Ministry of Agriculture and FAO Launch Cash Assistance Program for Livestock Breeders in the South

The Ministry of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), launched a cash assistance program aimed at supporting dairy livestock breeders affected by hostilities in the South and Nabatieh governorates. This initiative will benefit 465 of the most needy breeders, with a total value approaching $140,000 USD.

The dairy livestock sector in Lebanon, which includes more than 13,000 farms, faces increasing pressures due to chronic structural challenges, including limited veterinary services and rising feed costs. The repercussions of the recent conflict have exacerbated these challenges and increased pressure on breeders.

In response to the most urgent needs, the Ministry of Agriculture and FAO will provide unconditional cash assistance to dairy livestock breeders in areas affected by the conflict in the south. Each beneficiary will receive $300 USD to help cover essential expenses related to livestock breeding, including purchasing feed, securing veterinary care, and other necessary supplies and inputs to maintain production continuity.

This intervention targets small Lebanese livestock breeders working in the milk value chain, particularly currently producing dairy cows, who have been directly affected by recent developments.

Minister of Agriculture Dr. Nizar Hani said: "Supporting livestock breeders in the South and Nabatieh falls not only within the framework of emergency response to the crisis but also constitutes an essential part of protecting national food security and maintaining agricultural and animal production continuity in the most affected rural areas. Animal wealth represents an economic and social pillar for thousands of Lebanese families, and any decline in this sector directly reflects on the food and living stability of local communities."

He added: "This joint initiative with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations comes in the context of an integrated scientific and humanitarian approach adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture, based on strengthening farmers' resilience and ensuring the minimum elements of continuation and production, especially in light of accumulated challenges resulting from conflicts, economic crises, and climate issues."

He continued: "We affirm the ministry's commitment to continue working with international partners and local institutions to develop sustainable support programs for the agricultural and animal sectors, focusing on protecting rural livelihoods, improving veterinary services, and enhancing local production, contributing to building a more adaptive and sustainable agricultural sector in the face of crises."

He thanked the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL forces for their "efforts in helping transport some farms and livestock to safer areas, which contributed to reducing losses and protecting farmers' sources of income in affected areas."

For her part, FAO Representative in Lebanon Veronica Cauterola said: "Livestock breeders play a fundamental role in maintaining food security in Lebanon; however, they face increasing challenges to their animal wealth, livelihoods, and ability to continue food production as a result of the ongoing crisis."

She added: "Through these cash assistance programs, FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture provide flexible and timely support that enables breeders to meet their urgent needs, protect their productive assets, and maintain the supply of essential dairy products to local markets, thereby contributing to strengthening national food security and the resilience of rural communities to adapt to changes."

She noted that "this intervention is part of FAO's continuous efforts, undertaken in close cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, to respond to the direct repercussions of the crisis while enhancing the resilience of agricultural and food systems in Lebanon and protecting rural livelihoods in areas affected by the conflict."