We are pleased to invite you to attend the dissertation thesis defence of Kindah Ibrahim with the title “Food Security and Agriculture Linkages in the Context of Political Conflict: A Case Study of Syria” (Department of Economics and Development, Sustainable Rural Development). Thesis defence will take place on 27th October 2026, 02:30 p.m., meeting room 313 (building FTZ).
This dissertation examines the relationship between agriculture and food security among rural households in Syria during an ongoing armed conflict. Drawing on a 2017 survey of 1,381 farming households, it explores the determinants of food security, the consequences of cultivating only part of the available land, and differences across five farm types. The findings show that relatively favourable food consumption can coexist with substantial reliance on coping strategies. Under-cultivation is associated with lower food consumption scores, while differences between farm types highlight the importance of agricultural resources and livelihood strategies. Owning land and other assets is insufficient when insecurity and limited access to finance, inputs, water or markets restrict their productive use. The research highlights the need to tailor support to different farming households, meeting immediate food needs while helping them sustain production and rebuild their livelihoods.
We warmly invite faculty members, students, and the public to join this defence.
