Drought and Conflict Drive Crisis in Syrian Agriculture and Water Supply

In the heart of Northwest Syria, the agricultural landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation, largely due to the interplay of drought and ongoing conflict. A recent study published in the journal ‘Water’ sheds light on the pressing challenges faced by farmers in this region, revealing a staggering 15.3% decline in cultivated areas and an 8.5% drop in irrigated land since the onset of the Syrian crisis in 2011.

Omar Atik from the Shafak Organization, based in Gaziantep, Turkey, spearheaded the research, which involved gathering insights from a diverse group of stakeholders, including farmers and well owners. “The situation is dire,” Atik noted. “Farmers are struggling to access reliable water supplies, and many are forced to pivot to selling drinking water instead of using their wells for irrigation.” This shift not only threatens food production but also undermines the livelihoods of countless families who rely on agriculture as their primary source of income.

The study highlights the increasing reliance on groundwater, which now accounts for 67% of irrigation in regions like Jabal Saman and Idleb. However, this over-exploitation is taking a toll, leading to a drop in the water table and rising salinity levels, which in turn negatively impacts crop yields. The rising costs associated with fuel and electricity further complicate matters, making it increasingly challenging for farmers to sustain their operations. “High prices for irrigation are forcing many to abandon their fields altogether,” Atik emphasized, pointing to the broader implications for food security in a region already grappling with instability.

The findings underscore a critical need for targeted interventions to bolster agricultural resilience. Stakeholders are calling for subsidies on fuel and electricity, improvements to irrigation systems, and better local water management practices. Atik advocates for the establishment of local groundwater management councils, which would bring together local authorities and community members to regulate water use and promote conservation. “We need to ensure that our water resources are managed sustainably for the long haul,” he stressed.

As the agricultural sector in Northwest Syria continues to face these multifaceted challenges, the insights from this research could inform strategies that not only address immediate needs but also pave the way for long-term sustainability. The study serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for both local and international support to revitalize the region’s agricultural backbone. With the right interventions, there’s hope that Northwest Syria can reclaim its agricultural heritage and secure food for its people once again.

For those interested in the details of this pivotal research, it can be found in the journal ‘Water’ (translated from the original Arabic title). To learn more about the Shafak Organization’s efforts in the region, you can visit lead_author_affiliation.

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