The Arab Republic of Syria participated in the proceedings of the 54th session of the Committee on World Food Security, held at the headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in the Italian capital Rome, during the period from the 19th to the 23rd of October.
Enhancing Food Security and Supporting Agricultural Recovery
Haile Rayhan, Director of the National Center for Agricultural Policies at the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of enhancing food security, supporting agricultural recovery, and developing sustainable and resilient food systems in Syria's statement. Rayhan expressed appreciation for the continuous efforts made by the Committee on World Food Security and the FAO to strengthen food security and nutrition, and to support international cooperation in building more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agricultural and food systems.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Agricultural Sector
Rayhan stressed that food security constitutes a fundamental pillar for stability and development, and that ensuring all citizens have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food is closely linked to enhancing local agricultural production, supporting livelihoods in rural areas, and improving natural resource management. Rayhan highlighted the main challenges faced by the Syrian agricultural sector in recent years and their impact on production capacity, farmers' livelihoods, and the efficiency of food supply chains, including the deterioration of agricultural infrastructure, water scarcity, reduced availability of production inputs, as well as the growing impacts of climate change.
Prospects for Recovery and Sustainable Agricultural Investment
Rayhan affirmed that the agricultural sector in Syria possesses significant potential for recovery and growth, noting that Syrian farmers have accumulated experience and the ability to restore production when appropriate conditions and necessary support are available. He stressed the necessity of transitioning from merely responding to emergency needs to adopting an integrated approach that combines agricultural recovery, sustainable development, and long-term investment; this requires rehabilitating irrigation infrastructure, improving the availability of seeds, fertilizers, and agricultural supplies, enhancing extension services and scientific research, supporting smallholder farmers, women, and youth, alongside developing value chains, agricultural processing, and reducing food loss and waste.
Expanding International Partnerships and Coordinating Efforts
Rayhan called for expanding investments in the agricultural and food sectors, and strengthening partnerships between national institutions, international organizations, and the private sector, particularly through cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization – which contributes to mobilizing resources and technical expertise, developing practical implementable projects, and turning investment opportunities into tangible results that positively reflect on agricultural production and the livelihoods of rural communities. Rayhan also emphasized the necessity for support and cooperation programs to take into account national priorities and the actual needs of farmers and local communities, and to be based on principles of partnership, national ownership, and equitable access to resources and opportunities, while ensuring economic and environmental sustainability.
Achieving Sustainable Food Systems
Rayhan reiterated Syria's commitment to actively participating in international efforts to eradicate hunger, enhance food security, and achieve sustainable and resilient food systems, expressing his hope to strengthen cooperation with international partners, primarily the FAO, to support the recovery of the Syrian agricultural sector, mobilize necessary investments, and contribute to building a safer and more prosperous food future for the Syrian people. This session discusses a range of issues related to the global state of food security and nutrition, and ways to enhance coordination and joint action to address food crises, alongside examining policies and measures to build more sustainable, resilient, and capable agricultural and food systems to face future challenges.
It is worth noting that the Committee on World Food Security is one of the comprehensive international governmental platforms concerned with food security and nutrition issues, working to enhance dialogue and cooperation between countries and stakeholders, and to develop recommendations, guidelines, and policies aimed at combating hunger, improving nutrition, and promoting the right to food.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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