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Lebanon
The Ministry of Agriculture announced that it has launched, in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and with the support of the Government of Canada, a comprehensive virtual training program targeting farmers across various regions, in a step aimed at supporting the resilience of the agricultural sector amid current challenges.
The initiative comes, according to the statement, within a project aimed at strengthening agricultural value chains, particularly in the apple and vegetable sectors, and preparing farmers for the upcoming agricultural season, with a focus on integrating gender concepts and promoting inclusiveness in agricultural work.
While these trainings were originally planned to be conducted in person, they were adapted to be delivered entirely through digital means, through sending specialized technical messages via WhatsApp, alongside organizing interactive Q&A sessions, ensuring the continuity of the program and the safety of participants and reaching the largest possible number of beneficiaries.
More than 2,200 farmers benefit from this program, including 883 women and 1,323 men, where they receive training on good agricultural practices, crop management, effective agricultural planning, in addition to gender-sensitive approaches and promoting integration in the sector.
Agriculture Minister Dr. Nizar Hani said: "In response to the requirements of this critical phase, the Ministry has put in place a comprehensive response plan to deal with exceptional circumstances, aiming to strengthen farmers' resilience and preserve agricultural activities wherever possible, alongside contributing to enhancing national food security and reducing losses that the agricultural sector may face."
He added: "We cannot but extend our thanks to the Ministry of Agriculture's strategic partners among donor countries and international organizations and local bodies and institutions, for the efforts made in the interest of sustainable agricultural and food development. We note the vital role of the Food and Agriculture Organization in supporting Lebanon in the face of its successive crises, whether through implementing emergency projects or through coordination with donor parties. We look forward to strengthening this partnership to secure additional resources and expand the scope of emergency interventions and agricultural projects, enabling access to all farmers, women and men, most affected in various Lebanese regions. We also note that we are working to develop scientific and transparent tools to guide interventions and enhance the effectiveness of the response."
FAO's representative in Lebanon Noura Ourabah Haddad said: "By leveraging digital tools such as WhatsApp and interactive Q&A sessions, we ensure that farmers across Lebanon can continue to learn, apply good agricultural practices, and make the right decisions about their crops. This approach is a model for resilience in times of crisis."
Canada's Ambassador to Lebanon and Syria Gregory Galligan said: "Due to the conflict, Lebanon's agricultural sector has been severely affected. Through our partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and FAO, Canada is proud to continue supporting farmers during this difficult period, through flexible learning methods that contribute to building resilience, maintaining production, and strengthening food security."
The statement noted that the initiative demonstrates the strength of cooperation between FAO, the Ministry of Agriculture, and international partners in supporting farmers, building resilience, and ensuring that agriculture continues to thrive despite difficult circumstances.
