Exclusive – Damascus
Before 2011, Syria was a model of agricultural self-sufficiency and one of the largest grain exporters in the region. However, years of war have transformed the country from a food exporter to an importer, dealing a severe blow to food security and rural communities that depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.
The agricultural and livestock sectors have suffered catastrophic losses, estimated at $16 billion, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The destruction has impacted nearly every aspect of the industry, from irrigation infrastructure and grain silos to agricultural processing plants. The cultivated land area has also shrunk dramatically due to conflict and economic instability.
FAO reports that the damage to agricultural assets alone exceeds $3 billion, while crop production losses amount to $6.3 billion. The livestock sector has suffered $5.5 billion in damages, with the fisheries industry losing $80 million. Additionally, over 5 million Syrians have lost their jobs due to the sector’s collapse.
Read also: Syria Partners with ICAO To Revamp Civil Aviation Sector
Economic sanctions imposed on Syria have further exacerbated the agricultural crisis. Restrictions on banking and transportation have hindered the import of essential farming inputs such as fertilizers, fuel, and machinery. Farmers also struggle with irrigation due to frequent power outages and skyrocketing fuel prices. Control over water resources by neighboring countries and armed groups—particularly in Deir ez-Zor and Al-Hasakah—has worsened water scarcity in key farming regions.
The United Nations warns of a $500 million funding gap, exacerbating food insecurity, rising poverty, and migration. Rural communities have been particularly affected, with a significant decline in livestock ownership and farmers struggling to afford maintenance for their equipment due to high costs and limited access to spare parts.
Read also: Turkey Develops A Comprehensive Support Plan for Syria’s Transport and Telecommunication Sectors
The Road to Recovery
According to FAO, reviving Syria’s agricultural sector requires massive investment, with initial reconstruction costs estimated between $10.7 billion and $17.1 billion. Despite a reduction in active conflict, restoring food security remains an uphill battle.
The World Food Programme (WFP) reports that 12.1 million Syrians—over half the population—suffer from food insecurity, placing Syria among the top six countries globally with the highest rates of hunger. Without urgent international support and long-term investment in infrastructure, the country’s ability to reclaim its agricultural strength and feed its people remains uncertain.
