The Syrian conflict has devastated agriculture, leading to food insecurity, infrastructure damage, and economic decline. As breadbaskets empty and ancient farming traditions vanish, once lush green fruitful fields that fed a nation lie barren. While the society is scarred by war. Syria, a land once celebrated as the Fertile Crescent’s beating heart in the Middle East, today battles a silent food security crisis. Its agriculture is now ravaged by conflict, displacement, and despair. A country that was known for its wheat, barley, cherry production, and olive groves reduced to ashes. Farmers fleeing bullets instead of harvests, the war’s toll on Syria’s soil mirrors the devastation of its people. The question lingers is ‘’Can the nation rebuild when its roots are torn apart?” in this article today I discuss the impact of this war on the country’s agricultural sector.
Agricultural Collapse
The Syrian conflict has exacerbated an already dire agricultural situation, which had already been crippled by droughts contributing to a collapse in crop production. The relentless political unrest has been a significant factor, leading to increased migration and famine outbreaks. The war has disrupted the planting seasons of crops, further reducing agricultural output. Over 30% of sheep and cattle perished due to siege tactics and lack of fodder, erasing a $2 billion industry that once supplied regional markets. This collapse has not only affected food production but also contributed to the overall instability in the region.
Infrastructure Damage.
The conflict has severely damaged agricultural infrastructure, that was initially established to support agriculture in the country. Including solar irrigation systems and buildings. Grain silos and machinery were deliberately targeted or collateral casualties of bombardment. For example, the Euphrates River’s irrigation networks critical for Syria’s wheat belt destroyed, reducing the production of the staple crop by over 60% between 2011 and 2020.
The damage has an estimated cost of USD 3.2 billion. In regions like Deir ez-Zour, farmers have resorted to using more expensive methods like diesel generators to pump water, highlighting the extent of the damage.
This infrastructure damage has restricted access to water, markets, and other essential resources, further impacting agricultural productivity. Regional trade routes to Jordan, Turkey, and Iraq were severed, costing $6 billion annually in lost agricultural exports. Wheat flour became 30x more expensive in conflict zones by 2020. Over 12 million Syrians now face food insecurity.
Food Insecurity.
The conflict has led to widespread food insecurity, with over 12.4 million people suffering from food insecurity, a 57% increase since 2019. Malnutrition is rampant in communities, with more than 650,000 children under five showing signs of stunting. Syria shifted from a net exporter of wheat, cotton, and olives to relying on Russian and WFP aid. In 2022, it imported over 1.5 million tons of wheat a stark reversal from pre-war exports of 1.2 million tons annually. The ongoing conflict has made it difficult to ensure a stable food supply.
Economic Decline.
Once a significant part of Syria’s economy, the agricultural sector has suffered massively due to the conflict. The sector, which used to contribute up to 26% of the GDP, has seen a decline in production and yield. The loss of crops and livestock has led to an increased reliance on imports, further straining the economy. This economic decline has had a cascading effect on the overall stability and development of the country.
The devastating state of agriculture didn’t just shrink Syria’s economy by over 60% since 2011. It shattered rural livelihoods, deepened dependence on aid, and erased a cultural identity tied to the land. With climate change intensifying droughts, the path to recovery remains uncertain. As one displaced farmer in Hama lamented “Our soil used to grow hope. Now it grows dust.”
Nevertheless, there is still hope for Syria to rebuild with the help of the ruling government. They should embark on conservative methods of agriculture like permaculture, which we also use on this website. Thank you for reading. Please leave a comment and share to support our team.
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