Agriculture and FAO launch cash assistance program for livestock breeders in the South

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

The dairy cattle breeding sector in Lebanon, which includes more than 13,000 farms, faces increasing pressure due to chronic structural challenges, including limited veterinary services and high 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 the FAO will provide unconditional cash assistance to dairy cattle breeders in conflict-affected areas in the South. Each beneficiary will receive an amount of 300 US dollars to help cover basic 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 forms an essential part of protecting national food security and maintaining the continuity of agricultural and animal production 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 is directly reflected in 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 the resilience of farmers and ensuring the minimum elements of survival and production, especially in light of accumulated challenges resulting from conflicts and economic and climate crises."

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 to transfer some farms and livestock to safer areas, which contributed to reducing losses and protecting the livelihoods of farmers in affected areas."

For her part, the FAO Representative in Lebanon, Verónica Cuatrola, 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 measures, the 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 local markets with essential dairy products, contributing to strengthening national food security and the ability of rural communities to adapt to changes."

She noted that "this intervention comes within the continuous efforts made by the FAO, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, to respond to the direct repercussions of the crisis, while enhancing the capacity of agricultural and food systems in Lebanon to adapt and protect rural livelihoods in conflict-affected areas."