Strengthening resilience and safeguarding livelihoods in Syria
Strengthening socio-economic resilience (SERNOS)
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Client
Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
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Country
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Runtime
2021 to 2026
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Products and expertise
Security, reconstruction and peace

Context
The prolonged conflict in Syria has hit the northeast of the country hard. Several overlapping crises have led to severe constraints on agricultural production, a critical shortage of water and rising living costs. Sales markets that no longer function and inadequate infrastructure are exacerbating the situation.
In northeast Syria alone, 2.8 million people need humanitarian support. Almost half of households have no reliable income. Many people are forced to make decisions with serious consequences, such as allowing children to work or selling their own work equipment.
Objective
The social and economic situation of the population in selected communities in northeast Syria has improved.

Approach
The project aims to create income and employment opportunities, primarily through vocational training, start-up support and business advisory services for micro and small enterprises. Supporting local collective structures such as cooperatives, trade unions and interest groups will also generate long-term impetus.
Furthermore, the project is revitalising market infrastructure in order to make markets accessible to small businesses and members of the community. To boost economic participation and promote social cohesion, the project is coordinating community planning processes with civil society organisations and local stakeholders.
The focus is on disadvantaged groups such as women, people with disabilities, returnees and internally displaced persons. This will make the population more resilient to economic and social crises and improve their lives.

Last update: Februar 2025