Throughout the past month, WATAN, with funding from the European Union, made significant progress within the Awassi Sheep Value Chain Support Project, implementing a wide range of activities designed to strengthen rural communities, protect livestock assets, and advance sustainable agricultural practices across Syria.
Enhancing Fodder Security and Sustainable Production
To improve access to reliable and nutritious feed sources, the project introduced several interventions, including:
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Launching the cultivation of alfalfa in the designated fields as part of the fodder crop support plan—an important step toward ensuring a sustainable, high-value local feed supply for livestock keepers.
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Distributing fodder crop seeds (barley, alfalfa, and vetch) to eligible farmers across the targeted areas.
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Initiating training sessions for fodder-crop farmers, equipping them with improved agricultural practices that enhance production and resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.
Safeguarding the National Awassi Breed and Supporting Livestock Keepers
In support of one of Syria’s most valuable livestock assets, the project:
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Began selecting participating breeders for the Awassi sheep improvement and conservation activities, according to established technical criteria.
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Introduced a tagging and coding system for the participating herds, enabling accurate record-keeping and better management of production and health data.
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Launched training for sheep breeders, focusing on modern herd-management techniques, improved feeding practices, and essential animal-health skills.
Expanding Veterinary Care and Animal-Health Awareness
To strengthen the health and productivity of livestock in rural communities, the project’s veterinary teams delivered:
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Routine treatments for participating flocks, often accompanied by positive stories from farmers who observed immediate improvements in flock health and wellbeing.
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Vaccinations against enterotoxaemia, one of the most common and destructive diseases affecting sheep in the region.
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Awareness brochures on flock health and feed management, supporting more informed decision-making among rural livestock keepers.
Improving Nutrition Through Balanced Feed Formulations
As part of its integrated support to the value chain, the project also:
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Prepared specialised concentrated feed mixes tailored to the nutritional needs of the participating herds throughout different growth and production phases.
These activities reflect WATAN’s long-standing commitment to bolstering Syria’s rural economy, supporting livestock keepers, and protecting a key national breed that forms an essential pillar of the country’s agricultural identity. WATAN remains dedicated to working alongside farmers, breeders, and local communities to strengthen resilience, enhance production, and ensure sustainable livelihoods across the region.