Syria remains among the world’s most vulnerable countries to worsening food insecurity, according to a recent joint report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Program (WFP), which identified the country as one of 13 global hunger hotspots expected to face severe food security challenges between June and November 2026.
The report attributes the crisis primarily to prolonged conflict, economic instability and climate related pressures, noting conflict and violence remain the leading drivers of food insecurity in 12 of the 13 countries assessed.
In Syria, years of armed conflict, declining agricultural production and persistent humanitarian challenges continue to limit access to food for millions of people. The FAO estimates 13.4 million Syrians, over half the country’s population, now face high levels of acute food insecurity, while nearly 30% of families struggle to meet their daily food needs.
Agriculture Faces Multiple Obstacles
Speaking at the Syria Mine Action Partners Conference 2026 in Geneva, FAO acting representative in Syria Piero Tommaso Peri described the country’s agricultural sector as being “at a critical juncture” after 14 years of conflict, recurring droughts, damaged irrigation systems, disrupted markets and deteriorating public services.
The organization said severe drought during the 2024-25 agricultural season reduced wheat production by about 60%, creating an estimated deficit of 2.7 million tons. Livestock numbers also fell by between 40% and 50%, further affecting rural livelihoods and domestic food supplies.
Peri said explosive remnants of war continue to prevent agricultural recovery. Since the end of 2024, the FAO recorded 1,299 explosive ordnance incidents that caused 2,325 casualties, many in farmland and grazing areas. He warned that routine activities such as plowing fields, grazing livestock or harvesting crops can place rural residents at risk.
Recovery Requires Investment
The FAO says restoring agriculture will require more than emergency food assistance. The agency is working to identify areas where demining efforts could have the greatest impact on food production while supporting broader recovery initiatives.
Funding, however, remains a significant challenge. The FAO said it has secured only 16% of the financing required for emergency agricultural programs in 2025, leaving many farming families without seasonal assistance. To address those gaps, the agency launched a 2026-28 emergency and resilience plan seeking $286 million to support 9.8 million people through agricultural recovery and livelihood assistance.
The joint FAO and WFP report suggests improving Syria’s food security will depend on addressing several interconnected challenges. Expanding humanitarian funding, restoring agricultural production, clearing contaminated farmland and improving economic conditions are all likely to play a role in reducing hunger risks while strengthening the country’s long term food resilience.
