Syria, Aga Khan Network Discuss Projects to Boost Rural Development
Syrian Minister of Agriculture, Bassel Al-Sowaidan, held discussions in Damascus this week with the Aga Khan Network’s Resident Representative, Ghafan Ajoub, to explore strategies for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector. The dialogue focused on implementing joint projects designed to support the rural economy, foster sustainable development, and improve the livelihoods of residents in Syria’s rural communities.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the meeting centered on service-oriented projects and sustainable livelihood initiatives. Key discussion points included refining the selection criteria for beneficiaries to ensure that support reaches the most vulnerable segments of the population. Both parties emphasized the need to enhance the efficiency and transparency of aid delivery to ensure a measurable positive impact on rural communities.
Minister Al-Sowaidan highlighted the necessity of incentivizing the establishment and activation of agricultural cooperatives. These entities are viewed as critical to organizing the efforts of local farmers, ensuring a reliable supply of production requirements, and streamlining marketing processes. By strengthening these cooperatives, the Ministry aims to bolster the resilience of farmers against current agricultural sector challenges and increase the total value of production.
Efforts to modernize the national agricultural extension system were also a primary subject of the meeting. The Minister stressed the importance of reviewing the structural and geographic distribution of extension units to transform them into active hubs capable of providing essential technical support to farmers in their respective areas.
Furthermore, Al-Sowaidan noted that the Ministry is working to distinguish productive assets from administrative functions, moving toward a corporate management model to improve investment efficiency and economic returns. He also indicated that upcoming reforms are planned for the Agricultural Cooperative Bank to enhance its ability to finance agricultural activities, alongside ongoing efforts to develop the agricultural insurance framework.
Looking toward long-term sustainability, the Minister called for directing support toward projects that empower rural communities to utilize their own resources effectively. He placed special emphasis on supporting rural women through the organization of production and the development of marketing mechanisms. Additionally, the discussions covered infrastructure needs, including the rehabilitation of irrigation networks and the drilling of wells in desert regions, as well as addressing challenges related to livestock management and rangelands.
For his part, Ghafan Ajoub reviewed the current operations of the Aga Khan Network in Syria and outlined the organization’s vision for future cooperation with the Ministry. He underscored the importance of professional training, support for research centers, and collaborative studies regarding agricultural zones to determine the most suitable crops for specific environmental conditions.
The Aga Khan Development Network remains a key international partner in Syria, consistently engaging in projects that focus on community support, rural development, vocational training, and the enhancement of basic services and scientific research in the agricultural field.
