It’s crucial to underscore the fundamental role of agricultural production, encompassing both crops and livestock, as a cornerstone of food security, particularly in a nation heavily reliant on agriculture and a region where a two-thirds of the population relies solely on farming. Given the multifaceted nature of factors affecting this sector, as elucidated through the PESTEL analysis tool, and the broader indicators negatively impacting its economic and social contributions due to local and regional conflicts like those in Syria, the productivity of this sector remains precarious and uneven. We firmly assert that highlighting the imminent danger is not an exaggeration. Moreover, food security, stability, and environmental equilibrium are at risk of further deterioration.
Satellite imagery has revealed significant changes in the cultivated areas between 1984 and 2022. These images vividly depict the expansion of sandy regions and desertification encroaching upon more agricultural land, leading to salinization and the transformation of valuable agricultural land into low-value desert or barren areas. Additionally, there is observable shrinkage in the riverbed area and its flow, indicating a decline in the vital watercourse’s size and depth. These changes are particularly evident in the latest photographs of the Hajin district in Deir ez-Zor.
The long-established river communities face an imminent threat of decline due to the unsustainable exploitation of water, soil, and natural resources. Syrians vividly recall the disappearance of the Balikh River, highlighting the urgency of addressing the accelerating depletion of life-sustaining resources. The only viable solution lies in collaborative efforts involving all stakeholders in the agricultural process, including farmers, peasants, technicians, and foremost, administrative bodies. The primary objective is to establish a balanced and prosperous agricultural sector that benefits everyone. These administrative bodies must adeptly navigate the delicate balance between economic factors and the stability of social structures through deep collaboration. They also need to include the elements of production process in participatory planning in order to avoid the tipping point.
