After years of crisis, the farmers in Syria really want to return bare abandoned lands to the productive farms they were previously.  They have a passion for farming - it secures food for their families, and provides them with a livelihood. Security and safety in their sub-districts; the availability of inputs at reasonable prices; and appreciation for the effort they make are among the things which motivate the country’s farmers to resume their farming.  

But the first of these is security.  Then the journey of production restoration and inspiration can begin. Asmaa Qawas, a mother of three and a female livestock keeper resident in Al Ghoutta – Rural Damascus, describes her back-to-the-land story as a creation of new opportunities to cover the living requirements: “After returning from displacement, we immediately resumed the production of vegetables, and also dairy from our six cows’ milk.  Our aim was to become self-sufficient as quickly as possible, both in terms of food for ourselves and of income to cover the production and living expenses.”

She adds that despite the struggles with production expenses, inflation and the difficulties of finding inputs, she enjoys milking her cows and making labneh and cheese, and she also loves helping her cows to give birth: “this is what I truly appreciate about farming and keeps me encouraged to produce food.”

Asmaa, and thousands of other Syrian farmers, carry this passion for agriculture.  Getting back to farming is their inspiration:  “after we returned to our lands and resumed farming, many neighbouring farmers were also encouraged to return, although they too had to start from scratch. At first, we planted just a small part of our land with as much as we could afford in terms of production expenses.  Little by little, we managed to plant a larger space and began to sell a number of vegetables in the nearby markets.” explained Abdul Nasser Boueidani’s, a returnee farmer to Al Ghoutta - Rural Damascus.

Producing food as if at home

Pickles, jam, Baladi (local) cheese, tomato pastes, dried figs or apricots, concentrated juices made of lemons. The people in Syria appreciate the authentic taste of home-made food, of home-processed ingredients. Traditional dishes and delicacies remind Syrians of all ages of the unforgettable taste of food made by their grandmothers, quality guaranteed. Women in rural areas in Syria have always played an important role in farming and food production, especially in making authentic processed food.

Iktimal Mohammed, 39-years-old with more than 20 years of farming experience producing dairy products. She is a well-known progressive farmer in her village in Rural Homs: “I love producing food, it helps benefit my family and the people around me. I enjoy this work as it makes me feel a sense of purpose, especially when my clients come to thank me for the good quality products I have provided them with.”

Iman Al-Mohammed, a farmer and a food processor from Hama, processes bourghul, Makdous (stuffed eggplants), and pickles: “I feel appreciated and happy that my clients love the food I make. It motivates me to continue and make more.”

The combination of sincerity and their hard-working nature has contributed to their success. Food processing has transformed these women’s lives in a way that they never thought possible. “The food we prepare for other people is just like the food we prepare at home. It is part of our tradition.” Adds Fatima Al Dali, a food processor from rural Hama.

Treasuring Syria’s food heroes

Farmers are a valuable resource for a nation like Syria, recovering from 11 years of crisis.  More than 20 percent of the population contributes to food production, and their efforts deserve to be celebrated. October 16th marks FAO’s World Food Day – so here is how we can support these food heroes across Syria:

• Collaborate with local decision-makers to find ways to support the most vulnerable by providing adaptable farming techniques, updated information and relevant data.
• Various stakeholders come together at a local level to highlight sustainable food production practices, encourage farming innovation and facilitate products’ access to markets.
• Support smallholder producers by choosing local foods, eating seasonal produce, shopping at farmers’ markets and looking out for labels indicating support for smallholders.

“When farmers are doing well, the whole society will do well in return,” Mohammed Zoher Khanji, a vegetable producer from Eastern Ghoutta in Rural Damascus. “I feel proud of myself when I see the seeds of my hard work grow. It is like I don’t feel tired anymore.” He added.