RISE Syria: Resilient Irrigation for Smallholder Empowerment

Water scarcity is threatening food production and livelihoods in Northwest Syria. Led by Engineers Without Borders Norway together with other project partners including Response Innovation Lab, this project develops climate-resilient irrigation solutions that strengthen wheat and barley farming while protecting scarce water resources.

This project distinguishes itself through a practical, inclusive, and locally grounded approach to innovation. Rather than imposing unfamiliar or disruptive agricultural practices, it will enhance and optimize the irrigation methods that wheat and barley farmers in Northwest Syria already use and trust. By aligning with existing systems and building on local knowledge, the project increases the likelihood of sustained adoption and meaningful impact.

The project will introduce data-driven tools that complement, rather than replace, current practices. By providing user-friendly, accessible technologies and locally relevant data, farmers can make informed decisions, improve productivity, and manage resources sustainably. Ultimately, this is an innovation model that centres on people, respects tradition, and unlocks progress. It blends modern tools with local expertise to deliver a solution that is both technologically sound and socially transformative.

Read more about the project here and stay tuned for our progress on this ongoing project!