What is the challenge

Water scarcity is a growing challenge in Northwest Syria, with direct and severe impacts on food security for wheat and barley farmers. Projections from the World Resources Institute estimate that by 2050, over 30 percent of the global population will live in countries facing high to extremely high-water stress, with Syria among the most at risk.

In Northwest Syria, this crisis is already unfolding. In addition, 70 percent of the population is in urgent need of humanitarian aid. Food security, livelihoods, and agriculture are critical priorities. Rising demand for wheat and barley, for both consumption and livestock, remains unmet due to prolonged drought, low rainfall, and displacement.

Farmers remain dependent on traditional irrigation, which together with the increased reliance on solar-powered irrigation to offset electricity shortages, has led to overuse of groundwater, worsening water scarcity. These overlapping challenges underscore the urgent need for improved food access, water security, and agricultural stability.

What is innovative about the project

This project distinguishes itself through a practical, inclusive, and locally grounded approach to innovation. Rather than imposing unfamiliar or disruptive agricultural practices, it will enhance and optimize the irrigation methods that wheat and barley farmers in Northwest Syria already use and trust. By aligning with existing systems and building on local knowledge, the project increases the likelihood of sustained adoption and meaningful impact.

The project will introduce data-driven tools that complement, rather than replace, current practices. By providing user-friendly, accessible technologies and locally relevant data, farmers can make informed decisions, improve productivity, and manage resources sustainably. Ultimately, this is an innovation model that centres on people, respects tradition, and unlocks progress. It blends modern tools with local expertise to deliver a solution that is both technologically sound and socially transformative.

What are the expected outcomes

During the project period, the aim is to explore and design sustainable, climate-resilient and locally adapted irrigation systems, by leveraging data-driven solutions and strong private sector partnerships, test the systems in context-specific locations and implement our solution(s).

The project aims to:

• Support wheat and barley farmers in restoring cultivation and irrigation, enabling them to resume productive livelihoods.
• Reach female-headed households, women, and persons with disabilities, ensuring their inclusion in agricultural recovery efforts.
• Re-establishing wheat and barley as reliable sources of food and income and strengthening agricultural value chains.

In the longer term, the project seeks to promote sustainable water management, climate-smart farming practices, and stronger local agricultural institutions. By integrating private sector engagement into humanitarian innovation, the model aims to scale nationally and contribute to greater resilience and self-reliance in food security across Northwest Syria.

Who are the project partners

This project is led by Engineers Without Borders Norway, in partnership with World Vision Syria Response, and Field Ready Syria and Turkiye.

At the core of the project is the integration of humanitarian innovation with private sector engagement, creating a replicable model for sustainable agri-tech ecosystems in fragile and conflict-affected settings. This model bridges the divide between traditional farming techniques and modern technologies, delivering solutions that are both technically effective and socially relevant.