Climate change and smallholder farmers in Northwest Syria: perceptions, impacts and the promise of climate-smart agriculture

Purpose This study focuses on the climate changes affecting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the Northwest Syria (NWS), a largely overlooked topic to date. It aims to assess the impact of climate change and examine adaptation strategies, of which climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices, in particular. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a mixed-methods approach, integrating primary data from 19 key informant interviews, a structured survey and three focus group discussions with farmers and relevant locals, with an analysis of 44 years of rainfall and temperature data, to assess climatic trends. Findings The study reveals a reduction of approximately 20 mm in precipitation and an increase of 0.5°C in temperature per decade, intensifying water scarcity and agricultural losses. Testimonies relating to climate change confirm severe economic impacts, including crop losses, reduced agriculture employment opportunities (particularly for women) and diminishing social solidarity. It also reveals little knowledge of CSA amongst farmers who are largely unaware of its objectives. Obstacles to CSA implementation include a lack of supportive policies, due to the conflict, limited access to climate-resilient technologies and insufficient communication channels. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first comprehensive assessment of climate change in NWS, a context of conflict, with a weak institutional structure and no climate-focused agricultural extension services. It highlights the complex relationship between farmers’ perceptions and climatic datasets by triangulating primary data with secondary climate data, emphasizing the urgent need to raise awareness of climate change and CSA practices and for additional studies and related policies.