Agriculture & Water in Syria

Syria’s agriculture and water sectors are deeply interwoven, shaping both the country’s economy and its social fabric. Given Syria’s arid climate and the long-term effects of conflict, water scarcity poses a significant challenge to farming, food security, and rural livelihoods. 

In recent years, droughts, damaged infrastructure, and over-extraction of groundwater have compounded these struggles, prompting renewed efforts for sustainable water management. The following analysis explores the current state of agriculture and water resources in Syria, outlines the main obstacles, and highlights critical regional dynamics.

Water Resources in Syria

Syria’s renewable water resources are limited. According to FAO data, the available water is approximately 16.06 billion m³ per year, while the total demand reaches higher volumes, producing a deficit in various basins.

Key sources of water include:
  • Rivers (e.g., the Euphrates, Khabur, Balikh) 
  • Groundwater via shallow and deep wells
  • Springs, though many of these are under stress due to drought and overuse
Syria has built numerous dams (about 95 dams, with a combined capacity of ~15,378 million m³) to store rainfall for irrigation purposes.

The Role of Irrigation in Agriculture

Irrigation accounts for a disproportionately high share of water use in Syria — around 85 %, per several expert reports. Before the onset of the civil war, irrigation efficiency for major crops (such as wheat) ranged from 40% to 70%, but conflict damaged many irrigation canals, pumping stations, and other infrastructure. 

Currently, agencies like the FAO are working to rehabilitate irrigation infrastructure. For example, in Aleppo Governorate, FAO restored irrigation systems across thousands of hectares, helping nearly 3,970 smallholder farmers.

Challenges: Drought, Overuse, and Conflict

Syria’s agricultural water sector faces multiple, compounding challenges:

  • Drought Frequency: Recent scientific analyses suggest that droughts have become more frequent and severe due to climate change. 
  • Over-extraction: Many farmers rely on groundwater due to declining surface water, leading to falling water tables. 
  • Illegal Wells: In regions such as Daraa, unlicensed wells exacerbate water scarcity, and authorities are struggling to control encroachments. 
  • Infrastructure Damage: Years of war have degraded critical irrigation networks. 
  • Inefficient Water Use: Traditional flood irrigation remains common, but its inefficiency leads to heavy water loss. Modern methods like drip or sprinkler irrigation could substantially reduce usage. 
  • Socioeconomic Impact: As water becomes more scarce, farmers shift away from water-intensive crops like cotton, and crop plans are being redesigned based on water availability.

Regional & Local Dynamics

Some regions in Syria are particularly affected, or alternatively, serve as focal points for rehabilitation:

Region / Basin

Agricultural-Water Issues

Euphrates Basin (northeast)

Major irrigation potential, but overuse of groundwater and upstream dam regulation affect water flow.

Coastal & Mountainous (Latakia, Tartus)

Higher rainfall but spring flows (e.g., al-Sin Spring) are declining, stressing both surface and groundwater. 

Northwest (Aleppo, Idlib)

Severely dropping groundwater levels; 70% of wells are deep wells, and irrigation costs have soared.

Daraa / Rural Damascus

High incidence of illegal wells; misuse of drinking-water networks for irrigation; need for water-efficient crops.


Responses & Adaptation Strategies

To address these water and agricultural challenges, multiple strategies are being pursued:

  • Legislative Reform: The government is revising its Water Legislation (Law No. 31, 2005) to strengthen regulations, penalize illegal water extraction, and better manage both surface and groundwater. 
  • Water-Use Efficiency: Promotion of modern irrigation techniques (drip, sprinkler) to reduce water use per hectare; these methods have shown potential to save substantial volumes. 
  • Infrastructure Rehabilitation: International organizations like FAO are restoring canals, pumps, and other irrigation systems to recover lost agricultural productivity. 
  • Crop Diversification: There is a strategic shift away from high-water crops (e.g., cotton, sugar beet) toward more drought-resistant or less water-demanding species. 
  • Monitoring & Control: Efforts to install water meters on wells are underway to regulate actual usage and discourage over-extraction.

In conclusion, Water scarcity remains one of Syria’s most pressing constraints for sustainable agriculture. With approximately 85% of water consumed by farming, and key sources — both surface and underground — under severe stress, managing water resources efficiently is not just an environmental necessity but a cornerstone of food security. 

The overlapping challenges of drought, damaged infrastructure, and unregulated water use highlight the urgent need for coordinated policy, investment in efficient irrigation systems, and long-term planning. As rehabilitation efforts strengthen and adaptation strategies take root, Syria’s agricultural sector could gradually recover — but only through sustained commitment to managing water as a critical national resource.