Raqqa is characterized mostly by irrigated agriculture, most crops require high water consumption which makes an efficient network of irrigation and drainage channels necessary.

Unfortunately, the war destroyed and damaged much of the irrigation and drainage network. Although substantial progress has been made since several organisations have been involved in the rehabilitation of the area's irrigation networks, as well as a large number of farmers gathered in water user associations, the rehabilitation process has not been fully achieved.

The rehabilitation of irrigation gates and networks structures is realized by local constructors, civil engineers and technicians, after a careful research and participatory analysis on the state of the art of the prevalent irrigation and drainage networks involving the local administration of Raqqa but also groups of farmers to identify their current needs and problems and think together about the best solutions for the area. In this way, CIHEAM Bari promotes a community-based approach, through meetings, community seminars for the development of participatory action plans to improve the efficiency of water use for irrigation.

CIHEAM Bari intervention result in the development of an Action Plan of the nets which defines a solid strategy of action in rehabilitating and maintaining water nets, in addition to rational and sustainable methodologies and techniques contributing to consolidate a community based approach in accordance with the local needs and in line with local governance rules.