January 11, 2012

Project Expansion: Lebanon—Developing Hydroponics to Access International Markets (DHAIM)

ACDI/VOCA has won a $10 million expansion to its Developing Hydroponics to Access International Markets program. The additional funding from USAID will help fill the critical need for additional investments in growing and post-harvest infrastructure necessary for increasing local production.

Modern Growing Technology for Lebanon

Hydroponics is an agricultural technique whereby plants are grown without soil in nutrient-rich water solutions or inert mediums like bark, peat and pumice.

Lebanon’s varied climate—the country has nine growing areas due to multiple subclimates and diverse environments—creates an opportunity for its greenhouse sector to become more competitive and access lucrative markets in Central Asia, the European Union and Gulf states.

High-value Markets Targeted

The five-year, now $22 million USAID-funded program, begun in 2010, is designed to facilitate the establishment of a high-value fruit, vegetable and flower hydroponic sector in Lebanon.

The goal is to improve local livelihoods and increase incomes for rural Lebanese producers through improved:

1. access to markets and market intelligence
2. protected agricultural production and post-harvest handling
3. access to credit

Additional Funding Will Fill Gaps

The additional funding will address the lack of proper greenhouse infrastructure; inappropriate ventilation and heating systems in existing greenhouses; underdeveloped hydroponics technology; a dearth of packinghouses able to handle produce according to market specifications; absence of high-quality seedlings; and other infrastructure impediments.

Learn more about ACDI/VOCA’s work in Lebanon.