Strengthening Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition

Overview

SYCAC works to strengthen food security and the resilience of conflict-affected rural communities by supporting the recovery of sustainable agricultural production, productive assets, local markets, and rural livelihoods.

This strategic pillar responds to damaged agricultural infrastructure, disrupted value chains, water scarcity, drought, rising production costs, weakened rural markets, and the loss of productive assets. These challenges have reduced the ability of farmers and rural households to produce sufficient and nutritious food and maintain stable sources of income.

Our Approach

SYCAC applies a community-led, conflict-sensitive, and climate-responsive approach that links agricultural recovery with food security, nutrition, environmental sustainability, and local economic development.

Interventions are designed according to local agricultural conditions, community priorities, market opportunities, water availability, climate risks, and the specific needs of farmers, women, young people, returnees, and vulnerable rural households.

The approach may combine the rehabilitation of agricultural assets, technical training, access to productive inputs, climate-smart practices, renewable energy solutions, value-chain development, market linkages, and nutrition awareness.

Sustainable and Climate-Smart Agriculture

SYCAC supports farmers and rural communities to adopt sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices that improve productivity while protecting natural resources.

Support may include improved water management, efficient irrigation, soil conservation, crop diversification, climate-adapted production techniques, and the responsible use of agricultural inputs.

These practices help farmers respond to drought, water scarcity, changing weather patterns, and other environmental pressures that threaten agricultural production and rural livelihoods.

Rehabilitation of Agricultural Assets

SYCAC supports the rehabilitation and protection of productive agricultural assets damaged or disrupted by conflict, displacement, neglect, or environmental stress.

These assets may include irrigation systems, wells, water networks, agricultural facilities, storage spaces, processing equipment, greenhouses, and other infrastructure necessary for production and market access.

Communities and farmers participate in identifying priorities, planning rehabilitation activities, and overseeing implementation to ensure that investments respond to local needs and strengthen ownership and sustainability.

Renewable Energy and Water Management

Where appropriate, SYCAC integrates renewable energy solutions into agricultural recovery, particularly for irrigation, water pumping, processing, storage, and other productive uses.

Solar energy can reduce production costs, improve access to water, increase the reliability of agricultural operations, and reduce dependence on unstable or unaffordable energy sources.

SYCAC also promotes responsible water management to help communities protect scarce resources and sustain agricultural production under increasingly difficult climatic conditions.

Agricultural Value Chains and Market Access

SYCAC works to strengthen agricultural and food value chains by addressing the barriers that limit production, processing, storage, transportation, and access to markets.

Support may include market assessments, technical assistance, producer organization, business development, access to equipment, improved connections with buyers and suppliers, and the rehabilitation of local market infrastructure.

By supporting the different stages of the value chain, SYCAC helps farmers and rural enterprises increase the value of their products, reduce losses, expand market opportunities, and generate more sustainable income.

Food Security and Nutrition

SYCAC links agricultural support with improved household food security and access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.

Interventions may promote diversified food production, improved household access to nutritious products, and greater understanding of nutrition-sensitive agriculture.

Particular attention is given to women, young people, children, and vulnerable households, recognizing their important roles in food production, household nutrition, and the management of local food systems.

Women and Youth in Rural Economies

SYCAC promotes the meaningful participation of women and young people in agricultural production, rural enterprises, value chains, and community decision-making.

Support may include technical skills, entrepreneurship development, access to productive inputs and equipment, and assistance in establishing or expanding locally viable agricultural businesses.

This contributes to greater economic inclusion, stronger rural livelihoods, and more opportunities for younger generations to remain engaged in their communities.

Long-Term Results

Through this strategic pillar, SYCAC seeks to contribute to rural communities that are more food secure, economically resilient, and capable of managing their natural resources sustainably.

The intended long-term result is that farmers and rural communities adopt sustainable and climate-smart practices, productive agricultural assets are restored and protected, and agricultural value chains and market connections are strengthened.

SYCAC also aims to improve access to sufficient and nutritious food, expand sustainable rural income opportunities, and strengthen the ability of communities to withstand climate, economic, and conflict-related shocks.