By Omar Abdurrahman
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – Agriculture is fundamental to the local economy in Deir ez-Zor Governorate, eastern Syria, where a significant portion of the population depends on it for their livelihoods. However, this crucial sector has experienced a drastic decline in recent years due to ongoing armed conflicts in the region.
These conflicts have resulted in the destruction of agricultural infrastructure, leading to food insecurity and worsening living conditions for farmers.
Jamil al-Hamd, a farmer from the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, shares with North Press that he once owned fertile land that provided a comfortable income for his family. He reminisces about a time when they could grow wheat, cotton, corn, and various vegetables, enough to sustain themselves and thrive.
Challenges
Al-Hamd says that since the outbreak of armed conflicts in Deir ez-Zor in early 2011, his situation has dramatically changed. His agricultural land has suffered extensive damage from shelling and clashes.
Obtaining essential supplies such as fertilizers, seeds, fuel, medicines, and equipment has become increasingly difficult. The ongoing power outages and fuel shortages have further complicated matters, leaving him unable to properly irrigate his fields.
He points out that his agricultural production has plummeted in recent years. Instead of enjoying the fruits of his labor, he now faces significant losses due to poor yields.
He has become reliant on humanitarian aid and charitable organizations for basic food needs. The precarious conditions put both his life and his family’s future at risk.
Al-Hamd emphasizes that his struggles are not unique. Many farmers in the Deir ez-Zor countryside are facing similar challenges, which have led to a sharp decline in agricultural output. This decline threatens the local economy and undermines the community’s access to essential food supplies.
He underscores the urgent need for support to help farmers in Deir ez-Zor rehabilitate agricultural infrastructure and secure basic necessities. Such assistance would be vital in restoring agricultural productivity and improving food security in the region, which has a long history as an agricultural hub.
Hardship
Sabir al-Ali, a farmer from the western countryside of Deir ez-Zor, tells North Press that for generations, his family has relied on the cultivation of wheat and vegetables as their primary source of livelihood. However, the deteriorating security situation since the onset of the Syrian war has made farming increasingly difficult for him.
What was once a stable source of income has become untenable due to ongoing armed conflict and the destruction of agricultural infrastructure.
Al-Ali explains that agricultural associations, canals, and farmlands have suffered significant damage from shelling and sabotage, complicating any efforts at rehabilitation. Restoring these vital resources requires substantial funding, which he simply does not have.
Recognizing the unsustainable nature of his situation, al-Ali made the difficult decision to leave farming behind and seek alternative sources of income. He learned to repair electrical equipment, such as refrigerators and washing machines, and opened a small repair shop.
Despite his new venture, al-Ali feels a deep sense of regret for leaving the farming profession he inherited from his ancestors. The harsh realities imposed by the conflict, coupled with the lack of support for the agricultural sector, left him with no choice but to pursue a different path to provide for his family.
Significant decline
Mashari al-Awad, an official with the Directorate of Agriculture under the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) in Deir ez-Zor, tells North Press that the deteriorating security situation has severely impacted the agricultural sector in recent years.
He explains that frequent shelling and clashes have led to widespread destruction of agricultural infrastructure. Many wells and canals have been damaged, along with essential farming equipment.
Al-Awad highlights that forced displacement has exacerbated the deterioration of agricultural lands and increased production costs. As a result, some areas have seen agricultural productivity decline by as much as 70 percent compared to pre-crisis levels.
He emphasizes that the Directorate of Agriculture, in collaboration with relevant committees and both local and international organizations, is actively working to rehabilitate the damaged agricultural infrastructure.
Efforts include repairing wells and canals, restoring irrigation systems, providing fuel for pumps, and distributing seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides to farmers at subsidized prices. Despite these initiatives, there remains an urgent need for additional support.
Al-Awad stresses that revitalizing the agricultural sector is essential for improving living conditions in the region.