The Planning and Statistics Commission, in cooperation with the World Food Program (WFP), announced the results of the ninth phase of the Household Food Security Survey in Syria for 2025 during a conference held at the Cham Hotel in Damascus. The survey provides accurate data that forms a foundation for understanding the food security challenges facing Syrian families across different governorates and supports informed, evidence-based policymaking.
Scientific Methodology and Extensive Fieldwork
Muhammad Salem, Head of the Research Unit at the WFP in Syria, explained the technical partnership with the Commission covered survey design, data collection, and analysis, with work beginning in March 2025. He noted that field teams relied on the internationally recognized CARI methodology, which measures food security based on food consumption patterns and household coping strategies.
Data collection was carried out by 392 researchers and supervisors using digital tablets to upload information directly to the Commission’s servers, ensuring accuracy, speed, and quality control throughout the process.
Survey Results Show Relative Improvement
Anas Salim, Head of the Planning and Statistics Authority, presented the main findings of the survey, which covered 34,820 households across 267 geographical areas, in addition to households in camps. Results indicated an improvement in the national food security index compared to 2024, with food-secure households rising to 18.4% nationwide. In camps, the figure stood at 4.2%.
Tartous Governorate recorded the highest level of food security at 29.9%, while Raqqa recorded the lowest at 4.2%. The survey also highlighted disparities linked to household characteristics. Female-headed households recorded a food security rate of 12%, compared to 18.5% for male-headed households. Families relying on trade were relatively better off, while those dependent on unskilled manual labor were the most vulnerable, with only 10.5% considered food secure.
Foundation for Policy and Transparency
Officials stressed that the survey results will serve as a scientific reference for future policies. Shamel Badran, Assistant Head of the Commission for Statistical Affairs, stated that the indicators will be used by government institutions to design targeted support policies and guide international aid toward the most vulnerable families.
Rifaat Hijazi, Assistant Head of the Commission for Planning Affairs, explained that work is underway to prepare a comprehensive action plan that including programs and projects aimed at improving food security. Once approved and funded, the plan will be distributed to relevant ministries for implementation. Salim emphasized that publicly announcing the results in this manner strengthens transparency and marks a shift toward data-driven planning and development.
Partnership with the World Food Program
Ali Keddah, Assistant Secretary-General of the Presidency of the Republic for Cabinet Affairs, described the partnership with the WFP as a crucial step toward building a food-secure society and supporting comprehensive development. He noted that the survey’s findings will form the basis for practical projects designed to improve living conditions and expand access to nutritious food.
Marianne Ward, Country Director of the WFP in Syria, affirmed cooperation with national institutions enables access to reliable data that supports sound decision-making. She added that the results will help identify the most vulnerable groups, direct assistance more effectively, and strengthen community protection systems in cooperation with relevant ministries to enhance food and social security through a scientific and sustainable approach.
