa Sebaa, an owner of two cows in East Ghuota, expressed that he never imagined using spineless cactus as a fodder source for his animals! He recently learned the technique from FAO’s experts and received cactus production inputs to plant in his backyard.

“In my opinion, this fodder-making technique is an outstanding solution! The spineless cactus I planted has secured 35 to 40 percent fodder for my animals. It saved money, and water as well, so we can irrigate our food crops instead. I also noticed that my animals have also accepted the taste,” said Mustafa.

In the second phase of the project, FAO will reach hundreds of farmers resident in East Ghouta with training and provision of the necessary inputs to spread the practice and enhance their resilience to risks.