USAID aids Lebanese farmers with seedlings for food security

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing substantial support to over 11,000 Lebanese farmers by distributing seeds, seedlings, and compost, aiming to enhance food security in Lebanon. This effort is part of the Agriculture and Rural Empowerment (ARE) activity, designed to alleviate the challenges faced by rural communities due to escalating food prices and decreasing purchasing power.

On March 20, 2024, Julie Southfield, the USAID Lebanon Mission Director, visited a distribution site in Jbeil to interact with local farmers. During her visit, she emphasized the agriculture sector’s critical contribution to the Lebanese economy and discussed the obstacles farmers face.

The rising costs of agricultural essentials, such as seeds, have made it difficult for farmers to access quality seeds. This situation has led to either missed planting opportunities or reduced harvests from using lower-quality seeds. USAID’s initiative aims to provide farmers with the resources needed to boost their productivity and resilience, thereby promoting food self-sufficiency, rejuvenating agricultural production, and fortifying the nation’s food systems amidst economic adversities.

Julie Southfield remarked on the initiative’s importance, highlighting that supporting agriculture and farmers is crucial for ensuring food security for Lebanese communities and families. She noted that the agricultural sector is a vital livelihood source for many and that investing in this sector not only stimulates local economies but also guarantees access to nutritious and affordable food. Furthermore, she mentioned that aiding agriculture enhances self-sufficiency and decreases dependence on imported food.

USAID plans to invest around $1.1 million over two years to assist 11,500 small-scale farmers across the country. This support includes providing essential agricultural inputs for different production systems, enabling the farming of healthy vegetables and legumes for consumption or sale.

Already, 5,000 farmers have benefited from this initiative. Seed and seedling distributions are organized for the fall and spring planting seasons, with each recipient receiving a customized support package tailored to their specific farming needs. This material support is supplemented by technical training and educational resources to improve crop yields and facilitate connections between farmers and suppliers to ensure ongoing production.

The ARE activity, funded by USAID with a budget of $57 million over multiple years, aims to support rural and peri-urban Lebanese communities by providing them with the technical and financial means to increase productivity, sales, and exports. This initiative seeks to enhance business incomes, secure sustainable livelihoods, and improve food security for vulnerable groups.