FAO/WFP CROP AND FOOD SUPPLY ASSESSMENT MISSION TO THE SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC - 23 August 1999

Abstract

As part of a wider regional weather phenomenon which has affected a number of countries in the Near East, the worst drought in four decades has seriously affected crop and livestock production in Syria. This, in turn, has had serious repercussions on the food security of a large segment of the population as incomes have fallen sharply. Although the Government has made extensive efforts to reduce the effects of the drought, especially on herders by providing extra resources, feed rations, water a nd veterinary supplies, the scale and severity of the problem is such that these measures have not been sufficient. Consequently, humanitarian concerns have, and are, emerging that require urgent international assistance. In response to a Government request in mid June, an FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission visited the country from 20 July to 2 August to assess the impact of the drought and review agricultural and food supply prospects for the next year. The Mission's findings are based on discussions with Government Ministries and Departments, UN and bilateral agencies based in the country, and on extensive field visits to a number of affected areas and populations. These include the Badia rangelands and the provinces of Dair Ez Zor, Al Hassake, Al Raqqua, Aleppo, Hama and Homs.