Soil threats in post-conflict Raqqa Post-Conflict Soil Degradation in Raqqa, Syria: An Overlooked Threat to Food Security

The armed conflict in Syria has caused severe and long-lasting degradation of agricultural soils in Raqqa Governorate, historically one of the country’s most productive cereal-growing regions. Conflict-related bombardment, destruction of irrigation infrastructure, climate-induced drought, and widespread contamination from explosive remnants of war threaten soil health, food security, and sustainable agricultural recovery. Existing evidence indicates elevated concentrations of potentially toxic elements in agricultural soils near conflict zones, while large areas of farmland remain inaccessible or environmentally unsafe. This viewpoint highlights critical research gaps related to soil contamination, heavy metal bioavailability, and post-conflict land rehabilitation. We recommend systematic soil monitoring, development of locally adaptable remediation strategies, rapid field-testing approaches, and integration of environmental assessment into agricultural recovery programmes. Addressing post-conflict soil degradation is essential for long-term food security, public health, and ecological recovery in Syria.