Introduction
WATAN’s Food Security and Agriculture (FSA) sector is dedicated to meeting the immediate and lifesaving needs of conflict-affected populations while also building their resilience as they recover from disasters. FSA aims to address the root causes of food insecurity and bring about sustainable poverty reduction and nutrition outcomes by improving community capacities and skills. The sector’s history dates back to 2012, with the distribution of food baskets in Homs, Hama, Aleppo, Damascus rural, and Deir Ezzor. Over time, the sector expanded its focus to include strategic crop cultivation, agricultural tools, and services to support livestock. WATAN’s FSA sector equips farmers and vulnerable individuals with the skills, technologies, and start-up capital necessary for them to sustainably grow food and/or start income-generating activities. The sector focuses on impactful interventions such as micro-grants and value chain projects in both agricultural and livestock sectors to achieve sustainable long-term outcomes.
Mission
- Distribution Of NFIs to people in emergency and crisis: distribution of NFIs to people in need of rapid response by considering the accuracy of need assessment and the quality of the response through an effective rapid response network with deep coordination with all stakeholders.
- Provision of winter materials, such as high thermal blankets, foam mattresses, heating fuel, and stoves.
- Provides emergency assistance to newly displaced people affected by conflict: A minimum NFI kit and “Newly arrival kits” emergency shelter items (if necessary) for those in need through WATAN’s rapid response mechanism and ensure that adequate mechanisms are put in place for the timely delivery of emergency assistance.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Non-food item (NFI) distribution to support the dignity, health, privacy, and agency of affected populations during emergencies
- Tent installation, distribution, and repair to provide shelter and protect people from external conditions such as rain, snow, and wind
- Seasonal winter NFI and cash assistance to vulnerable households, especially for displaced people and camp inhabitants, to meet their basic needs and protect them from harsh weather conditions.
- Fuel distribution
SECTOR IMPLEMENTATION
SECTOR PHILOSOPHY AND DIFFERENTIATORS
Capacity-building is a key priority for the non-food sector, and efforts are underway to further develop the rapid response network. The goal is to expand the coverage area, enabling WATAN to reach more accessible areas and increase the number of beneficiaries. This approach aligns with WATAN’s commitment to achieving sustainable results and ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to the support they need to rebuild their lives
WATAN’s Non-Food Sector operates a rapid response network consisting of 100 volunteers stationed across various regions within Syria. These volunteers regularly provide weekly reports on changes in the humanitarian situation in their respective regions, including any new developments in the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
SECTOR FRAMEWORK
SECTOR PROJECTS
With IDPs series
⟟ Locations
Idleb and Aleppo
👤 No. beneficiaries
684,000
Warm winter
⟟ Locations
Rural Idleb
👤 No. beneficiaries
