Launched in November 2025, the project run by our partner Hand in Hand for Aid and Development (HiHFAD) aims to strengthen smallholder households in northwestern Syria, whose livelihoods have been severely affected by the 13-year-long civil war, economic instability, and climatic pressures. The difficult situation is particularly evident in the Afrin and Jandairis regions: irrigation systems are damaged, soil fertility is declining, the diversity of crops is decreasing, and many farmers lack the knowledge or resources to implement climate-friendly farming practices. At the same time, around 16.7 million people across the country currently depend on food aid – a drastic shift compared to the pre-conflict period. 

 As part of the project, at least 525 smallholder households are expected to increase their productivity and become more resilient to climate risks. In total, 1,160 households will benefit from the repair and cleaning of 21 kilometers of irrigation canals. Five new agricultural cooperatives will be established and equipped to reliably perform their tasks. This includes training for leadership teams, shared machinery, and further education on climate-smart agriculture.  

 At least 475 households are to be enabled to apply the three-crop rotation, which will improve soil quality. In addition, around 450 households will be more closely connected with market participants so that they can sell their products better and achieve a more stable income. Complementing this, training sessions are held, inputs are distributed, specialists provide individual support to families, and the wheat harvest is shared in such a way that enough seed is available for the next season. Market analyses also help to identify and take advantage of economic opportunities.

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Text updated: July 2026