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A local microfinance institution provides small loans for poor rural people, with particular attention to women. The success rate of the small businesses that have sprung up because of these loans has been astonishing.

The phenomenon of extension theatre – using drama to explore agricultural extension themes – has deep roots in the history of ancient theatre. Greek “saga” and Italian “Commedia dell’ Arte” have something in common with extension theatre, as do religious and traditional rhythmical performances still seen in Asia and the Middle East.

Syria is a middle-income country characterised by high unemployment and inflation running at about 20-30 percent in 1999. Agriculture constitutes an important sector in the Syrian economy, employing 25 percent of the labour force in 1999; at the same time, only 30 percent of Syria’s total area is cultivated. A major concern of the government’s agricultural policy is the presence of rocks derived from volcanic lava flows that limit cultivation, particularly in the south of the country.

An endless expanse of interlocking spurs. A spread of gently cascading hills. Fresh water streams shrouded by a carpet of lush greenery. This is not the image that will first come to mind if asked to picture a Syrian landscape.

It is widely argued that the status society gives to its women is an accurate indicator of the progress of development in that society: higher rates of female literacy, higher percentages of economically active females and positive cultural perceptions of women seem to go hand in hand with a country's overall development.