Northern Syria faces persistent food crisis despite improved harvest, monitor says
LONDON: Parts of the northern Syrian Arab Republic continue to face crisis-level food insecurity despite an improved harvest, with conditions expected to spread to the western governorate of Latakia by October, a global food security monitor said on Monday.
The Famine Early Warning Systems Network, or FEWS NET, warned in a report based on data as of June 22 that crisis-level outcomes (IPC Phase 3) are expected to persist across northeastern and northwestern Syria through January 2027.
The outlook is driven by declining seasonal incomes, rising costs for agricultural inputs and winter preparations, and reduced earnings from agriculture and tourism. Together, these pressures are expected to widen food consumption gaps among poor households as the winter lean season approaches.
Despite better harvest conditions, gains have been uneven. FEWS NET said most benefits accrued to wealthier households, while many poorer families used income to repay debts rather than improve food access.
