Example of what have been achieved
In 2021 the consortium were able to reach a total of 74,189 unique beneficiaries (the report for 2022 is due end of August 2023). The consortium reached the results despite several challenges: i) the drought, especially in NES (Northeast) which also lead to public health concerns, the wheat production only reached 33% compared to 2020, ii) economic turbulence and the devaluation of the Syrian Pound, iv) lock down due to the pandemic has caused further economic shocks in 2020 and 2021 and v) volatile security environment in most parts of Syria which impacted the supply chains, access as well as the physical risks.
The reporting covering Outcome 1, that involves infrastructure rehabilitation,
includes income generating activities, 4,198 participated in skill building training and 92,419 beneficiaries accessed restored infrastructure. In NES 17 new Farmer Field schools (FFS) were established to improve innovative farming practising. FFS is also a way to make the local Department of Agriculture's capacity stronger and more sustainable. In NWS (Northwest) the smart agriculture concept was introduced and water conservation practises and irrigation canals included. In regime controlled areas rehabilitation of water projects including boreholes, solar pumps and irrigation canals. This improved te irrigation of arable land considerably. Business skills and start-up grants were provided. 315 women for dairy products training in Deir ez Zor and in regime controlled areas 181 persons participated in business training. In NWS 35 entrepreneurs were selected to develop business plans and budgets. Business activities are important but a question mark about the sustainability of a new business and what can survive.
Vocational training in NES for 60 participants, 83% female, sewing and hairdressing but also green house management and mobile phone maintenance. In NWS both apprenticeships and class-based vocational training were offered to 252 participants. "Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA)" were established in NES. 14 VSLA groups with 393 members and in NWS 20 groups with 347 members. VSLA has only been running for a year but has been very successful. Cash-for-work has also been implemented.
Outcome 2: Training in mediation and youth groups dialogue on peace building. Also awareness around risks of explosives. more than 11.000 persons were reached through awareness activities. Outcome 3: A range of activities to build social cohesion and foster supportive attitudes towards vulnerable groups were undertaken during 2021.Outcome 4: ca 2,400 people received mental health and psychosocial assistance and 3,270 people accessing safe spaces, counselling and referrals. It includes violence in relationships, protection assistance, social networks, including Gender-Based-Violence.
