Supporting farmers and rural families is not only a matter of food security, but also the foundation for the future recovery of Ukrainian communities. Flanders and the UN launch a project to support farmers in the Nikolaev region of Ukraine Humanitarian assistance
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), together with the government of Flanders (Belgium), announced the launch of a new project aimed at restoring agriculture and supporting residents of the Mykolaiv region, which was largely affected by the war in Ukraine.
The million-dollar initiative will target 550 rural households and small farmers. It will help them resume production and build resilience to the ongoing effects of conflict.
Unsafe Ground
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Nikolaev region has experienced significant destruction of agricultural infrastructure, irrigation systems and production facilities. The explosion of the Kakhovskaya dam in 2023 aggravated the situation, leaving large areas without access to water. An additional threat is posed by explosively contaminated fields and damaged soil, which are hampering the recovery of food production. “For farming families, getting back to work is not just a matter of having seeds and farming tools,” said Shakhnoza Muminova, head of FAO’s country office. “They have to deal with degraded soil, disrupted water systems and uncertainty caused by years of war. Our project combines direct support with technical work on soil assessment and sustainable land management.”
Seeds, greenhouses and training
As part of the project, 500 rural families, including internally displaced persons, returnees, female heads of households and elderly farmers, will receive quality vegetable and potato seeds for the coming season. More than 50 smallholder farmers will be provided with greenhouse kits, micro-irrigation systems, water storage tanks and vouchers to stabilize and expand production. All project participants will receive hands-on training on climate-resilient farming, soil management and modern agricultural technologies. In addition to direct assistance, FAO will strengthen the work of the Government Working Group on Soil Damage Assessment. The organization will help unify analysis methods and develop recommendations for the safe return of land to agricultural production.
Flemish contribution
“Supporting the restoration of Ukrainian agriculture is important not only for local communities, but also for global food security,” said Matthias Dipendele, Minister-President of Flanders. “We are proud to partner with FAO to help farmers restore production, rehabilitate damaged lands and strengthen sustainable food and agriculture systems. It is part of our strategy to support Ukraine’s recovery and long-term resilience.”
Part of a broader recovery programme
The new project is integrated into FAO’s Emergency Response and Early Recovery Plan 2026-2028 and complements the organization’s efforts to support Ukraine’s agricultural sector. The revival of agriculture in frontline regions remains a key factor in food security, employment and the stability of the country’s agri-food system.