November 4, 2011
Business Innovations, Market Connections Drive Development in Lebanon
Programs Strengthen Agricultural Sector, Rural Businesses
Visitors to bustling metropolitan Beirut might not realize that rural poverty remains a challenge in Lebanon. However, by focusing on business innovations and market connections several development programs are making an impact.
In a recent visit to the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Zahlé, in the Bekaa Valley, USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Middle East Hady Amr, Deputy Chief of Mission Candace Putnam, and USAID/Lebanon Mission Director Dr. Jim Barnhart saw progress firsthand. The officials met with the chamber’s president, members and representatives from ACDI/VOCA and VEGA/IESC, which implement programs to create economic opportunity in rural areas. Read more about the visit here.
Thousands of Jobs Created
These enterprise and agricultural development programs have created over 3,280 full-time jobs and facilitated over 240 linkages between processors and farmers in the fruit and vegetable value chains.
They have also introduced innovative business tools, including improving the chamber of commerce’s laboratory services to more than 380 agroprocessors in Saida, Tripoli and Zahle; and introducing hydroponics technology to thousands of greenhouse farmers.
Integrated Development Programming
ACDI/VOCA leads four robust development programs in Lebanon that improve rural livelihoods through farmer education, innovative agriculture technology, business development and improvements in the quality of production. This integrated approach creates synergies throughout the ag and food sectors and enhances outcomes for Lebanese beneficiaries. All of the projects are funded by USAID.
The Lebanon Farmer-to-Farmer program is part of the larger FtF initiative in the Middle East and North Africa. it leverages U.S. volunteer experts to provide agricultural and enterprise training to local farmers. Strengthening horticulture and livestock industries to increase productivity and profitability is the focus in Lebanon.
ACDI/VOCA’s Lebanon Business Linkages Initiative aids groups of farmers in building more productive and lucrative businesses. The aim is to reduce poverty and spur economic growth by supporting the agribusiness and tourism sectors.
The Hydroponic Sector Development in Lebanon program works with producers to invigorate their hydroponic production. Using hydroponics, plants can be grown in nutrient-rich water without soil. Lebanon stands to be a competitive horticultural player with access to lucrative markets in Central Asia, the European Union and Gulf States.
ACDI/VOCA’s Agricultural Quality Control and Certification program works with the processing industry to improve the quality of services, establish more effective business models and increase collaboration within agroindustry.
For more information on ACDI/VOCA’s work in Lebanon.
Pictured at left: Farmers learn how to use innovative hydroponic technologies through ACDI/VOCA’s USAID-funded work in Lebanon.
