Sustaining Livelihoods And Land Resources In The Olive Mountains Of NW Syria (SGP/OP3/2/06/06)

Project Details & Results

The project aims at addressing land degradation problem in sloping olive orchards by applying cheap and easy-to-apply options to conserve the land. The project will work to create awareness among farmers about soil and water conservation techniques, and will provide cheap credit for land management purposes

Notable Community Participation
The immediate beneficiaries of the SGP grant will be the households of Khaltan. If successful, the results of the project will be beneficial for the whole Afrin mountain area, and other similar Mediterranean areas.

Capacity - Building Component
For issues related with sustainable olive orchard management, the village development committee can request for training workshops.

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods
implementing efficient, effective and value-added soil conservation options has a positive impact on livelihoods of households depending on olive cropping

Policy Impact
The outcomes of this project will be monitored and documented by ICARDA, with close cooperation of the villagers of Khaltan and other stakeholders. This will be presented to decision makers at the national level.

Inovative Financial Mechanisms
Major part of the SGP fund will be used to provide loans to individual households for sustainable land management. The loan will be interest free, and the maximum repay period will be one year. Every household of Khaltan is eligible to make proposal for a loan. For investments where more than 10 households will achieve tangible benefits in terms of more sustainable land management, grants will be available. There should be a contribution of at least 20% of the total cost from all the involved households (in cash or in kind).