Lebanon, IFAD team up to enhance smallholder dairy production

LEBANON – Lebanon has partnered  the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to strengthen the country’s smallholder dairy sector, offering a lifeline to rural communities hit hard by economic challenges and regional instability. 

Reported by IFAD, this US$12 million initiative seeks to boost the incomes of small dairy producers and processors while creating job opportunities for young people in areas affected by the ongoing Syrian crisis.

According to a report by IFAD, the project will focus on improving animal management, cattle health, and dairy herd productivity. 

This effort is expected to reduce milk losses after harvest, enhance the quality of dairy products, and improve nutrition through greater access to dairy at the household level. 

The initiative comes at a critical time for Lebanon, where agriculture remains a key source of income for rural areas, home to just 13 percent of the nation’s population. 

The dairy sector, in particular, has been identified as a vital area for growth and stability.

Lebanese officials have welcomed the collaboration.

 “This project will help our small farmers grow stronger and support our youth with new opportunities,” said a government spokesperson involved in the agreement. 

The funding includes contributions from multiple sources, with IFAD providing the bulk of the investment. 

Switzerland is pitching in US$2.3 million through its Facility for Refugees, Migrants, Forced Displacement and Rural Stability, while the European Union’s Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian Crisis adds US$2.2 million. 

The Lebanese government will contribute US$1.8 million, and local beneficiaries are expected to provide US$0.2 million.

The partnership builds on IFAD’s long history in Lebanon, where it has invested US$49 million in five projects since 1992, benefiting over 57,000 households. 

A report by the United Nations agency highlights its mission to support rural communities worldwide, especially in regions facing poverty and food insecurity. 

In Lebanon, the influx of Syrian refugees has strained resources, making such projects even more essential. 

The focus on youth employment also addresses the need to provide hope and stability to communities hosting displaced populations.

“This is about more than just dairy, it’s about building resilience,” an IFAD representative stated during the announcement. 

The project aligns with broader goals of sustainable development, aiming to empower smallholder farmers and processors to thrive despite challenges like inflation and trade disruptions. 

As Lebanon grapples with economic recovery, this initiative offers a practical step forward, promising better livelihoods and stronger rural economies. 

With implementation set to begin soon, the collaboration could serve as a model for supporting agriculture in crisis-affected regions globally.