Development of Rural Woman: Providing Loans, New Program of Aid

DAMASCUS, (ST) – In cooperation with government agencies such as the Ministry of Health, Culture and the Syrian Commission for Family Affairs for the Development of Local Communities, the Director of the Rural Woman Development in the Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform Dr. Ra’eda Ayoub underlined that the ministry is seeking to improve the living conditions of rural families and their dependence on permanent sources of income.

“It was presented 17985 loans at the level of provinces of the country and included 485 villages, noting that the Directorate provided financial services estimated at one billion pounds in addition to the training and rehabilitation services.” Dr. Ayoub said.

Dr. Ayoub revealed for the aid program and grants including seeds and fodders provided by the Directorate for about 50 thousand Syrian families in order to provide the necessary support for these families, whether physically or through training and rehabilitation.

Meantime, Director of Marketing at the Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform Muhannad al -Asfar explained that the exhibition of the Rural Woman Products, Small and Medium Enterprises would be held in the city of Tartous during the next month, whereas relevant activities from the public, private and joint sectors will be invited.

The exhibition aims to highlight agricultural products, which are mostly local and prepared by the rural woman at the level of the field. The event creates internal and external marketing channels through linking producers with industrialists and exporters and keeps the Syrian stamp in addition to contributing to the improvement of the income of the family, rural woman and the owners of small enterprises funded through small loans.

It is noteworthy that the ministry is currently preparing for the participation of a number of stakeholders to target markets for these products, such as the Syrian Federation of Exporters, the Development and Promotion of Exports Association, some local and environmental organizations as well as the participation of the most important producing provinces such as Lattakia, Tartous, Sweida, Hama, Idlib, Daraa, Quneitra and  Damascus Countryside.

Sharif  el -Khatib