Beyond crises: Taking stock of the UN’s impact on Lebanon’s Agriculture Sector

The UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Imran Riza, conducted a full-day visit to Northern Lebanon, together with Canadian Ambassador Stefanie McCollum, exploring the impact of the UN Productive Sectors Development Program (PSDP) on beneficiaries, laying the groundwork for sustainable agri-food systems and self-sufficiency in Lebanon.

A Joint Visit to Ascertain Joint Impact

As the PSDP draws to closure by the end of 2023, Mr. Riza and Ambassador McCollum visited five different locations in North Lebanon, meeting and discussing with over 40 women and men from those benefiting from the program’s activities, listening to their stories, needs, and future plans. 

Canada has generously funded this three-year UN program that aims to create jobs and economically empower women and youth in disadvantaged areas in Lebanon in the agricultural and agri-food sector.

"It was an amazing day today, seeing a variety of activities implemented under the PSDP,” said Ambassador McCollum. “What I found particularly interesting is seeing the synergies existing between beneficiaries, local communities, and partners and the unwavering support offered to women who are growing their businesses with novel ideas and giving back to their communities,” she explained.

Riza’s visit comes amid an unprecedented economic and financial crisis that is plunging the country deep into poverty. The economic downturn and the devastating effects of the series of crises hitting the country since 2020, including COVID-19 and the Beirut port explosion, have taken a severe toll on the agri-food and agricultural sector. This has made access to finance strenuous, the import of raw materials costly, and disrupted trade operations and the industry value chain.

The joint field visit was a valuable opportunity to hear real-life success stories of people benefiting from PSDP’s various activities and witness the tangible results so far achieved. The visit also helped raise awareness about the ‘One UN’ development initiative and its impact on farmers, agriculture cooperatives, entrepreneurs, and agri-food Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“I was taken by the drive and initiative of the persons I met in Akkar and Tripoli.  They explained how this program, through its different resources and training, helped them gain self-confidence, financial independence, and a strong sense of empowerment. Their optimism was inspiring,” Mr. Riza said.   

Defying the odds, Small Businesses Thrive Amid Unfolding Economic Crisis.

Riza began his mission at Abdeh Agricultural Technical School, where he and the Ambassador met 10 out-of-school youth entrepreneurs who, despite the economic crisis and related challenges, were able to put the acquired skills in food production, management, and marketing into practice.

“We are here to show our constant support to young entrepreneurs and women-led cooperatives who are striving to sustain themselves and grow,” said Riza. “We are here to reaffirm the commitment of the United Nations with the support of donors, like Canada to uphold the productive sectors, particularly the agri-food sector, that have become the lifeblood of Lebanon’s economy.”

Beneficiaries meeting with the RC and Canada’s Ambassador explained how the various on-the-job and cash-for-work training provided under PSDP with the support of partnering NGOs like AVSI Foundation helped them break out of the cycle of household chores, connect with other women, and exchange knowledge and information.

“These specialized trainings in food processing and business management opened for me new horizons and offered me the opportunity to prove myself, become productive, and provide for my family. They also helped me connect with other young apprentices who became part of my team,” explained a young woman, showing the multiplier effect that the program had on her life and other young farmers and entrepreneurs.

During the visit, Mr. Riza and Ambassador McCollum also visited a greenhouse in Akkar where they met a group of 25 women and men farmers who benefitted from FAO’s Farmers Field Schools operating under the PSDP. Farmers explained how the training helped improve their knowledge and skills in sustainable and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), increasing by that their production and improving their capacity for safer quality production.

The RC/HC with the Canadian Ambassador then headed to the Chamber of Commerce and IDRAC-CCIAT and saw firsthand how PSDP supported the Center in providing young entrepreneurs with quality control services and access to smart techniques and advanced technologies and labs for agri-food businesses.

For Hind Nehme, the co-owner of HESTIA, a small business specializing in the production of gluten-free and organic food products, and one of the winners of ILO’s Women Do Business Experience competition held under PSDP, the resources and skills she gained from the training helped expand her business and enter new markets.

“As a celiac disease sufferer, I understood the struggles many people with gluten sensitivity face in finding good quality gluten-free products in the market at a reasonable price. Thanks to the grant I received under PSDP, I was able to buy equipment and food processing machines as well as hire a worker, a graphic designer, and a photographer for marketing purposes. This helped me expand my business and introduce new savory gluten-free healthy snacks at a relatively low cost,” Hind explained to the delegation.

Small Businesses with Social Impact

 The positive outcomes of PSDP were further depicted in the stories of two entrepreneurs, Salma and Claude. ‘Bustan Salma’ and ‘Sheghel Emmeh’ businesses provided captivating examples of the impact of PSDP resulting from the specialized training in management, marketing, labeling, and food production techniques, as well as other resources and equipment provided by the program. 

“Such entrepreneurs demonstrate Lebanon’s potential and determination for growth”, particularly amid the unfolding crisis, said Riza in one of his tweets about the visit.

Capitalizing on Partnerships for a Sustainable Productive Sector

Mr. Riza welcomed the generous contribution and support of Canada to this program that helped so far assist over 2000 direct beneficiaries in improving their farming practices as well as developing, running, and maintaining their businesses in the agri-food sector.

“Throughout the past years, Canada has proven to be not only a generous donor but also a true partner with a vision for a productive and self-sufficient economy in Lebanon,” Mr. Riza said.

Throughout the visit, the importance of strong partnerships with local and international partners to maximize outcomes that help accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Lebanon was very evident.

Watch a wrap-up video of this high-level field visit: