Rural advisory services in fragile and crisis-affected contexts in the Near East and North Africa region
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This issue brief examines the role of Rural Advisory Services (RAS) in supporting resilience, recovery and social cohesion in fragile and crisis-affected contexts across the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region. Drawing on evidence and experiences from Lebanon, Palestine, the Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic and Yemen, the publication explores how conflict, economic instability, climate pressures and institutional fragility affect the performance and reach of advisory systems, while also highlighting adaptive and locally grounded approaches that help sustain rural livelihoods.The publication presents practical pathways for strengthening RAS in crisis settings, including decentralized service delivery, peer learning approaches, digital and low-connectivity advisory tools, coordinated action among actors, and gender-responsive programming. It also demonstrates how locally embedded advisory systems can contribute not only to agricultural recovery, but also to trust-building, inclusion and community resilience. Case studies illustrate the importance of cooperatives, Farmer Field Schools, women’s leadership and community-based approaches in maintaining service continuity and strengthening social cohesion during crises.The brief concludes with strategic recommendations to strengthen RAS systems in fragile environments, including investing in adaptive delivery models, reinforcing participation and coordination, expanding digital innovation, promoting gender inclusion and positioning RAS as a bridge between humanitarian response, recovery and long-term rural transformation. It highlights the importance of viewing RAS not only as a technical agricultural service, but also as a strategic investment in resilience, institutional trust and rural stability across the NENA region.