Beirut: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced a new five-year, $10 million initiative known as Empowering Local Systems in Agriculture (ELSA) in Lebanon. Launched on October 1, 2024, the initiative aims to develop agriculture market systems with a focus on sustainable access to inputs and market channels, as Lebanon's agriculture sector faces challenges amid the ongoing economic crisis.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, ELSA will partner with local organizations, agri-businesses, and other market actors over its five years of implementation. The initiative adopts a localization-centric approach that aims to build the capacity of local organizations, preparing them for future direct USAID funding opportunities. Through ELSA, USAID plans to provide business development services, including equipment and technical assistance, to at least 50 small and medium enterprises (SMEs), open new markets for more than 270 SMEs, and improve the living conditions of more than 3,300 rural households.
"Supporting agriculture is essential not only for the economic growth of Lebanon but also for the sustainability of its rural communities. Strengthening agricultural systems empowers local producers, improves food security, and contributes to broader economic stability. Through initiatives like ELSA, USAID is committed to fostering long-term resilience and helping Lebanon's agricultural sector thrive," said USAID Lebanon Mission Director Julie Southfield.
Over the past decade, USAID has invested more than $80 million in Lebanon's agriculture sector. This support has increased the incomes of more than 40,000 rural households, leveraged over $40 million in private sector investment, generated more than $170 million in sales at the firm and farm levels, provided business development services to more than 35,000 enterprises and farming households, and benefited over 19,000 households from food security programming.