Targeting Research for Poverty Reduction in Marginal Areas of Rural Syria

Abstract

Agricultural research in marginal dry areas can contribute to reducing poverty through the development of technological, institutional and policy options for poor farmers. Such research should address diversified opportunities and development pathways. This article analyses the diversity of livelihood strategies of rural people living in the Khanasser Valley in northwestern Syria, an area that is typical of marginal drylands. It proposes an operational classification of households based on their different livelihood strategies, applying an integrated methodology within a Sustainable Livelihoods framework. Households are classified into three clusters: agriculturists, labourers and pastoralists. The article examines the diversity of livelihoods involved, and considers where and how research should be directed to have greatest impact on poverty. Given that rural households are not homogeneous but dynamic entities, with diverse assets, capabilities and opportunities, the definition of household typologies can help to target development research. The article concludes that while agriculturists benefit most, poor labourers with enough land can also gain from pro-poor agricultural research. The poorest households with little land, and pastoralists, benefit little or only indirectly.

Effect of water harvesting on growth of young olive trees in degraded Syrian dryland

“…With a low (210 mm year -1 ) and highly variable rainfall (coefficient of variation 0.31), the Khanasser Valley, located at the fringe of the steppe in northern Syria, is a typical example of such an area. Attempting to diversify their low-external input barley-sheep production systems and to save on household expenses (La Rovere et al 2006), some innovative local farmers established during the 1980 s olive orchards in the flat areas of this valley, which they irrigate a few times during the summer with groundwater (Tubeileh et al 2004b). During the late 1990s, farmers started to plant olives on degraded stony lands of the foot slopes of the hills bordering the valley, which were previously used for barley production (with frequent crop failures) or sheep grazing.…”

Options to Improve Livelihoods and Protect Natural Resources in Dry Environments

“…Multiyear technology data were collected during household surveys (La Rovere et al, 2006), additional farm visits, discussions with key informants, and the participatory evaluation described in the participatory technology evaluation section. Data were collected for the 2001-2002 "bad" (dry year), 2002-2003 "good" (wet year) and 2003-2004 (average year) agricultural seasons.…”

To Cooperate or not to Cooperate...? : Collective action for rehabilitation of traditional water tunnel systems (qanats) in Syria

“…An ICARDA study published in 2005 revealed the diversity of livelihood strategies of rural people living in the Khanasser Valley (La Rovere and Rovere et al, 2006). La Rovere and AwHassan (2005) classify the households of the Khanasser Valley into three clusters: agriculturists, labourers and pastoralists.…”

“…In Shallalah Saghirah, each extended household has individuals that fall under one of the three categories with a majority of labourers and pastoralists/sheepowners. AwHassan and La Rovere conclude that while agriculturists benefit most, poor labourers with enough land can also gain from pro-poor agricultural research La Rovere et al, 2006). However, the poorest households, the landless and pastoralists, do not gain much benefit.…”

“…sheep fattening), out-migration and off-farm labour, exiting agriculture altogether (cf. La La Rovere et al, 2006). Other innovative pathways were offered by ICARDA research such as water harvesting and olive orchards on hill foot slopes, water use efficient irrigation, improved barley, vetch and cumin production.…”