Beirut: The Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with the Order of Malta Lebanon, has launched a humanitarian agricultural initiative aimed at supporting livestock breeders and farming families in Jezzine district. This initiative involves the distribution of specialized animal feed and agricultural inputs to bolster the community.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the initiative is under the patronage of Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani and is being implemented through the AHEAD program. This program is designed and managed by the Order of Malta Lebanon with support from Malteser International and is funded by Germany's Federal Foreign Office. The main goal is to enhance the resilience of rural communities against economic challenges and the impact of conflict.
The initiative builds upon a strategic partnership that began in 2021, which has benefited nearly 15,000 farmers and covered approximately 70% of Lebanon's agricultural land through various development and humanitarian projects. Minister Hani described the initiative as a crucial part of a national effort to strengthen farmers' livelihoods, maintain agricultural production, and ensure food security. He highlighted that recent conflicts have damaged about 22.5% of the country's agricultural land, affecting farming infrastructure, livestock breeders, beekeepers, fishermen, and farmers.
The government is actively implementing an agricultural recovery plan that includes rehabilitating irrigation networks, water infrastructure, greenhouses, and damaged production facilities. This plan also focuses on expanding agricultural extension services and promoting sustainable farming practices. Hani emphasized the significance of the newly adopted fisheries and aquaculture law in bolstering food security and the blue economy.
Minister Hani reiterated the Ministry of Agriculture's vision to transition from crisis management to building a sustainable agricultural sector. This vision aims to create jobs, enhance rural development, and achieve food security through partnerships with national and international institutions and donor organizations. During his visit, Hani engaged with farmers, addressing their needs and concerns, and toured the Humanitarian Agricultural Center to review the services and programs supporting the agricultural and livestock sectors in the region.