“I have always wanted to be financially independent. FAO’s farmers’ field school has paved my way to becoming a productive farmer, and being able to contribute to supporting my family,” said Riad Ghazi, a young farmer from Yadoda - Daraa governorate.

From 2020 onwards, FAO in Syria established 150 farmer field schools (FFS-FBS) – specialized between livestock and crop production - which reached more than 2 340 farmers in the governorates of Homs, As-Sweida, Daraa, Aleppo, Deir Ez-Zor, and Hassakeh. This intervention falls under FAO’s Smallholder Support Programme, which aims to support conflict-affected communities, improve productivity for food security, contribute to reducing rural poverty, and restore the farmers’ agricultural production.

While the farmers in Daraa face challenges imposed by the crisis in Syria, Riad faces additional challenges of his own. He lost his leg due to a mortar shell, and spent six weeks in the hospital and in a nursing home recovering.  He still suffers pain and mobility issues.

It was difficult for Riad to have to feel dependent on his father for support. However, his challenges have not stopped him from becoming a progressive farmer, and he enrolled in the FAO’s farmers’ field to improve his farming techniques.

Riad is now able to work with his father on their small farm using improved agricultural practices from the FAO FFS, including vegetable seedling production by using the low tunnel technique, and making compost in his own backyard. “The low tunnel method takes less effort and time to be installed at the backyard, which suits my physical condition; rather than the old demanding methods that were harder to perform,” Riad stated.

Al Yadoda FFS is one of five schools in Daraa governorate that gave beneficiaries the opportunity to receive practical training on making compost by using available plant waste and shredding it with the grinding machine provided by FAO, which is being operated by the local community. “I am glad that I learned about making and using compost to reduce both seedling costs and the usage of chemical fertilizers. This is revolutionary to me! I think it will improve the nutritional value of the vegetables I produce.” Said Riad.

Riad grew cabbages and cauliflowers under the guidance of the school’s experts. He was able to produce enough seedlings to supply other farmers.  His family is enjoying a supply of fresh vegetables, as well as selling the surplus to the neighbouring market for fair prices. He aspires to produce a variety of food products by planting other kinds of seedlings and saplings, as well as olives, to generate more income in the coming years.  

FAO’s FFS provides a flexible and practical learning platform to address farmers’ needs. The schools are essential to spreading the knowledge on productivity, entrepreneurship, and marketing skills and are a key pillar underpinning the country’s agricultural production.