Key Highlights:

• The situation in February 2021 has witnessed continued depreciation of the local Syrian currency resulting in volatility in the exchange market. This subsequently resulted in most prices of agricultural inputs rising, making it out of reach for vulnerable farmers’ in some governorates. Taking into consideration that the government’s subsidized inputs are unable to meet the farmer’s full requirements. These constraints were further worsened by the Covid-19 impact on supply chains, since importation and exportation of most agricultural inputs and commodities has been affected respectively
• The electricity and fuel shortage continues to persist sharply in most governorates. This challenge is contributing to the general increase in the agricultural production costs, especially transportation, which limit farmers’ capacity to increase their production and productivity as shortage of fuel will affect irrigation operations and transportation that will add barriers to access to markets.
• The ongoing market monitoring for February 2021 showed shortage and high prices of agro-chemicals, particularly fertilizers and pesticides, making it almost impossible for farmers to purchase. This will affect the production levels and quality of produce for most smallholder farmers. 
• The shortage of and high prices for poultry, cattle and sheep fodder, coupled with the fragile veterinary services, remain a challenge for livestock keepers. As a result, the livestock products’ prices have sharply increased, making most Syrian families limit the consumption of livestock products.