The farmers in Al-Bukamal, Deir Ez-Zor, celebrated the end of 2022 on a positive note with the restoration of the irrigation operation at the Sector 7 pumping station which is anticipated to irrigate around 7,500 hectares of land in the area. The FAO - UNDP partnership resulted in the rehabilitation and replacement of damaged equipment, such as generators and water pumps, to get the water flowing again. 

More than 10,000 farming families in eight villages are excited at the prospect of being able to resume farming activities in both summer and winter seasons: “This fruitful collaboration with UNDP is aimed at improving the nutrition, food availability and livelihoods of farmers in the area who have faced terrible difficulties over the past few years.” said Mike Robson, FAO representative in the Syrian Arab Republic.

A trial operation of the restored pumping station was successfully carried out at the end of December 2022 in the presence of the local community, who will later be receiving training and guidance on operation and irrigation management practices to sustain the operation of the pumping station. A group of community members will be closely involved in irrigation schedules and fair distribution of water based on crop water requirements for the main cultivated crops in Sector 7.  FAO is helping to establish seven Water User Associations and provide them with the necessary training to manage water on behalf of the community.

UNDP Resident Representative in Syria, Mr Sudipto Mukerjee, highlighted that agriculture is a cornerstone of the Syrian economy. “Being an important driver to job creation, our partnership with FAO, using UNDP core resources, has enabled us not only to rehabilitate the pumps but also to improve the livelihoods of over 17,689 people, enhance food security in remote rural areas, create 4,500 seasonal farming job opportunities, and allow increased returns,” he added.

FAO is the leading technical agency of the UN in Syria supporting food production, addressing the sustainability of natural resources use through the enhancement of local water management, as well as restoring irrigation infrastructure.

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