Sustaining Livelihoods for Vulnerable Households in Northwest Syria (Phase 2 of DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal) IR in Syria’s DEC-funded Phase 2 response focuses on improving the livelihoods/early recovery activities of medium and small-scale earthquake-affected farmers, and shifts to a more sustainable programming approach compared to Phase 1’s emergency lifesaving activities. 

The key objectives of our Phase 2 response are to improve livelihood opportunities in the Aleppo and Idleb governorates of north-western Syria by undertaking agriculture and livestock-related activities. 

IR in Syria will continue to target vulnerable earthquake-affected people who are experiencing difficult and complex situations. We will identify beneficiaries through clear and transparent vulnerability criteria. Our MEAL staff will verify the selected beneficiaries and ensure that an accessible Complaints & Feedback mechanism is available for any earthquake-affected people in the target areas who were not selected for assistance. 

Compared to our intervention in Phase 1 which was primarily in-kind distributions, our 18-month Phase 2 intervention includes a combination of in-kind, service delivery and voucher modalities. Our intervention has been comprehensively planned and informed by direct data and secondary sources, and addresses the needs of earthquake-affected small and medium scale farmers in an appropriate way. 

The physical distributions of in-kind inputs and kits will continue to take into consideration the logistical needs of the target population by ensuring that distribution sites are within an accessible distance and the distribution is at a convenient time. We will ensure that our intervention is aligned with the CHS and other relevant technical standards and guidance at all stages. 

We have one outcome for this Phase 2 intervention, building on the 4 outcomes we had in Phase 1. 

Outcome: 

E. Improved livelihood security of medium and small-scale earthquake-affected farmers in NW Syria through production and livestock breeding support: an estimated 188,350 earthquake-affected individuals (based on a household size of 5) in the governorates of Idleb and Aleppo will receive assistance. 

Outputs (Livelihoods only)

Output E.1.1: 

900 medium or small-scale farmers are provided with agricultural inputs and technical support in Aleppo (Afrin, Al Bab and A’Zaz areas)
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800 medium or small-scale farmers are provided with agricultural inputs and technical support in Idleb (specific areas to be confirmed in July)

Based on the selection criteria and the specific plan for contextualised support each farmer will receive in-kind items and technical support to maximise their livelihoods potential. Agricultural inputs refers to items including animal feed, seeds, seedlings, fertilisers, pesticides, jute bags, tools and equipment. In addition awareness sessions will be held to provide beneficiaries with updated agriculture techniques. All agricultural inputs will be distributed by the agricultural field team which is composed of agriculture engineers and technicians. The team will be responsible for following up with the beneficiaries as well as maintaining routine visits to beneficiaries at each important step of the agricultural season (ploughing, planting, harvesting). Throughout the project, during these visits, the team will provide needs-based guidance based on the latest agricultural techniques to the beneficiaries through awareness sessions. 

Output E.2.1:

310 medium or small-scale farmers growing summer vegetable crops in Aleppo (Afrin, Al Bab and A’Zaz) will be provided with agricultural kits

Based on the selection criteria and the specific plan for contextualised support each farmer will receive an in-kind agricultural kit which will provide them with essential items enabling them to start vegetable cultivation. The kits will consist of bags of mineral, balanced and high phosphorous fertiliser, bottles of high potash and foliar fertilisers and plastic packaging bags. Also, awareness sessions will be held to provide beneficiaries with updated agriculture techniques.

Output E.3.1:

310 medium or small-scale farmers growing summer vegetable crops in Aleppo (Afrin, Al Bab and A’Zaz) will be provided with a voucher to use for agricultural purposes 

The voucher, worth approximately 39 GBP (45 Euros), will enable 310 farmers to purchase pesticide and fungicide to treat their crops and aid their vegetable cultivation. Vouchers will be redeemable via agricultural centres IR Syria have an established relationship with. Also, awareness sessions will be held to provide beneficiaries with updated agriculture techniques.

Output E.4.1:

2000 small-scale livestock breeders in Aleppo (Afrin, Al Bab and A’Zaz) will be provided with fodder
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1250 small-scale livestock breeders in Idleb (areas to be confirmed in July) will be provided with fodder

In Aleppo, the 2000 total consists of 1350 sheep and 650 cow breeders. In Idleb, the 1250 total consists of 1000 sheep and 250 cow breeders. Approximately 300kg of fodder will be provided to each breeder, and the mixture has been designed in accordance with ‘Best Practices for Managing Awassi Sheep 8-Feed Reference Guide. Lebanon: International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas’. Also, awareness sessions will be held to provide beneficiaries with updated agriculture techniques.

Output E.5.1

Vaccinations will be provided to 100,000 ewes in Aleppo (Afrin, Al Bab and A’Zaz)
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Vaccinations will be provided to 100,000 ewes in Idleb (areas to be confirmed in July)

In Aleppo, around 5000 breeders who own 100,000 ewes in total will be targeted. In Idleb, around 6500 breeders who own 100,000 ewes will be targeted. The purpose of this activity is to vaccinate against enterotoxaemia and foot and mouth disease. Also, awareness sessions will be held to provide beneficiaries with updated agriculture techniques.

Output E.6.1 

2,600 livestock breeders in Aleppo (Afrin, Al Bab and A’Zaz) will be provided with veterinary kits 
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2,600 livestock breeders in Idleb (areas to be confirmed in July) will be provided with veterinary kits

The kit contains multivitamins and minerals, parasite medicine and a hormone kit for increased breeding, anti-allergens and medical disposables. Also, awareness sessions will be held to provide beneficiaries with updated agriculture techniques.

Output E.7.1 

6,000 livestock breeders in Aleppo receive veterinary services/activities in Aleppo (Afrin, Al Bab and A’Zaz)
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10,000 livestock breeders in Idleb receive veterinary services/activities (areas to be confirmed in July)

Mobile veterinary services providing preventive and curative assistance will be accessible for the breeders in order to prevent the prevalence of disease, disseminate good practices and increase livestock production levels. Also, awareness sessions will be held to provide beneficiaries with updated agriculture techniques.

Output E.7.2 

Capacity building activities were provided to 650 cow breeders.   

This output will focus on disseminating good practice and lessons learned, enhance and expand the breeding knowledge, avoid negative coping mechanisms that affect the cow breeding sector, and increase the production and margin of profit.  Theoretical and practical training /knowledge development will be provided to 650 cow breeders on related subjects such as nutrition, treatment, vet care, reproduction, etc. 10 working days for each capacity-building course.