Supporting Small-Scale Livestock Breeders with Hydroponic Barely Fodder Growing Kits and Veterinarian Services in Relatively Dry Areas (Priority 2) The project is going to tackle the livestock breeders’ hardships having access to fodder in addition to quality veterinary services.
According to SSSD assessments during 2022 (attached as supporting documents) in the targeted area, the majority of the breeders are unable to provide the needed nutrition requirements for their livestock due to the high prices and lack of fodder in the local markets, in addition to the costly veterinarian services’ costs, all of that is leading to higher mortality/slaughter rates and loss of productive assets (sheep, goat or cows), and in many cases breeders do not have alternative income source since their herds are the prime livelihoods for years. SSSD will target small herders (owners of 4 to 10 sheep/goats, or two or less cows) through distribution of hydroponic barley fodder growing kits (including all needed items and materials) in addition to provide veterinary supporting services. The intended impact from the proposed intervention is expected to bring:
-	Access to green and fresh fodder grown by the breeders.
-	Improved economic situation of the beneficiaries due to increase milk production since the sheep are having green fodder with enriched level of proteins, fiber and other nutritious ingredients.
-	increased sheep fertility rates because hydroponic barley fodder has superior nutrition values (proteins, vitamins and enzyme) compared to other types of fodder, and that will carry additional financial income for the breeders since newborn rates will be higher.
-	Decreased mortality rates since more fodder is available, breeders will not be forced to sell/slaughter their animals in order to earn money to buy enough fodder to provide for the rest of the herd. Also, it is proven through many studies that green barely fodder will enhance the herd immunity and general health, therefore, less animal deaths will be occurring. 
-	financial income can be gained if the breeder is able to grow extra amounts of fodder than the need of his herd. Green fodder is needed in the local markets and selling it should be very easy and profitable.
-	Increased income of the targeted families since breeders who grow hydroponic barley fodder can have monetary savings in dry fodder costs, transportation costs and efforts to get fodder during market shortages.
-	hydroponic barley fodder is considered a chemical-free type of fodder which will increase the general immune of the herd and less veterinary services and medications will be provided and more money will be saved.
-	Increased savings in water and barley seeds compared to the traditional planting methods.
-	Since no cultivable land is needed, hydroponic barley fodder growing will save land and other agriculture productive assets.
-	Hydroponic barley fodder will enable the breeder to save more water since less drinking water is needed for the herd because hydroponic barley fodder requires less water to be digested.
-	Green barley fodder increases the digestive capacity of the animals and smooths the digestive process in general because it contains higher rates of healthy fibers.
-	Strengthening the protection of beneficiaries and their families because of improving their economic and social conditions so they will have better access to their basic needs and reduce protection risks.

SSSD had prioritized Dayr Hafir in Aleppo governorate which is located in relatively dry zone and is a level 4 area (severity label Extreme) according to FSA sector severity ranking.
The project will target small-scale breeders (sheep, goats and cows).
Total number of targeted beneficiaries will be 220 livestock small-scale breeder.