King Salman Relief Center supports wheat cultivation and food security in Aleppo

Strategic support for food security in Syria

In a humanitarian initiative aimed at promoting stability and achieving food security, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center implemented a strategic agricultural project to support the wheat production chain in the eastern Aleppo countryside of the Syrian Arab Republic. The project aims to empower local farmers and revive one of the most vital sectors that has been severely affected by the years-long crisis.

Background of the crisis and its impact on Syrian agriculture

Before the crisis, Syria, and especially areas like Aleppo, was a major food basket in the region, renowned for its abundant production of wheat and other strategic crops. However, years of conflict have led to the systematic destruction of agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation networks and pumping stations, as well as the displacement of farmers, the deterioration of seed quality, and limited access to fertilizers and equipment. This situation has resulted in a sharp decline in agricultural production, exacerbating the food insecurity crisis for millions of Syrians and leaving them heavily reliant on humanitarian aid.

Project details and main objectives

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center's project focuses on addressing the root causes of challenges facing wheat farmers in rural Aleppo, through an integrated package of interventions that includes:

• Infrastructure rehabilitation: The project includes the rehabilitation of the main and secondary agricultural irrigation and drainage networks, addressing leakage and calcification sites, as well as the installation and rehabilitation of solar-powered pumping units to ensure the sustainability of irrigation operations and reduce costs for farmers.
• Supporting improved wheat seeds: Working to propagate high-quality Syrian wheat seeds by providing mobile screening equipment, packaging and sterilization materials, and rehabilitating a central warehouse to store the improved seeds safely.
• Guidance and technical support: Qualifying 3 agricultural guidance centers and providing them with the necessary technical staff and mechanisms to provide support to farmers, and organizing group training sessions to transfer knowledge about modern agricultural practices and water conservation techniques.

Expected impact of the project at the local and regional levels

The project is expected to have a positive and sustainable impact, directly benefiting 2,750 farming families, equivalent to 16,500 individuals, while indirectly benefiting an estimated 540,000 people. Locally, the project contributes to increased agricultural productivity, provides a stable source of income for families, and reduces reliance on external aid, thereby strengthening the resilience of the local community. More broadly, such development projects contribute to restoring stability to affected areas, lay the foundation for economic recovery, and underscore the leading humanitarian role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its humanitarian arm, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, in assisting affected populations worldwide.