Damascus, Jan. 12 (SANA) Food security in Syria improved significantly in 2025 compared with the previous year, according to a nationwide household survey, though the majority of families continue to face difficulties accessing adequate food.
The Household Food Security Survey, conducted by Syria’s Planning and Statistics Authority in partnership with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and published at a Conference in Damascus on Sunday, found that 18.4% of Syrian households were food secure in 2025, up from 11.1% in 2024 — a gain of more than seven percentage points in one year.
The survey assessed 34,820 households across 267 sub-districts, including 2,429 households living in displacement camps, offering one of the most comprehensive snapshots of living conditions in the country.
Gains Across Several Regions
Improvements were recorded in multiple governorates, with food security levels doubling in Tartous (29.9%), Damascus countryside (27.6%) and Damascus (21.9%), according to survey results. However, food security remained in Raqqa (4.2%), Sweida (5.4%), and Hasakah (4.6%).
At the national level, urban households showed slightly stronger gains than rural areas, with food security reaching 19% in cities, compared with 16.4% in rural communities. Smaller households and permanent residents also benefited more from the improvement than larger families and internally displaced people.
Despite the progress, camp populations remain particularly vulnerable, with only 4.2% of households classified as food secure.
Persistent Inequalities
The data shows that improvements were uneven. Female-headed households continued to face higher levels of vulnerability, with just 12% achieving food security, compared with 18.5% among male-headed households.
Households that include members with disabilities also lagged behind national averages, while families dependent on unskilled manual labor remained the most at risk, with food security levels at 10.5%.
Setbacks Linked to Drought and Insecurity
Not all regions benefited from the upward trend. Food security declined in Raqqa, Hasakah, and Sweida, areas impacted by drought and ongoing security disruptions.
Data as a Foundation for Solutions
Officials said the survey marks a shift toward evidence-based policymaking. Anas Salim, head of the Planning and Statistics Authority, said publishing the survey results for the first time reinforces transparency and marks a shift toward data-driven policymaking.
Ali Kaddah, Assistant Secretary-General for Council of Ministers Affairs, said cooperation with the World Food Programme is a key step toward building a food-secure and sustainable society. He noted the survey will guide practical solutions and projects to improve living standards and food access.
Aid Targeting and Policy Implications
WFP Syria Country Director Marianne Ward said cooperation between local and international partners is essential for producing reliable data that supports effective decision-making. She added the results will help target the most vulnerable groups and improve food and social protection programs.
While the rise in food security in 2025 marks a meaningful recovery from 2024’s low point, the survey indicates that more than four out of five Syrian households still lack stable access to sufficient food, pointing to the need for sustained economic support, climate resilience measures, and continued humanitarian aid.
