The Food and Agriculture Organization and the Government of Flanders have launched a $1 million initiative to support farmers and rural communities in Mykolaivska oblast, one of the areas most affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The project aims to restore agricultural production, rehabilitate war-damaged land, and strengthen the resilience of rural households and small-scale farmers. Around 550 beneficiaries will receive support, including 500 vulnerable rural families—such as internally displaced persons, returnees, women-headed households, and elderly farmers—who will be provided with vegetable and potato seeds to sustain immediate food production.
An additional 50 small-scale farmers will benefit from greenhouse kits, micro-irrigation systems, water storage facilities, and agricultural vouchers to help stabilize and expand their farming activities. These efforts will be complemented by training in climate-smart agriculture, soil management, and sustainable farming practices.
The region has suffered extensive damage to agricultural infrastructure and irrigation systems since the war began, further worsened by the Kakhovka Dam disaster, which severely disrupted water access. Large areas of farmland also remain contaminated by explosive remnants of war, making cultivation dangerous and slowing recovery.
Shakhnoza Muminova highlighted that rebuilding agriculture in the region goes beyond providing inputs, as farmers must also deal with damaged soils, water shortages, and ongoing uncertainty. She noted that combining livelihood support with technical assistance on soil assessment and land management is key to restoring both production and confidence among farming communities.
Matthias Diependaele emphasized that supporting Ukraine’s agricultural recovery is vital not only for rural livelihoods but also for global food system stability. He noted that the partnership reflects Flanders’ broader strategy to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery and long-term resilience.
In addition to direct support, FAO will assist the Ukrainian government in strengthening its capacity to assess and address soil damage caused by the war. This includes developing standardized methodologies and recommendations to safely return contaminated land to productive use.
The initiative forms part of FAO’s Emergency and Early Recovery Response Plan for 2026–2028, reinforcing ongoing efforts to revive Ukraine’s agricultural sector. Sustaining farming in frontline regions remains essential for ensuring food supply, supporting rural employment, and maintaining the stability of the country’s agrifood system.
