Enhancing Food Security and Agri-Livelihoods in Ar-Raqqa – Phase I

The “Enhancing Food Security and Agri-Livelihoods in Ar-Raqqa – Phase I” project aims to strengthen food security and sustainable agri-livelihoods opportunities for vegetable farmers and their household members, while improving the overall food security levels and economic conditions of conflict-affected community residents in Ar-Raqqa Governorate.

The Syria Recovery Trust Fund (SRTF), in collaboration with an Implementing Partner (IP), will focus on introducing a cost-sharing model for greenhouse-controlled environment systems to support local vegetable production.

The project is expected to:

• Strengthen food security and sustainable agri-livelihoods opportunities for vegetable farmers.
• Improve the production of vegetables.
• Improve the overall economic conditions of residents in Ar-Raqqa Governorate.

This will be done by implementing the following:

• Conducting a market assessment with the relevant focal points including traders, salesmen, processors and vegetable farmers.
• Implementing a cost-sharing scheme to install greenhouses for 100 vegetable farmers, whereby, each farmer will contribute around 15% of the total cost, in order to strengthen ownership and promote financial sustainability.
• Equipping the greenhouses with drip irrigation systems, heating systems to maintain optimal growing conditions, and essential agricultural inputs including seeds, seedlings, fertilisers and pesticides.
• Selecting vegetable types that are most suitable for greenhouse cultivation, with a focus on varieties that are in high demand including tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants and peppers.
• Procuring all the necessary agricultural equipment and inputs.
• Providing training sessions to farmers on topics including Climate Smart Agriculture, the use of greenhouses, best agricultural practices and business management.
• Providing supervision and advisory to farmers through mentorship visits.

This is expected to result in:

• Better resilience of small-scale vegetable producers.
• Improved local food security levels.
• Reduced seasonal gaps in vegetable availability.
• Long-term sustainability by embedding community ownership and strengthening capacities.

This project has a budget of around EUR 630,000 and is expected to directly benefit 100 farmers and their 500 household members indirectly, over a period of 10 months. It will also benefit residents within the communities, through improved food security levels and living conditions.

For further information on the project, please see:

The SRTF Approves Four New Projects in the Food Security, Agriculture, and Multi Sector and Area-Based Approach Across Syria

For further information about SRTF, visit

http://www.srtfund.org

Media outlets may contact:

communications@srtfund.org