Structural challenges and strategic opportunities for agriculture in Syria

Introduction:

Agriculture in Syria remains a fundamental pillar of the national economy and a source of livelihood for approximately 45% of the population, despite the country’s experience of more than fourteen years of armed conflict, economic collapse, and severe climate change.
With two-thirds of the year 2025 approaching, the challenges facing this vital sector are exacerbated, calling for an in-depth analysis of the agricultural situation, an analysis of its causes, and an outlook for its future prospects.

The Historical Context of Syrian Agriculture:

Syria has been known since ancient times for the fertility of its lands, especially in the Syrian Jazira region and the Euphrates and Tigris basins. Agriculture has been the backbone of the Syrian economy, with an estimated arable area of 6 million hectares, of which 5.5 million are actually cultivated. The country is also famous for the cultivation of wheat, barley, olives, pistachios, and vegetables, and is a leading exporter of olive oil, spice seeds, and tomatoes.

Structural Challenges in 2025:

1. Climate Change and Drought:According to the Syrian Ministry of Agriculture, the lack of rainfall and the decline in water levels in dams and lakes have led to a significant reduction in the agricultural plan for summer crops, as 70% of agricultural land is dependent on rainfall, making it highly vulnerable to climate change. The most affected areas include the Syrian Badia, which has witnessed a significant decline in vegetation cover and an increase in dust storms.
2. Deteriorating Infrastructure: The depth of the earthquake that struck the country in February 2023 and the fragility of agricultural infrastructure, especially in storage, transportation, and marketing areas, as well as the weakness of rural roads and collection points, have led to increased production costs and decreased product quality.
3. Lack of Resources and Agricultural Inputs: Farmers suffer from limited access to quality seeds and fertilizers, and the cost of agricultural inputs has increased by more than 60% since 2020.
   Administrative and regulatory restrictions also hinder the agricultural process, with a lack of adequate financial support (91% of farmers believe that support is insufficient).
4. Displacement and Labor Loss: Years of war have displaced thousands of farmers, causing a severe shortage of agricultural labor, especially in the northern and eastern regions. Rural migration has also increased by 35% between 2018 and 2024, according to the “Gran Grain” report on the future of agriculture in Syria.
   

Government Policies and Institutional Response:

In May 2025, the Syrian Ministry of Agriculture announced an amendment to the agricultural plan for summer crops, in coordination with the Ministry of Water Resources, to reduce water depletion and monitor illegal wells.
Monthly reports were also issued to determine the permitted quantities of each crop for export and import, and coordination was undertaken with the Ministry of Economy to prevent the import of agricultural products that are produced locally in sufficient quantities, to protect the local market.
The Damascus Countryside Governorate also launched a comprehensive vision for developing the agricultural sector, including support for modern irrigation projects and expanding the use of solar energy in agriculture.

Environmental and Economic Dimensions:

1- Food Security
An estimated 14.5 million Syrians are suffering from hunger, making food security one of the most serious humanitarian issues in the country. Wheat production also declined by 40% compared to 2010, while cotton production fell by 60%.

2- Environmental Losses
Recurring forest fires have led to the loss of large areas of natural resources and the deterioration of biodiversity. According to the International Rescue Committee’s 2024 report, Syria is among the 10 countries most vulnerable to climate disasters.

Recovery Opportunities and Strategic Investment:
Despite the challenges, agriculture remains a strategic opportunity for economic and social recovery:

• Investing in agriculture can create jobs and restore stability to rural communities.
• Developing modern irrigation and renewable energy technologies can reduce dependence on rainfall.
• Supporting agricultural cooperatives and empowering rural women contributes to enhancing productivity and sustainability.

Conclusion:

Given the accumulated challenges facing Syrian agriculture in 2025, it is essential to adopt a comprehensive strategic vision that combines institutional reform, infrastructure investment, and climate change adaptation. Agriculture is a pillar of national identity and a means of building peace and stability in the post-conflict phase. We emphasize here what we published in our Economic Office on the official website of the movement a year ago, on July 23, 2024, in a paper titled “Agriculture in Northern Syria, a Lever for Development.” We emphasized the importance of educating policymakers about the importance of agriculture, not only in northern Syria, but in all of Syria today, after the blessed liberation. We also emphasize the need to work to attract investments to the agricultural sector, support small farmers, and effectively contribute to achieving sustainable development in northern Syria.