Enhancing the agricultural sector's contribution to food security: a case study of agricultural marketing in Northwest Syria

Before the onset of the conflict in Syria in 2011, agriculture was a major contributor to the country’s GDP and livelihoods. However, conflict-related disruptions have hampered food production and crop marketing. Over 68% of the entire Syrian population is food insecure and relies heavily on international aid, which is increasingly facing geopolitical and logistical challenges alongside rising food demands in Northwest Syria. This study investigates the marketing landscape of key agricultural products. It is conducted in 2024 and identifies challenges and potential avenues for revitalising the agricultural sector as an economic driver, to enhance food security and livelihoods in Northwest Syria. The data were collected in nine districts in Northwest Syria using a mixed-methods approach, capturing both qualitative and quantitative data from 102 interviews with key stakeholders, including farmers, traders and retailers, local authorities, and consumers, and three focus group discussions with representatives of the same stakeholder groups. The study’s findings reveal significant inefficiencies in the current marketing channels and mechanisms for local agricultural products. Key challenges include political fragmentation, instability, inadequate infrastructure, lack of regulatory frameworks, and farmers’ poverty and financial constraints. Potential avenues to promote food production and improve the economic value of the agricultural sector were identified. These avenues include updating and developing comprehensive policies to regulate effective marketing and exports; establishing a central database for agricultural production and local food needs; investing in rebuilding the infrastructure such as irrigation systems, storage facilities and transportation networks; and supporting farmers’ organisations and agricultural research centres.