TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.................................................................................................................................1

TABLE I. SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS BY SECTOR.......................................................................................3TABLE II. SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS BY APPEALING ORGANISATION...........................................................3

2. CONTEXT AND NEEDS ANALYSIS...............................................................................................................4

2.1 CONTEXT................................................................................................................................................. 42.2 NEEDS ANALYSIS......................................................................................................................................7

3. STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE..................................................................10

4. RESPONSE PLANS......................................................................................................................................11

4.1. AGRICULTURE AND LIVELIHOODS.............................................................................................................114.2. COORDINATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES................................................................................................134.3. FOOD..................................................................................................................................................... 154.4. HEALTH AND NUTRITION.........................................................................................................................174.5. WATER AND SANITATION.........................................................................................................................18

TABLE III. LIST OF PROJECTS (GROUPED BY SECTOR)...................................................................................19

5. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES................................................................................................................20

ANNEX I.

PLANTED AREA, PRODUCTIVITY AND PRODUCTION FOR CEREAL AND LEGUME CROPS FOR THE 2006/07 AND 2007/08 CROPPING SEASONS......................................................................................................21

ANNEX II.

COMPARATIVE ESTIMATION OF LIVESTOCK STATUS IN 2006/2007 AND 2007/2008 SEASONS................22

ANNEX III.

PROJECT SUMMARIES.........................................................................................................................................23

ANNEX IV.

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS.....................................................................................................................30

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GENERAL MAP OF SYRIA

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CUMULATIVE RAINFALLSSeptember 2007- May 2008 as a percentage of average annual rainfall

AGROCLIMATIC ZONES OF SYRIA (STABILISATION ZONES)(source: FAO)

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Stabilisation zones

Annual rainfall (mm) Area (hectares) Cultivated plants Percent of the

total country area

1 Over 350 2,701,000 14.61a Over 600 Field crops

1b 350 – 600Wheat, legumes

and summer crops

2 250 – 350 2,475,000Barley, wheat, legumes and

summer crops13.3

3 250 1,303,000 Barley and legumes 7.1

4 (Marginal) 200 – 250 1,830,000 Barley 9.95 (Desert and

steppe) Less than 200 10,209,000 Prohibited cropping 55.1

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Syria is currently experiencing a drought that is by far the worst over the past four decades. The Syrian Government estimates that 200,000 families (up to one million people) have suffered direct

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severe impact of the drought. These people are predominantly herders and subsistence farmers, put at risk of rapid loss of livelihood and increased malnutrition. The impact has been felt so dramatically throughout the country that the Syrian Government approached the UN Resident Coordinator requesting mobilisation of emergency funds from UN agencies and the donor community.

The UN Country Team in Syria responded by conducting a UN joint rapid drought impact assessment (FAO, WFP, WHO, UNICEF, IOM), 11 to 25 August 2008, to verify the impact of rain shortfall on crop production and range vegetation, livestock, vulnerable groups, herders, and household income. The results confirmed that the situation is considerably worse than initially estimated. The lack of water and irregular rains over the past months has severely threatened the food security of farmers and herders in the affected zones and seriously endangered their livelihoods and nutritional status.

As a result of poor and erratic rains in the 2007/2008 cropping season, the average yield of basic crops (wheat, barley, lentil and chickpeas) dropped in irrigated areas by 31.6% and in rain-fed areas by as much as 78.9%. The total national wheat production was at 47.1% of the previous season and 48.5% of the past 10 year average, while barley production was at 66.7% and 66.8% respectively. Similarly, the drought has resulted in decreased vegetation in the natural ranges, where contribution to feed resources dropped to zero. As a result herders sold their animals for 60-70% below the average of the original prices and in many cases they even exhausted their herds. 59,000 small herders (owning less than 100) lost almost all their herds and 47,000 herders (owning 100-300 heads) lost 50-60% of their livestock. The Government has responded by distributing amounts of feed on loan to be repaid next season, as well as providing veterinary medicines and vaccines for free. Most recently, the Government distributed emergency aid to 29,000 families. However, the needed assistance is far beyond the Government capacity and resources, as the strategic wheat stocks have been depleted and many herders have incurred huge losses that they might not recover from for several seasons to come.

Reduced availability of wheat and barley has contributed to further increases in price of food items in the Syrian market (the Syrian bread and cereals price index marked a 27% increase compared to January 2008 prices – double the price inflation observed globally during the same period). This has outstripped household incomes and the purchasing power of the general population, especially in the drought-affected areas. The UN Inter-Agency mission estimates that some 204,000 families (around one million people) in north-eastern Syria are food insecure; their income from crops and livestock sales has been depleted, and currently many resort to damaging coping mechanisms, such as decreased food intake, sale of agriculture and household assets, or migration. Health data indicate a marked increase in the prevalence of anaemia, malnutrition and diarrhoea especially among children less than five years of age, as well as pregnant women by more than twofold compared to the same period in 2007. Availability of drinking water has been considerably decreased in the rural areas of north-eastern Syria, particularly in those villages depending on protected wells as their only water source. Migration of rural population towards less water-stressed urban areas was in 2007/2008 higher by 20-30% than in the previous years due to Impact of the drought, loss of livelihoods and water shortages.1

Around one million people in north-eastern Syria have seen their livelihoods and assets shrink dramatically as a result of the current drought, commencing in October 2007. The situation is not expected to improve until the spring 2009, when the crops sown in October 2008 will mature, if the rains do not fail for a second year in a row. The current situation could result in chronic vulnerabilities among the drought-affected communities if emergency assistance is not readily available before the next cropping season, so that the farmers could-restart their production. The distribution of seeds in tandem and a targeted food distribution are the most urgent activities and should be commenced by mid-October 2008 and continue throughout spring 2009. These measures will be supplemented by assisting small-scale farmers and herders to diversify their income through creation of alternative jobs in non-agricultural sectors of the local economy, thus increasing their resilience to climate-related disasters and preventing future out migration. Moreover, early announcement of available assistance is very important to influence the decision of farmers and herders to continue their agricultural activities in the coming months and mitigate out-migration from the drought-affected areas.

Through this Appeal, five United Nations agencies seek US$2 20,228,570 to work with Governmental partners and Non-Governmental Organisations in addressing the emergency humanitarian needs and

1 Source: UN Inter-Agency Assessment Mission.2 All dollar signs in the document denote United States dollars. Funding for this plan should be reported to the Financial Tracking Service (FTS, fts@reliefweb.int).

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prevent further impacts on approximately one million drought-affected persons for a period of six months (October 2008 – March 2009). The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has already allocated $1,97 million to three projects in this Appeal.

Some basic facts about SyriaPopulation 21,660,000 people (GoS Statistics 2007)Under-five mortality 22 p/1,000 (MoH Statistics 2007)Life expectancy 72 years (MoH Statistics 2007)Children under weight for age (% under age 5, 1996-2005)Children under height for age (% under age 5, 1996-2005)

7 (Human Development Report 2007)24 (Human Development Report 2007)

Population using an improved water source (2004) 93% (Human Development Report 2007)Proportion of population employed in agriculture 30% (UNDP HDR 2007)Human Development Index Rank 107 (Human Development Indices: A statistical

update 2008, UNDP)Official development assistance received in 2006 $116 million (OECD 2007)

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TABLE I. SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS BY SECTOR

SYRIA DROUGHT APPEALSummary of Requirements - By Sector (non-standard)*

as of 29 September 2008http://www.reliefweb.int/fts

Compiled by OCHA on the basis of information provided by the respective appealing organisation.

Sector Full Requirements($)

Approved CERF Funding($)

Unmet Requirements ($)

AGRICULTURE AND LIVELIHOODS 14,175,000 750,070 13,424,930COORDINATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES 90,000 0 90,000

FOOD 5,246,570 965,001 4,281,569HEALTH 128,500 0 128,500WATER AND SANITATION 588,500 251,450 337,050TOTAL 20,228,570 1,966,521 18,262,049

TABLE II. SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS BY APPEALING ORGANISATION

SYRIA DROUGHT APPEALSummary of Requirements - By Appealing Organisation

as of 29 September 2008http://www.reliefweb.int/fts

Compiled by OCHA on the basis of information provided by the respective appealing organisation.

Organisation Full Requirements ($)

Approved CERF Funding ($)

Unmet Requirements ($)

FAO 9,360,000 750,070 8,609,930UNDP 4,905,000 0 4,905,000UNICEF 588,500 251,450 337,050WFP 5,246,570 965,001 4,281,569WHO 128,500 0 128,500TOTAL 20,228,570 1,966,521 18,262,049

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* NOTE: evolving practice is to show funding per 'sector' (or sometimes 'cluster') following the sector groupings used in country, to be in accordance with the coordination structures on the ground and in the appeal text. Funding per standard IASC sector is also tracked (see Table III, p. 19), because the fixed standard allows comparison across appeals. FTS on-line tables will offer both groupings.

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2. CONTEXT AND NEEDS ANALYSIS

The drought has affected all regions of the country, leading to very poor seed germination and crop growth. However, its impact has been most severe in the north-eastern and eastern regions, referred to as the Badia (Syrian steppe). The impact of the drought has been assessed by the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), and by an-Agency assessment mission (Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO], World Food Programme [WFP], United Nations Development Programme [UNDP], World Health Organization [WHO], United Nations Children’s Fund [UNICEF] and International Organization for Migration [IOM]). Results of these assessments constitute the basis of this appeal document.

2.1 CONTEXT

The land area of the Syrian Arab Republic is 185.518 Km² of which 32.2% is arable land (six million ha), and 45% stepped and pasturelands. The irrigated area represents only 21.6% of arable land (1.3 million ha), while the rest depends purely on rainfall and was most impacted by the drought. With a general population of 20.7 million inhabitants, the total rural population in 2006 was estimated at 8.808 millions (42.5%). In recent years, agricultural production has contributed over 26% of the gross domestic product (GDP).

Rural population, especially in the north and north-eastern region are amongst the poorest in Syria. According to UNDP report on poverty in Syria, 2005, in 2003-2004; almost two million individuals in Syria (11.4% of the population) could not obtain their basic food and non-food needs.3 The north-eastern region, (Idlib, Halab (Aleppo), Ar Raqqah, Dayr az Zawr and Al Hasakah), both rural and urban, has the greatest incidence, depth and severity of poverty.

CropCultivated area

(‘000 ha) Yield (kg/ha) 2007yield as % of

2006 value

Production 2007 production

as % of 2006 value

10-year average

2007/ 2008

10-year average

2007/ 2008

10-year average

2007/ 2008

Wheat 1,744 1,486 2,373 1,440 60.7 4,151 2,140 51.6Barley 1,356 1,433 666 182 27.3 786 261 33.2Lentil 136 136 947 251 26.5 130 34 26.2Chickpea 87 76 723 367 50.8 63 28 44.4

Table 1: Crop production, cultivated area and yield for the ten-year average and for the 2007/08 cropping season (source: UN inter-Agency assessment mission)

Failing rainfall during the 2007/2008 agricultural seasonSyria has two distinct agricultural seasons; as main rainfall is concentrated in the winter (December-March), the main planting season is in October and crops in March/May the following year. The 2007/08 cropping season (October-March) was seriously affected by the drought, characterised by the lowest levels of rainfall in four decades. In addition to a one-month delay in the onset of rains, the 2007/2008 harvesting season also finished early in most areas and was poorly distributed. Poor rains persisted throughout 2008, resulting in the September 2008 harvest being below average and therefore exacerbating already acute effects of the drought.

3 Using higher ‘household-specific’ expenditure poverty lines, overall poverty in Syria increases to 30.12 per cent, representing almost 5.3 million individuals; and with the $2 a day international measure, 10.36 per cent of Syrians are poor. The report found that while poverty was generally more prevalent in rural than in urban areas of Syria, the greatest differences were geographic. (source: UNDP’s report on poverty in Syria, 2005).

2

Decrease in rainfall (below

average)

% of weather stations

- 1 to -25% 35%- 25 to - 50% 26%- 51 to - 80% 36%Table 2: Extent of drought across Syria: rainfall data from 154 weather stations (October 2007 – May 2008) (source: UN inter-Agency assessment mission)

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Impact on cereal productionThe drought significantly decreased the production of basic crops (wheat, barley, lentils and chickpeas), which are grown in rain-fed areas, as well as partially impacted crops grown in irrigated areas, causing a sharp increase in the prices most agricultural products. In the past years Syria has produced enough grain to meet its needs. The drought has not only halved the production, but also has led to a drastic reduction of the Government’s emergency grain stockpile.

The wheat production has been seriously affected by the drought both in the south and northeast regions. The average yield for irrigated areas fell by 31.6%, while for the rain-fed area by as much as 78.9% (see Annex 1). Wheat productivity was zero and close to zero in most of eastern Syria, particularly in the Badia region.

Barley production is almost entirely dependent on rainfall, principally in low rainfall areas of eastern Syria, which have been seriously affected by the drought. During the 2007/08 season, yields fell sharply between zero and 182 kg/h, and the total production was 66.7% below last year’s harvest and 66.8% below the ten-year average.

In 2007/08, lentil productivity fell by 65.7% compared to the 2006/07 season and 73.5% to the ten-year average. Chickpea production fell respectively by 37.3% and 49.2% (see Annex 1 below).

Impact on livestockBetween 1976 and 2007, due to demand for animal products, the sheep, goat, cattle and camel populations in Syria have increased between 150 and 360%. About half a million households work directly or indirectly in the small ruminant subsector, whose products are ranked first or second among the country’s agricultural exports. The 2007/08 drought has negatively affected animal production throughout Syria, particularly in the Badia (Damascus rural, Hims, Hamah, Ar Raqqah, Dayr az Zawr and Al Hasakah).

Livestock and animal products are the main source of income for poor households in the Badia steppe and the second source of income in suburban areas. The sheep production is dominated by over 125,000 small-scale herder families; 47% of them own less than 100 head of sheep and 84% - less than 200 heads, and are extremely vulnerable to any sudden decrease in their flocks. Those small- and medium-sized herders were unable to purchase fodder and concentrate feed for their animals, or avail adequate veterinary services, which further exacerbated drought-related mortality among their animals (see Annex 2 for details).

The situation is compounded by the fact that herders and farmers did not store sufficient food and fodder to feed their animals. Prices of cereals, particularly of barley, have increased and herders’ ability to feed their animals was considerably reduced. Mass livestock sales have reduced the price they get for their animals. In spite of the Government’s extensive efforts to reduce the impact of the drought, especially on herders and farmers (by providing feed and food rations and rescheduling loan repayments), these groups are struggling to cope.

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Wheat Production 1997-2008

0100020003000400050006000

Cropping Season

Prod

uctio

n (0

00M

T)

TotalIrrigatedRain-fed

Barley Production 1997-2008(000 tonnes)

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Cropping Season

Prod

uctio

n (0

00 T

onne

s)

TotalIrrigatedRainfed

S Y R I A

Food Security and Coping StrategiesThe drought had a serious effect on crop and livestock production, natural vegetation and consequently the livelihoods of herders and farmers in the rural areas. Own food production by farmers was much lower this year than previously. Since the little that could be harvested in the months of May and June had, already been sold, this low-level, or even the complete lack, of production left households practically without any reserve stocks. While in previous years crops and some casual labour jointly secured self-sufficiency for this population during the lean season, the yield of this year could not cover their needs. Livestock production in general was much lower than in previous years; many herders had to sell more than half of their livestock at depressed market to ensure fodder and survival for the rest. This year the number of herders selling their produce on urban markets has been very low, for production hardly meets their own consumption needs.

Markets are the main source of food for both farmers and herders. The price of cereals and other basic food items has sharply risen following the global trend but also in consequence of the decreasing government subsidies of food items and gasoline. The terms of trade for the purchasers of staple food, in this case bread, rice and bulgur, have deteriorated; this is particularly evident in the price ratio of cereals to livestock. The price of the basic food basket has gone up and the purchasing power of the rural population has declined. Prices for food items might continue to rise further. The price of livestock and land will, however, probably sink even further with the steady growth on the supply side. Farmers used to rely on seasonal agricultural work to meet their food deficit, but this has become scarce as a result of the drought. Although the affected population in the area tried to diversify their income sources to counterbalance the shocks, these strategies have not proved sustainable. Both livelihood groups have increasingly resorted to high damaging responses as the sale of livestock and land, credit from money lenders, child labour, distress migration and further reductions in current food consumption levels.

In response to the shock, food consumption has decreased; the number of daily meals taken by adults has dropped to two, only children continue eating three times a day, and the size of meals is much smaller than it used to be. The range of foods consumed is significantly narrower than in the same season in previous years: bread and rice are being supplanted by less preferred foods such as barley. People have reduced or eliminated essential protein-rich foods from their diet such as meat and dairy products.

Response by the Government of SyriaThe Government of Syria has provided subsidised extra feed rations to farmers and herders as an emergency measure. These are given on a loan basis, to be repaid next season. The Government is also providing free of charge food aid to some of the most vulnerable drought-affected households, as well as veterinary services. Market mitigation included increasing the purchase price of cereal crops by the state, rescheduling repayment of farmers’ loans and authorising the fodder establishment to import barley grain to cope with the feed shortage. The Government also shifted the focus of the National Programme on Women’s Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation launched at the end of 2005 so that the poor and vulnerable woman who live in the drought-impacted regions can receive loans along with poor female entrepreneurs.

However, the needs of farmers and herders are beyond the assistance provided to-date4 in view of the increasing losses in crops and herds, which they might not be able to recover for several seasons. The situation remains extremely serious and is likely to deteriorate over the coming months. If the drought recurs in the 2008/09 cropping season, it would have a catastrophic impact on the population and livestock in many regions of Syria and in drought-affected areas in particular.

In responding to the current drought, the Government of Syria is making use of best practices developed during the last major drought in 1999. At that time, the Government faced difficulties in managing the drought crises and provided, on free interest loan basis, the major portion of feed ration cycle for national livestock. The extent of the current drought and number of families impacted is greater than in 1999. The Government has imported large amounts of grain and food to compensate for the food supply gap resulted from the drought, despite of increased prices of cereals and other basic food items in the global market. As the size and cost of the crises is beyond current capacity of the Government of Syria, the international assistance is needed to supplement the Government’s

4 The Government of Syria provided 23 kgs of concentrate feed per year for each animal in the herds, which represents around 13% of yearly concentrate feed requirements.

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efforts in maintaining the livelihoods and preventing increased malnutrition among the inhabitants of north-eastern Syria.5

2.2 NEEDS ANALYSIS

According to the findings of the Inter-Agency assessment mission, the current drought has had the following immediate impact on the local populations: 206,000 farming households (approx. one million people) were rendered food insecure and lost

their productive capital; 150,000 farmers (approx. 750,000 people) have completely lost their harvest. The impact is

most severe for farmers unable to retain any seeds to plant during upcoming winter season; The majority of herders in the Badia region with less than 100 animals and farmers relying on

rain-fed agriculture will be unable to access sufficient food over the coming months without resorting to damaging coping strategies.

The drought has had a most severe impact on the small-scale farmers and herders, who lost almost all of their crops and much of the herds, which are their only source of income and a major source of their diet. Farmers in particular have lost, to a large extent, the ability to participate in the upcoming harvest, with the planting season starting in October 2008. These conditions, as they continue until the next harvest in March-May 2008, are expected to result in further increase in malnutrition rates, school drop-out rates and migration.

Multi-sectoral assistance is required for these groups for their humanitarian needs to be met and in order to have their livelihoods restored in time for the next agricultural season. Assistance needs to be delivered to the affected populations quickly to avoid further sales of personal assets and out-migration. While food aid in this context could help prevent a further deterioration in the food security situation of affected households, other non-food assistance, mainly in the agriculture sector, is required to restore livelihoods.

Agriculture and Livelihoods SectorRural communities, particularly the most vulnerable groups in the Badia rangelands and north-eastern regions (Hamah, Ar Raqqah, Al Hasakah and Dayr az Zawr governorates) have experienced severe shortages of agricultural seeds needed for planting in the upcoming season, which is critical to restoring the production cycle and providing households with a source of income. The herders have lost much of their productive capital. The reduced availability of animal feed in the markets and the loss of pasture grazing opportunities have caused a rise in animal mortality and a reduction in fertility rates. Accordingly, many herders have lost much of their productive capital and are at risk of losing their livelihoods.

The emergency provision of wheat and barley seed assistance to the most vulnerable drought-affected farmers will offset the current depletion of stocks and enable planting in the upcoming agricultural season. The priority areas should be Ar Raqqah, Dayr az Zawr and Al Hasakah provinces, where rain-fed crops have been most affected by the drought. Support to the livestock sector has to balance the humanitarian aspects of alleviating the immediate threat to the livelihoods of the most vulnerable livestock-owning families with the broader ecological and environmental implications of maintaining unsustainable sheep numbers.

Taken the effects of climate change, future droughts in the region extending from north-eastern Syria to central Iran are increasingly likely. In view of increasing population and limitations in agricultural production, diversification of livelihoods through a creation of jobs and micro-businesses in non-agricultural sectors will support a longer-term development of this region. These measures, implemented as supplementary to FAO projects aimed at re-starting agricultural production, have an added value of stabilising the population and arresting, at least to some extent, an outward migration to urban areas. It is expected that livelihood diversification measures will benefit predominantly small, subsistence farmers and small-scale herders who substitute their income with casual work or other low-paid jobs and were most affected during the current drought. In addition to creation of non-

5 According to the OECD statistics, development aid to Syria totalled $77.9 million in 2005 and $116 million in 2006. ? In the recent years, FAO implemented several Syria-specific and regional programmes in the agriculture sector valued $12 million and $14, respectively. ?

Projects in Syria focused on technical assistance, improved water management, rehabilitation of wildlife reserves and pastures, fisheries and livestock (sheep production).

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agricultural jobs in services, trade and small-scale production, these measures should support small on-farm food processing to increase farmers’ and herders’ value added.

Food SectorDrought has affected the food consumption of herders and farmers, the principal livelihood groups in the region. The majority of herders in the Badia region with a limited livestock and farmers relying on rain-fed agriculture in settlement zone 4 will be unable to access adequate food over the next months: the number of meals as well as the range of foods will be drastically reduced. This is especially the case for herders: they will have to cover the rising costs of fodder and have limited income sources as they can not rely on possible labour opportunities in urban areas.

As food insecurity for the majority of herders can be considered as transitory, food assistance might prevent the destruction of livelihoods during the upcoming months. The overall objective of food aid to herders in the most affected areas of Al Hasakah, Dayr az Zawr, Halab (Aleppo), Hamah, Hims and Ar Raqqah is to support the Government’s efforts to restore self-reliance, reduce the distress sale of animals, migration and the use of other high damaging coping strategies. Food assistance will contribute to the households’ own efforts to ensure minimum energy and dietary requirements.

Food assistance needs to be mobilised urgently to sustain affected households during the coming six months. An analysis of wealth groups based on income and expenditure structures and coping strategies has shown that the most vulnerable population group in need of relief assistance are herders with less than 100 heads, totalling about 40,000 families. While conditions are expected to improve in January with the winter rains providing new grazing areas for the animals, the drought affected households will require at least two more months to recover and stabilise their livelihoods.

Water and Sanitation SectorThe north-eastern and Badia regions of Syria are affected by compounded decrease in groundwater and surface water levels. Pressure on Syria’s water resources has grown in the recent years due to water scarcity, climate change, increased urbanisation and agricultural production. In March 2008, water flow in the Euphrates has decreased by approx. 25% compared with average levels. Water storage capacity in the steppe was only 17.2% of the total capacity. Some wells have dried up because of low precipitation, particularly in the north-east of Syria.

Governorate Pipe into dwelling Protected well Tanker truckAl Hasakah 50.2 % 8.8 % 29.4 %Hamah 86.8 % 4.2 % 1.7 %Ar Raqqah 79.5 % 0.6 % 7.3 %Urban 91.3 % 0.7 % 6.2 %Rural 61.9 % 8.6 % 17.9 %

Table 4: Baseline of use of main improved water sources (UNICEF MICS 2006)

Rural populations that rely on local wells have been most affected. In some areas, water production has fallen to ten litres/person/day (lpd), in comparison to 20 lpd established as minimal requirement in humanitarian emergencies (Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response [SPHERE]) and 125 lpd being an average norm for rural areas. For instance, Al Salamiyah district in Hamah governorate depends solely on water from 1,100 deep wells, whose yield have decreased from 300 m3/day in 2000 through 100 m3/day in 2006 to 20 m3/day in 2008. As a result, 300,000 inhabitants are facing severe water shortages. Al Hasakah governorate is also experiencing the impact of the drought as a result of a fall in water levels in rivers, lakes and dams. 90% of the rural population of Ar Raqqah governorate has been affected by the drought and provision of drinking water for humans and livestock has become the most urgent problem. The Government delivers drinking water to some villages, but the price of this water has also risen sharply in the past year. Scarcity of water has pushed many villagers to migrate to less water-stressed urban areas, putting additional strain on their public services.

Health SectorIn Hamah, Ar Raqqah and Al Hasakah governorates, where the drought is most severe, the health authorities reported a marked increase in anaemia, malnutrition and diarrhoea among under-five children and pregnant women, compared to the same period in 2007. In addition, the prevalence of acute respiratory infections (ARI), brucellosis, typhoid, bloody diarrhoea, and dermatitis diseases has increased in the drought-affected areas. All resulted from low immunisation coverage, scarcity and bad quality of drinking water, decreased animal production, low yield of agricultural crops and shortage

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of household financial resources. Water-borne diseases are expected to continue to rise because of shortage of drinking water.

In addition, although the Government provides primary health care services free of charge, access remains limited as many, living in scattered manner, still have to pay transport costs. Some areas can be reached only through mobile teams. In other areas, the health needs of the drought-affected population are, besides access to essential mother and child health care services, the control of communicable and non-communicable disease. Unless there are immediate actions to improve the health and nutrition status of the vulnerable groups in the drought-affected areas, the situation might get worse and the morbidity and mortality rates will increase.

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3. STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE

The Syria Drought Appeal is based on three strategic priorities, identified by the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) based on the request submitted by the Government of Syria and the findings of the UN drought assessment:

1. Safeguard the livelihoods of the most vulnerable farmers and herders in the drought-impacted region and enable them to restart agricultural production and populate their herds by provision of seeds, fodder and veterinary assistance; this will be supplemented by a supporting diversification of livelihoods and creation of income sources in non-agriculture sectors;

2. Prevent further increase in malnutrition and recourse to negative coping strategies, including sale of assets, withdrawing children from school or distress migration, by providing food assistance to food-insecure households;

3. Strengthen nutrition surveillance and prevent the outbreak of communicable diseases;4. Conduct an in-depth assessment of livelihoods and health/nutrition situation during the lean period

between September 2008 and May 2009 in view of providing additional assistance and recommending durable solutions in view of recurrent drought and depleting water resources.

Priority areas for the Syria Drought Appeal are: Rural Damascus, Hims, Hamah, Ar Raqqah, Dayr az Zawr and Al Hasakah Governorates. Taken the wide extent of the drought, the assistance provided by the UN will be focused on the most vulnerable families: 50,000 farmers and 10,000 herders to benefit from agricultural assistance, while up to 40,000 food-insecure families are to receive food assistance. Projects in the Health and Water and Sanitation and livelihood Sectors will supplement these direct assistance inputs by improving the health and nutrition status of children and undertaking targeted actions to improve water supply.

Due to the fact that farmers require assistance for approximately nine months (from September to May) and herders for about six months (September to February), the timeline of this Appeal has been set for six months (October 2008 – March 2009)

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4. RESPONSE PLANS

4.1. AGRICULTURE AND LIVELIHOODS

Lead: FAOPartners: UNDP, MoA and Agrarian Reform, other NGO partners

Situation AnalysisThe persistence of drought conditions during the 2007/2008 winter growing season has had a severe impact on the livelihoods and food security of both farmers and herders. Overall, wheat production has nearly halved compared to the 2006/2007 harvest while the 2007/2008 barley production was a mere one third of that produced in the previous year. The impact of the drought, however, has been particularly severe on rain-fed wheat and barley producers. Rain-fed wheat production dropped by 82% in 2007/2008, compared to the previous year, and totally zero was harvested of barley across most of the rain-fed region. The Inter-Agency Drought Assessment Mission estimates that up to 206,000 farming households have been negatively affected, with 150,000 households having zero crop production, and are in need of emergency assistance.

The reduced availability of barley and straw – vital components of animal daily food requirements, no pasture grazing opportunity and a 75% increase in animal feed prices has had a drastic impact on Syrian livestock as well. As ewe and young stock mortality rate rose by up to 50% and mating rates decreased by up to 70%, herders increasingly slaughtered their livestock and sold them at 20% of pre - drought prices. The Drought Assessment Mission estimates that – of the 125,375 families working in sheep production – 50,000 herders are in need of emergency assistance.

Moreover, the impact of the drought extends beyond the farming and herding communities to other members of the general population as the reduced supply of cereals in Syrian markets exerts upward pressure on the price of cereals and their derivatives. By May 2008, the Syrian Bread and Cereals Price Index had increased by 27% compared to January 2008 prices – nearly double the increase in global prices measured by the FAO Cereals Price Index. Rising food prices pose a significant threat to the food security of many vulnerable groups such as landless rural daily wage earners and the urban poor.

Taken the impact of the climate change across the Middle East and increasing population of north-eastern Syria, availability of arable land, water and income from agriculture are expected to be increasingly under strain in the years to come. Therefore it is necessary to support diversification of livelihoods and local economy of the three affected Governorates in order to allow small-scale farmers to obtain supplementary income from non-agriculture trades.

ObjectivesSupport the livelihoods and food security of the most destitute drought-affected farmers and herders and mitigate the associated rise in food prices through: ensuring access of farmers in rain-fed areas to local varieties of drought-resistant wheat and

barley seeds for the 2008/2009 cropping season; sustaining the asset base of vulnerable small-scale herders through the provision of animal

feed; supporting creation of new income sources for most vulnerable farmers and herders, particularly

in non-agriculture sectors.

StrategyFAO, in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform (MAAR) and other NGO partners will assist up to 30,000 destitute farmers in the most affected areas with special focus given to those in the north-eastern governorates of Ar Raqqah, Dayr az Zawr and Al Hasakah. Each beneficiary farmer will receive 300 kgs of high quality local variety wheat and barley seeds, thus enabling the cultivation of 60,000 hectares of land (an average of two hectares per beneficiary farmer). The beneficiary farmers will be selected from those who have completely lost their harvest due to the drought in the three governorates and possess less than ten hectares. It is expected that the remaining affected farmers will be supported by the MAAR.

Accordingly, the provided seeds are expected to produce a total of 36,000 MTs of wheat and 18,000 MTs of barley. The produced quantities are sufficient to cover the consumption needs of the beneficiary households of wheat (estimated at 170 kgs and 35 kgs per capita per annum for wheat and barley, respectively) and produce a surplus of 380 kgs of barley per beneficiary household. The

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surplus could be sold on the market to generate a minimum of $230 of supplementary income per beneficiary farmer. The sale of the surplus is also hoped to contribute to the stability of local food prices.

Moreover, FAO will assist up to 10,000 herders in the Syrian Badia (Agro-Climatic zones 4&5) through the provision of 500 g/head/day of animal feed for the duration of two months, offering support for up to ten heads per beneficiary herder. The proposed ration is sufficient to maintain the herders’ livestock until the rainy season starts and grazing pastures regenerate. This assistance will protect the fragile livelihoods of the targeted herders through protection of their vital asset base.

This comprehensive assistance will be complemented by UNDP project supporting creation of new jobs and alternative income sources to allow most vulnerable farmers and herders to diversify their livelihoods. This support is particularly important to small-scale, subsistence farmers and herders who have been worst affected by the current drought and whose livelihoods could be under repeated strain in case of a new rain failure. Livelihood diversification measures would include provision of micro-grants, in-kind support (tool kits) and vocational training, supporting setting-up of family-owned businesses in non-agriculture trades (small-scale production, trade, services), or in supporting on-farm food processing and marketing to increase farmers’ and herders’ income (cheese production, etc.). These measures will feed into larger poverty-eradication policies and strengthen resilience of the population of north-eastern Syria in case of new climate-related natural disasters.

Expected Outputs Distribution of 9,000 MTs of high quality local variety wheat and barley seeds to 30,000

vulnerable farming households on time for the 2008/2009 planting season; Distribution of 500 g/head/day of animal feed for to 10,000 small-scale herders supporting up to

ten animals per herder for the duration of two months; Micro-grants each for the average amount of $800/grant distributed to 5,000 most severely

affected small scale farmers and herders to implement non-agricultural activities; Business skills of the most vulnerable farmers and herders developed to support establishment of

small enterprises, creation of new jobs in non-agriculture trades (small-scale production, trade, services); and on-farm food processing and marketing.

Organisation Agriculture and Livelihood $

FAO

SYR-08/A01

Project Title: Emergency Response to Support Livelihoods and Food Security of the Destitute Farmers in the North-Eastern Governorates in Syria

Objective: Ensured access to the minimum required wheat and barley seeds on time for the 2008/2009 planting seasonBeneficiaries: 30,000 small scale farmersPartners: MAAR and UNRWA

6,840,000

Less CERF commitment:

750,070

Net requirements: 6,089,930

FAO

SYR-08/A02

Project Title: Emergency Response to Support Livelihoods and Food Security of the Destitute Small Herders in the North-Eastern Governorates and the Badia

Objective: Ensured access to 500 g/head/day of animal feed for the duration of two months Beneficiaries: 10,000 small-scale herdersPartners: MAAR and UNRWA

2,520,000

UNDP

SYR-08/A03

Project Title: Support Livelihoods in the Drought-impacted Areas in the North-Eastern Region

Objective: Provide skills and income support to the most vulnerable communities in the drought-impacted areas in the north-eastern region Beneficiaries: 5,000 most severely affected small-scale farmers (25,000 beneficiary household members)Partners: Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform, State Planning Commission

4,815,000

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4.2. COORDINATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES

Lead: UNDP/ Office of the UN Resident CoordinatorPartners: UNICEF, UNRWA, WFP, WHO, MAAR, State Planning Commission.

Situation AnalysisThe UN Inter-Agency Drought Assessment Mission visited drought-affected governorates of north-eastern Syria 11 to 25 August 2008 and its findings confirmed the gravity of the situation where the impact on the ground seemed considerably worse than the initial estimates of FAO and the Syrian Government.

Continuous prevalence of erratic rainfall has caused the September 2008 crops also to fail considerably, contributing to extended strain on farmers’ livelihoods. As a result, in the coming months the levels of livelihood deprivation, malnutrition and school drop-out, all being result of the drought, may increase further. This can be further stimulated by globally soaring food prices and the resulting increase in poverty both globally, as well as in certain rural areas of Syria. Strain on resources is compounded by population movements, both from rural areas to urban centres in search of work and in an opposite direction. For example, many Iraqi refugees, already accounting to some 6% of Syria’s population, are migrating to rural areas seeking cheaper cost of living.

These economic and humanitarian factors in turn will require the UN to re-adjust its programmes in the short as well as the mid-term to support the affected communities and supplement the efforts undertaken by the Government of Syria. In response to the official request of the Syrian Government, the UNCT will conduct an in-depth drought impact study, covering a range of aspects including, agriculture and livestock, food security, nutrition and health standards, water and sanitation, as well as livelihood in general and increasing vulnerability of the poor. The purpose of the study is to evaluate immediate assistance delivered through this Appeal and devise durable solutions that will mitigate the impact of similar sever crises in the future.

Objectives Under the overall leadership of the Resident Coordinator, and with the support of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and UNDP, an inter-agency Drought Impact Study will be conducted to measure the required immediate and mid-term assistance in areas impacted by the draught and to recommend sustainable solutions that will mitigate the severity of similar crises in the future, including: evaluation of immediate to mid-term assistance needed in areas of agriculture (crop production

and livestock); food security; health; water and education in affected areas; identification of required adjustment of UN humanitarian and development programmes (review

of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework [UNDAF]) in view of devising sustainable solutions that will mitigate the impact of similar droughts and supplementing the efforts undertaken by the Government;

setting of a coordination structure of all stakeholders to best position the UN in addressing deteriorating living conditions of vulnerable communities.

Strategy UN inter-agency team comprising of UN experts and concerned national and international counterparts will conduct a situation analysis and sample household survey to assess the current vulnerability of affected population and present recommendations on required actions and UN programme adjustments over a period of a period of three months.

Expected Outputs An estimate of immediate to mid-term assistance needed to agricultural activities, increase food

security; avert health deterioration; better management of water resources and improvement in living conditions of vulnerable communities;

A comprehensive review of UN humanitarian and development programmes will be done by the mid-term of this Appeal, which may result in relevant programme adjustments to meet the needs as effectively as possible;

Identification of sustainable long-term solutions that will mitigate the impact of similar droughts and supplementing the efforts undertaken by the Government.

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Organisation Coordination and Support Services $

UNDP

SYR-08/CSS01

Project Title: Drought Impact Study

Objective: Measure the required immediate and mid-term assistance in areas impacted by the draught and to recommend sustainable solutions that will mitigate the severity of similar crises in the futureBeneficiaries: Approximately one million drought impacted populationPartners: MAAR, State Planning Commission, and Central Bureau of Statistics

90,000

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4.3. FOOD

Lead: World Food Programme (WFP)

Situation AnalysisIn the winter of 2007/8 the rural population of Syria was hit by two concurrent major shocks: the worst drought in four decades and a dramatic price increase of basic food commodities over a short period of time. The drought had a serious effect on crop and livestock production, natural vegetation and consequently the livelihoods of herders and farmers in the rural areas.

The impact is very severe on the livelihood of herders, who had to sell more than half of their livestock at depressed market prices to ensure fodder and survival for the rest. As a result, the majority of herders in the rangelands with less than 100 animals will be unable to access adequate food over the next months without adopting damaging coping strategies. The sharp rise in price of cereals and other main food items following the global trend, the decrease in government subsidies of food items and gasoline, and water shortages constitute an additional constraint in accessing food. In response to the shock high damaging responses were adopted as the sale of livestock, and credit from money lenders.

The reduction of food consumption has been one of the main coping strategies used in response to the multiple shocks: the number of daily meals taken by adults has dropped to two, only children continue eating three times a day, and the size of meals is much smaller than it used to be. The range of foods consumed is significantly narrower than in the same season in previous years: bread and rice are being supplanted by less preferred foods such as barley. People have reduced or eliminated essential protein-rich foods from their diet such as meat and dairy products.

The vulnerability of the affected population groups will increase over the upcoming months. The permanent destruction of livelihoods will ultimately lead to distress migration. Migration to major cities will affect the already strained urban infrastructure and open the potential for regional instability.

Objectives The specific objectives of WFP assistance to drought affected herders will be the following: Provide food to 40,000 herding families whose traditional coping mechanisms proved to be

unsustainable; Decrease the destruction of livelihoods of herders, preserve their assets, prevent further

massive migration to urban centres and prevent a further reduction in food consumption levels; Increased capacity to identify food needs, develop strategies and carry out food or voucher

based programmes.

Strategy This emergency operation will provide food assistance to 40,000 herders and their families through targeted food distribution during 6 months. Herders with less than 100 heads will be the primary beneficiaries of this operation. While conditions are expected to improve in January with the winter rains providing new grazing areas for the animals, the drought affected households will require at least two more months to recover and stabilise their livelihoods. The operation will be carried out through targeted food distribution and with a voucher pilot component. Should the voucher pilot prove feasible, this will be expanded through a budget revision.

The WFP food ration will consist of one bag of wheat flour of 50 kgs per beneficiary, i.e. 250 kgs per family for six months. In the voucher pilot, WFP will allocate vouchers of approximately $30 cash value per beneficiary for the total duration of the operation. This amount corresponds to the cash value of the 50 kgs wheat flour food ration. Beneficiaries can use these vouchers to obtain a wide range of food commodities, such as cereals, meat, vegetables, milk, fruits and canned food through government shops. The voucher system will also contribute to government capacity building in addressing food insecurity.

Expected OutputThe expected output of the operation is the timely provision of 50 kgs wheat flour food rations or vouchers of the same cash value to the identified 200,000 beneficiaries in the targeted areas affected by drought (Al Hasakah, Dayr az Zawr, Halab (Aleppo), Hamah, Hims and Ar Raqqah).

Organisation Food Security $WFP Project Title: Emergency Food Assistance to Victims of Drought 5,246,570

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EMOP 10778.0

SYR-08/F01

Objective: Increased ability to meet food needs within targeted households; Reduced recourse to negative coping strategies, Capacity building of the Government to ensure food securityBeneficiaries: 40,000 herders and their families (200,000 beneficiaries) in the drought affected areas of SyriaPartners: State Planning Commission, MoA, General Commission of the Badia, General Establishment for Storing and Marketing Agriculture and Animal Products (GESMAA)

Less CERF commitment:

965,001

Net requirements: 4,281,569

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4.4. HEALTH AND NUTRITION

Lead: World Health Organization (WHO) Partner: United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF)

Situation AnalysisThe recent drought that affected the Syrian Arab Republic has persisted throughout the winter growing season and it is considered the worst drought in the last four decades. It has seriously affected the livelihoods of local communities especially in the north-east region and the Badia.

The scarcity of drinking water, decreased animal production, low yield of agricultural crops and shortage of household financial resources had negative impact on health of the local communities. The data available provided by the health authorities on health in drought-affected areas indicate that there was a marked increase in the cases of malnourished and diarrhoeal diseases among children under-five (the cases of malnourished children under-five increased from 89,403 in 2007 to 114,649 cases in 2008; the cases of diarrhoeal diseases among children under-five in Al Hasakah governorate increased from 18,394 in the first six months of 2007 to 24,230 in the same period of 2008). Anaemia was also prevalent among children and women in the child bearing age (cases among children and women in the child bearing age increased from 57,401 in the first six months of 2007 to 78,620 in the same period of 2008). As measles is strongly associated with severe malnutrition, statistics revealed that the measles immunisation coverage in some districts in the affected areas was 50% - 60%. The drought-affected areas are far to reach communities as they reside in small villages in a scattered manner and have nomadic populations (e.g. Gezira and Badia) that can only be reached through mobile service teams.

Objectives Reduce the morbidity and mortality of acute malnutrition among children through supporting

therapeutic community and institutional feeding; Protect children in drought-affected areas through measles immunisation campaigns and

distribution of vitamin A; Strengthen the nutrition and disease surveillance system; Prevent and manage anaemia among pregnant and lactating mothers through provision of iron

and folic acid tablets; Raise the awareness of the vulnerable groups through conducting health education and

awareness campaigns and distribution of educational materials.

Strategy The focus will be on supporting local and national MoH and NGOs to establish mobile teams to conduct immunisation campaigns and distribution of vitamin A, targeting 200,000 children under-five. The health facilities will be provided with iron and folic acid tablets to be distributed to the women in child bearing age especially the pregnant and lactating to prevent the complications of anaemia. Health workers will be further trained in proper growth monitoring, diagnosis and management of malnourished children as well as documenting and monitoring the cases to improve the nutrition surveillance system.

Expected OutputsReduced morbidity and mortality related to malnutrition among the vulnerable groups in the drought-affected areas (north east governorates and Badia of Syria).

Organisation Health and Nutrition $

WHO

SYR-08/H01

Project Title: Improving health and nutrition status in the drought affected areas.

Objective: Decrease the avoidable morbidities and mortalities due to malnutrition among vulnerable groups (children under-five and women in the child bearing age)Beneficiaries: 200,000 children under-five and 40,000 women in the child bearing age in the drought-affected areas (north east governorates and Badia of SyriaPartners: UNICEF, MoH

128,500

4.5. WATER AND SANITATION

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Situation Analysis Poor rainfall, decreased flow of rivers and decreasing ground water table has resulted in widespread water scarcity in large areas of north-eastern Syria. It is exacerbated by use of ground and river water for irrigation purposes; at the same time water levels of rivers, lakes and dams have also dropped considerably. Rural populations that rely on production of water from their own wells are mostly affected by drought. In some areas production of potable water has decreased to the level of ten litre per capita per day while the average norm for rural areas is 125 litre/capita/day. As a result, majority of rural populations buy drinking water or tankered it from close-by available water sources.

Drought conditions also influenced water quality. Water sources in many communities became polluted and trucking or buying of potable water became necessary. The groundwater is often polluted, showing high rates of nitrates and calcium, as the water table has decreased due to the drought. In result, both farmers and herders are spending increasing proportions of their income to buy drinking water.

To mitigate the impact of drought, long-term strategic investments are required to ensure the Government's ability to supply safe drinking water. This often involve construction of dams and reservoirs, water mains and connections between communities, irrigation canals, creation of new groundwater supplies, construction of water treatment plants and other large-scale projects. Such schemes are designed to increase total quantities and the reliability of water supplies, and improve produced water quality. These projects require massive financial investment and long-term planning. UN assistance to drought affected regions should be sustainable and, as such, should complement the Government's capital investment in Water Sector.

Objectives Improve sustainable access to safe drinking water through supplementing district capacity for

water treatment and purification; Water-borne diseases averted through enhanced access to safe drinking water in Al-Saan area,

Al Salamiyah district, and Hamah governorate.

Strategy Activities foreseen under this Appeal will focus on the Al Salamiyah district of Hamah governorate, where local water authorities explored alternative water resources in the region and found adequate quantities of water at the 600m below the surface level. While the quantities of underground water are sufficient for the whole district (have five such wells, each produces 100 m3 of potable water in hour), the quality of water is not acceptable for drinking purposes in terms of contamination with nitrates, sulphates, dissolved solids, iron. Water treatment and purification units are required to make underground water potable. Therefore assistance will be provided in the form of Reverse Osmosis (RO) units that could purify the water and therefore improve the water security of the local population (approx. 30,000 people).

Expected Outputs Increased availability of potable water for human consumption; Appropriate water quality monitoring and management systems at the governorate and district

levels (from the catchments areas to the customer); Ability of these systems to identify and address potential problems in the water treatment and

delivery processes; Risk assessment of treatment processes to ensure continuous maintenance of water quality; Reduced need to use income to purchase water.

Organisation Water $

UNICEF

SYR-08/WS01

Project Title: Provide sustainable access to clean drinking water to 30,000 in drought affected areas, Al Salamiyah district, Hamah Governorate

Objectives: 30,000 people given sustainable access to safe drinking water; district capacity for water treatment supplemented; water-borne diseases averted through enhanced access to safe drinking waterBeneficiaries: 30,000 people, including 5,400 under-five childrenPartners: General institution for Water and Sanitation, Hamah Governorate and Ministry of Housing and Reconstruction

588,500

Less CERF commitment:

251,450

Net requirements: 337,050

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TABLE III. LIST OF PROJECTS (GROUPED BY SECTOR)

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5. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall leadership and coordination of the Resident Coordinator, the sector leads will take full responsibility for coordinating and implementing the sector-related activities by organising regular meetings, ensuring data collection, and providing all partners with timely information on the latest sectoral developments. Close cooperation with the Government of Syria has ensured that the overall Drought Appeal strategy is fully in line with and complementary to the emergency response plan of the Government. Regular meetings will take place with all counterparts in the Government and other partners in the humanitarian community to avoid any overlaps or identify possible gaps.

The focal point within the Government for the humanitarian community to liaise with on a frequent basis is the MAAR, which is responsible for bringing line ministries together and for coordinating the Government’s response. The Ministry of Agriculture will also be the main point of entry for discussions with the Government on the development of further national assistance and recovery plans.

The above-mentioned coordination mechanisms will ensure the establishment of a common understanding of the drought’s impact, and will provide opportunities to explore likely response options and geographic action areas, to maximise resources, reach those affected by the drought, and ensure complementarities and cost effectiveness in the response. Consultations are continuing on joint targeting issues to ensure uniformity in selection criteria, methodology and the generation of a single consolidated list for all households needing assistance.

The sectors and the responsible sector leads as identified during the elaboration of the flash appeal are the following:

Sector Sector LeadAgriculture and Livelihoods FAOCoordination and Support Services UNDP/ Office of the UN Resident CoordinatorFood WFPHealth and Nutrition WHOWater and Sanitation UNICEF

The refugee-related component of the Iraq CAP 2009, currently being developed by the UN in the countries hosting Iraqi refugees, including Syria, has no relation to the drought-related needs as it is almost entirely refugee-focused. Iraqi refugees do not constitute a separate group of beneficiaries under this Drought Appeal, as they are predominantly concentrated in the urban areas of Damascus and western Syria.

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ANNEX I.

PLANTED AREA, PRODUCTIVITY AND PRODUCTION FOR CEREAL AND LEGUME CROPS FOR THE 2006/07 AND 2007/08 CROPPING SEASONS

Parameters Cropping season 2006/07

Cropping season 2007/08

Percent compared with 2006/07

Wheat productionIrrigated areaPlanted area (ha) 791 358 730 334 92.2Yield (kg/ha) 3 955 2 701 68.3Production (tonnes) 3 130 010 1 972 902 62.9Rainfed areaPlanted area (ha) 876 374 755 657 86.2Yield (kg/ha) 1,040 220 21.2Production (tonnes) 911,090 166 398 18.3Total wheat production (tonnes) 4 041 100 2 139 300 52.9Barley productionIrrigated areaPlanted area (ha) 63 428 82 752 +30.4Yield (kg/ha) 2 215 1 079 48.7Production (tonnes) 140 508 89 269 63.5Rainfed areaPlanted area (ha) 1 299 345 1 350 463 +3.9Yield (kg/ha) 496 127 25.6Production (tonnes) 643 971 171 861 26.7Total barley production (tonnes) 784 479 261 130 33.3Lentil productionIrrigated areaPlanted area (ha) 2 571 1 983 77.1Yield (kg/ha) 1 098 1 166 +6.2Production (tonnes) 2 823 2 259 80Rainfed areaPlanted area (ha) 14 6571 133 802 91.3Yield (kg/ha) 725 238 32.8Production (tonnes) 106 210 31 857 30Total lentil production (tonnes) 109 033 34 116 39.5Chickpea productionIrrigated areaPlanted area (ha) 1 647 3 193 +93.9Yield (kg/ha) 1 531 1 630 +6.5Production (tonnes) 2 521 5 203 +6.4Rainfed areaPlanted area (ha) 83 943 72 400 86.2Yield (kg/ha) 566 312 55.1Production (tonnes) 47 523 22 569 47.5Total chickpea production (tonnes) 50 044 27 772 55.5

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ANNEX II.

COMPARATIVE ESTIMATION OF LIVESTOCK STATUS IN 2006/2007 AND 2007/2008 SEASONS

Parameter 2006 / 2007 2007/2008

Body weight (kg)

Adult ewes 40 – 50 30 – 35

Birth weight 4 – 4.5 2.5 – 3

Fattened lamb 40 – 50 ---

Unfattened lamb --- 15 – 18

Milk yield (kg)Sold milk 80 – 100 0 – 10

For family 15 – 20 0 – 10

Culling for slaughtering (%)

Adult ewes 15 – 20 50 – 100

Young females 5 – 10 80 – 100

Young lambs 0 – 5 80 – 100

Mortality (%)Adult ewes 5 – 10 25 – 30

Young stock 5 – 10 40 – 50

Lambing rate (%) 60 – 70 45 – 50

Mating rate (%) 70 – 80 10 – 20

Twining rate (%) 5 – 8 0

Live animals prices (SYP)

Adult ewes 5,000 – 6 000 1,200 – 1,500

Fattened lambs 4,000 – 5 000 0

Unfattened lambs 0 500 – 1,200

Feeds prices (SYP)

Barley 12 - 14 18 – 20

Cotton seed meal 12 - 14 15 – 18

Straw (barley/wheat) 13 – 15 20 - 22

Rental of 1 ha of harvested land 3,000 – 4,000 8,000 – 10,000

Grazing period on the rangelands (day) 50 – 60 0

Cost of transportation (SYP) 20,000 38,000

Grazing protected conservation Reserves (day/ year) 120 0

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ANNEX III.

PROJECT SUMMARIES

Appealing Agency FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION (FAO)Project Title Emergency Response to Support Livelihoods and Food Security of

the Destitute Farmers in the North-Eastern Governorates in SyriaProject Code SYR-08/A01Sector Agriculture and LivelihoodObjective Ensure drought-affected farmers’ access to the minimum required

wheat and barley seeds on time for the 2008/2009 planting seasonBeneficiaries TOTAL: 210,000 beneficiary household members of 30,000

destitute small scale wheat and barley farmers (including 84,000 children and 64,260 women).

Implementing Partners MAAR, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)

Project Duration October 2008 – July 2009Total Project Budget $6,840,000

NeedsDrought conditions during the 2007/2008 winter growing season negatively impacted the production of wheat and barley for farmers in agro-climatic zones 3 and 4 with the most severe impact being in the north eastern governorates of Ar Raqqah, Dayr az Zawr and Al Hasakah. The FAO-led Drought Assessment Mission asserts that of the 206,000 affected farmers; approximately 150,000 farmers have experiences a near total loss of harvest.

Total loss of harvest is especially drastic for small scale farmers and significantly threatens their food security livelihoods as they are rendered unable to ensure the seeds necessary to participate in the 2008/2009 winter growing season.

Accordingly, to ensure the farmers’ minimum consumption requirements of wheat and barley and protect their livelihoods, distribution of wheat and barley seeds to the most destitute and small-scale farmers with less than ten hectares are necessary.

Activities Selection of 30,000 beneficiary farmers according to identified socio-economic and asset

ownership criteria in coordination with MAAR. Procurement, delivery and distribution of 9,000 MTs of wheat and barley seeds to the selected

beneficiaries.

The seeds distributed will be drought resistant, therefore maximising yield in case there is drought or limited rainfall continues in the winter season of 2008/2009.

OutcomesIt is expected that the successful implementation of the proposed project will ensure the food security of the beneficiary farmers and their households and provide vital support to their livelihoods. Specifically, it is expected that, after harvest, their entire consumption needs of wheat and barley for one year will be satisfied and each household will generate a minimum supplementary income of $230 per beneficiary farmer.

FINANCIAL SUMMARYBudget Items $

Staff costs 90,000Inputs costs 6,090,000Administration costs 660,000TOTAL 6,840,000

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Appealing Agency FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION (FAO)Project Title Emergency Response to Support Livelihoods and Food Security of

the Destitute Small Herders in the North-Eastern Governorates and the Badia

Project Code SYR-08/A02Sector Agriculture and LivelihoodObjective Sustaining the asset base of vulnerable small-scale herders

through the provision of animal feedBeneficiaries TOTAL: 70,000 beneficiary household members of 10,000 destitute

small scale herders (including 28,000 children and 21,420 women) Implementing Partners MAAR, UNRWA Project Duration October 2008 – April 2009Total Project Budget $2,520,000

NeedsThe drought conditions during the 2007/2008 winter growing season and the associated reduction in availability of viable grazing pastures as well as necessary inputs for animal feed such as barley and straw has had a remarkably severe impact on the food security status of small scale herders and poses a serious threat to their livelihoods.

The recently conducted Drought Assessment Mission revealed that livestock mortality rates increased by 50% and mating rates decreased by 70%. This seriously diminished the herders’ most vital asset base as many have resorted to slaughtering their livestock and selling them at nearly 20% of pre-drought prices.

Accordingly, to protect the remaining assets of 10,000 of the most destitute small-scale herders and special vulnerable groups and support the continuity of their livelihoods, distribution of sufficient animal feed (500g/head/day) required to cover the daily consumption needs of up to ten heads for a period of two months is necessary.

Activities Selection of beneficiary herders according to identified socio-economic and asset ownership

criteria in coordination with MAAR. Procurement, delivery and distribution of 3,000 MTs of animal feed to the selected beneficiaries.

OutcomesIt is expected that the successful implementation of the proposed project will protect the livelihoods of the beneficiary herders and contribute to the food security of their households. Specifically, it is expected that the provision of the animal feed for a period of two months will cover the consumption needs of up to ten heads and maintain the livestock till the rainy season commences and the rangeland vegetation is regenerated and pasture grazing becomes possible.

FINANCIAL SUMMARYBudget Items $

Staff costs 50,000Inputs costs 2,190,000Administration costs 280,000TOTAL 2,520,000

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Appealing Agency UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (UNDP)Project Title Support Livelihoods in the Drought-impacted Areas in the north-

Eastern RegionProject Code SYR-08/A03Sector Agriculture and LivelihoodObjective Provide skills and income support to the most vulnerable

communities in the drought-impacted areas in the North-Eastern Region

Beneficiaries TOTAL: 5,000 most severely affected small-scale farmers (25,000 beneficiary household members)

Implementing Partners MAAR, Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, and the State Planning Commission

Project Duration November 2008 – March 2009Total Project Budget $4,815,000

NeedsIn regions where it has had the greatest impact, the recent drought has resulted in a significant deterioration of living conditions of the communities, particularly farmers and herders, and their families. Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide the most vulnerable groups among the drought-impacted communities with a temporary income support scheme and equip them with new skills that would result in reducing their vulnerability in the future should similar incidents occur. .

Activities Select 5,000 farmers and herders in the north-eastern region who were most severely affected

by the drought according to criteria set in coordination with both the State Planning Commission (Standards of Living Map) and the MAAR (asset ownership criteria).

Design and implement an income support micro-grant scheme for the selected groups, including the following components: provision of micro-grants linked to specific business skills and in-kind support to support

establishment of small enterprises, creation of new jobs and on-farm income sources (food processing and marketing);

development of a referral system to refer the applicants to the loans scheme provided by the MoA in the north-eastern region that is also linked to the drought situation;

conduction of targeted and tailored vocational/business development training courses for vulnerable family members (males and females).

OutcomesThese activities combined would allow the most vulnerable families and affected groups with: a) an alternative source of income; and b) support their gradual transfer from agriculture to non-agriculture jobs and livelihood, thus strengthening their resilience in face of a new drought in the future. Together, these two outcomes are expected to reduce the economic factors lying behind the current out migration from many areas of north-eastern Syria.

FINANCIAL SUMMARYBudget Items $

Direct Project Costs (micro-grants, in-kind support, tool kits, etc.) 4,000,000Training cost, experts, 500,000Administration and project support costs 315,000TOTAL 4,815,000

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Appealing Agency UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (UNDP)Project Title Drought Impact StudyProject Code SYR-08/CSS01Sector Coordination and Support Services Objective Measure the required immediate and mid-term assistance in areas

impacted by the draught and recommend sustainable solutions that will mitigate the severity of similar crises in the future

Beneficiaries TOTAL: 210,000 beneficiary household, approx. one million people (Children: 84,000, Women: 64,260)

Implementing Partners MAAR, State Planning Commission, and Central Bureau of Statistics

Project Duration October 2008 – January 2009Total Project Budget $90,000

NeedsAn in-depth study is required to set an accurate estimate of immediate to mid-term assistance needed in areas of agricultural activities, food security; health; water management, and living conditions of drought impacted communities, to accordingly re-adjust UN humanitarian and development programmes, and identifying sustainable long-term solutions and government policies that will mitigate the impact of similar droughts in the future.

Activity

Conduct a situation analysis and sample household survey to assess the current vulnerability of affected population and present recommendations on required involvement and UN programme adjustments, over a period of a period of three months.

Outcome It is expected that the successful implementation of the proposed study will make the immediate

response to the needs of drought impacted areas efficient, well coordinated, and effectively targeted. The concluding recommendations are expected to improve the living conditions of the targeted population in the mid to long term, and better position both the UN and the Government in mitigating the impact of similar droughts and avert further deterioration of general living standards.

FINANCIAL SUMMARYBudget Items $

Specialised experts (five experts over three months) 75,000Travel and miscellaneous 10,000Operations and administration costs 5,000TOTAL 90,000

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Appealing Agency WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME (WFP)Project Title Emergency Food Assistance to the Victims of DroughtProject Code SYR-08/F01Sector FoodObjectives Provide food to 40,000 vulnerable herding families; decrease the

destruction of livelihoods of herders, preserve their assets, prevent further massive migration to urban centres and prevent a further reduction in food consumption levels; and increase the capacity of the Government to identify food needs, develop strategies and carry out food or voucher based programmes

Beneficiaries TOTAL: 40,000 households (200,000 beneficiaries)Girls under 5: 13,900; girls aged 5-18: 37,300; women: 48,800 (total female: 100,0000); boys under-five: 13,900; boys aged 5-18: 37,300; men: 48,800 (total male: 100,000)

Implementing Partners MAAR, General Commission of Badia, GESMAAProject Duration October 2008 – April 2009Total Project Budget $5,246,570

NeedsThe impact of the drought is very severe on the livelihood of herders, who had to sell more than half of their livestock at depressed market prices to ensure fodder and survival for the rest. As a result, the majority of herders in the rangelands with less than 100 animals will be unable to access adequate food over the next months without adopting damaging coping strategies. The sharp rise in price of cereals and other main food items following the global trend, the decrease in government subsidies of food items and gasoline, and water shortages constitute an additional constraint in accessing food. In response to the shock high damaging responses were adopted as the sale of livestock, credit from money lenders, and distress migration.

The reduction of food consumption has been one of the main strategies used to cope with the multiple shocks: the number of daily meals taken by adults has dropped to two, only children continue eating three times a day, and the size of meals is much smaller than it used to be. The range of foods consumed is significantly narrower than in the same season in previous years: bread and rice are being supplanted by less preferred foods such as barley. People have reduced or eliminated essential protein-rich foods from their diet such as meat and dairy products.

Activities This EMOP will provide food assistance to 40,000 herders and their families through targeted food distribution in the Badia region (Al Hasakah, Dayr az Zawr, Halab (Aleppo), Hamah, Hims and Ar Raqqah). Herders with less than 100 heads will be the primary beneficiaries of this operation. The operation will be carried out through targeted food distribution with a voucher pilot component. The WFP food ration will consist of one bag of wheat flour of 50 kgs per beneficiary, i.e. 250 kgs per family for six months. In the voucher pilot, WFP will allocate vouchers of approx. $30 per beneficiary for the total duration of the operation. This amount corresponds to the cash value of the 50 kgs wheat flour food ration. Beneficiaries can use these vouchers to obtain a wide range of food commodities, such as cereals, meat, vegetables, milk, fruits and canned food through government shops. The voucher system will also contribute to government capacity building in addressing food insecurity.

Outcomes Reduced distress sale of animals. Reduced distress migration and other high damaging coping strategies. Assured minimum energy and dietary requirements of households. Preservation of livelihoods for the upcoming season, restoration of self-reliance.

FINANCIAL SUMMARYBudget Items $

Direct operational costs (food commodities, cash, transport, consultant) 4,781,559 Direct support costs (staff, office costs, communication, vehicles) 121,777 Indirect support costs (7%) 343,234 TOTAL 5,246,570

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Appealing Agency WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) Project Title Improving Health and Nutrition Status in the Drought-Affected

Areas Project Code SYR-08/H01Sector HealthObjective Decrease the avoidable morbidities and moralities due to

malnutrition among under-five children and women in the child bearing age

Beneficiaries 200,000 children under-five and 40,000 women of child bearing age in the drought-affected areas

Implementing Partners UNICEF, MoHProject Duration October 2008 – April 2009Total Project Budget $128,500

NeedsThe data available on health in drought-affected areas indicate a marked increase in the cases of malnourished children under-five from 89,403 in 2007 to 114,649 cases in 2008. Also there is an increase in the cases of diarrhoeal diseases among children under-five; e.g. in Al Hasakah governorate the cases of diarrhoeal diseases increased from 18,394 in the first six months of 2007 to 24,230 in the same period of 2008. Anaemia cases among children and women in the child bearing age increased from 57,401 in the first six months of 2007 to 78,620 in the same period of 2008. The measles immunisation coverage in some districts in the affected areas was very low at a 50% - 60%. As measles is strongly associated with severe malnutrition, there is an urgent need to increase the measles immunisation coverage. Further, the vulnerable groups - especially women in childbearing age - need to be provided with micronutrient supplements to prevent further deterioration in their health and nutrition status. The drought-affected areas are characterised by existence of far to reach communities, who reside in small villages in scattered manner as well as have nomadic population who can only be reached through mobile service teams.

Activities Strengthen the nutrition surveillance, focusing on proper growth monitoring, providing

measurement devices and documentation. Measles immunisation and distribution of vitamin A to cover 200,000 under-five children. Support 40,000 women in child bearing age with iron and folic acid tablets. Conduct health education and awareness campaigns and distribute educational materials. Train 150 health workers in 50 health centres in the drought affected areas on proper growth

monitoring, diagnosis and management of malnourished children.UNICEF will directly contribute to the project by providing weighing scales, health education materials and iron and folic acid tablets. This does not need additional funding and UNICEF will use resources from its current regular program.

OutcomeReduced malnutrition-related mortality and morbidity among the vulnerable groups in the drought-affected areas (north east governorates and Badia of Syria).

Indicators Increased measles immunisation coverage to more than 80% for the targeted 200,000 children. Increased number of health services reporting malnutrition. Number of pregnant and lactating women receiving iron and folic acid.

FINANCIAL SUMMARYBudget Items $

Staff cost including a consultant 30,000Measles immunisation campaigns and distribution of vitamin A targeting 200,000 children under-five. 60,000

Training of 150 health workers in 50 health centres in the drought-affected areas on proper growth monitoring, diagnosis and management of malnourished children 20,000

Field operational and evaluation costs 10,000Administration and project support costs (7%) 8,500TOTAL 128,500

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Appealing Agency UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND (UNICEF)Project Title Provide Sustainable Access to Clean Drinking Water To 30,000

People in Drought-Affected Areas, Al Salamiyah District, Hamah Governorate

Project Code SYR-08/WS01Sector Water and SanitationObjectives 30,000 people given sustainable access to safe drinking water

through supplementing district capacity for water treatment and purification

Water borne diseases averted through enhanced access to safe drinking water in Al Saan area, Al Salamiyah district, and Hamah governorate

Beneficiaries TOTAL: 30,000 persons including: Under-five population: 5,400 Under-one population: 970 Women in child bearing age: 7,800 Pregnant women: 900

Implementing Partners General institution for Water and Sanitation, Hamah Governorate and Ministry of Housing and Reconstruction

Project Duration October 2008 – April 2009Total Project Budget $588,500

NeedsAl Salamiyah district of Hamah governorate solely depends on water from deep wells. It has approximately 1,100 wells (depth up to 50m). The current average water production of one well is approximately 20 m3 of potable water per day in comparison to 100 m3/day in 2006 and 300 m3/day in 2000. Significant drop in water production level resulted in severe water shortages for 300,000 inhabitants of this district. Local water authorities explored alternative water resources in the region and found adequate quantities of water at the 600m below the surface level. While the quantities of underground water are sufficient for the whole district (have five such wells, each produces 100 m3 of potable water in hour), the quality of water is not acceptable for drinking purposes in terms of contamination with nitrates, sulfates, dissolved solids, iron. Water treatment and purification units are required to make underground water potable. Al Salamiyah district has one operational Reverse Osmosis (RO) unit and has requested UN to procure two additional units.

Activities Supply of two RO units according to specifications set with Hamah Governorate water

authorities. Supply spare parts and chemicals for one year operation. Support unit delivery and installation as needed. Conduct monitoring visits after installation.

Outcomes Two RO units are delivered and operational. 30,000 people are given access to improved drinking water. Incidences of water borne diseases and gastroenterological illnesses reduced. Reduced need to use income to purchase water.

FINANCIAL SUMMARYBudget Items $

Staff, travel and M&E cost 50,000Procurement and supply of two RO Units including spare parts and chemicals 500,000Administration costs (7%) 38,500TOTAL 588,500

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ANNEX IV.

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONSARI Acute Respiratory Infection

CAP Consolidated Appeals ProcessCERF Central Emergency Response Fund

EMOP Emergency Operation

FAO Food and Agriculture OrganizationFTS Financial Tracking Service

GDP Gross Domestic ProductGESMAA General Establishment for Storing and Marketing Agriculture and Animal Products

HDR Human Development Report

IOM International Organization for Migration

LPD Litre per day

MAAR Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian ReformMoH Ministry of HealthMT Metric Tonne

NGO Non-Governmental Organisation

OCHA Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian AffairsOECD Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

RO Reverse Osmosis

SPHERE Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response

UNCT United Nations Country TeamUNDAF United Nations Development Assistance FrameworkUNDP United Nations Development ProgrammeUNICEF United Nations Children’s FundUNRWA United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East

WFP World Food ProgrammeWHO World Health Organization

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OFFICE FOR THE COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS(OCHA)

UNITED NATIONS PALAIS DES NATIONSNEW YORK, NY 10017 1211 GENEVA 10

USA SWITZERLAND