In a move aimed at challenging the ongoing siege in southern Damascus, people have started to launch alternative ways to fight starvation.
Abou Khalil, a 50-year-old man from Tadamon found no option but to plant in the area in front of his house to provide food for his family.
He told Zaman al-Wasl that he planted to secure some food for his family, as he did not want the tragedy of last year repeated, when his daughter suffered from malnutrition.
"I managed to plant this 100 square meter plot next to my house with fast-growing plants like parsley, coriander, lettuce, aubergine and other plants which do not need too much effort or water," he explained.
Abou Khalil struggled to secure water to irrigate his plants, "but its still easier than not finding a thing to eat," he said.
Abou Hussein, from Hajar al-Aswad had another experience; he planted on the roof of his house, since the neighborhood is heavily crowded, and he could not find an unused piece of land.
"I spent months carrying soil and water to the roof, to be able to feed my family. We hope these products will be sufficient, since it is the first time I practiced agriculture. It is difficult somehow, but still easier than suffering from hunger," he said.
Translated and edited by The Syrian Observer
