The US Agency for International Development (USAID) announced in a statement issued by the US Embassy in Beirut that it has initiated a new five-year project named "Strengthening Local Agricultural Systems in Lebanon (ELSA)" with a budget of $10 million, commencing on October 1, 2024. The primary goal of this endeavor is to cultivate agricultural market systems that ensure sustained access to resources and markets.
Given the significant challenges confronting Lebanon's agricultural sector amid the ongoing economic crisis, the project will concentrate on bolstering and revitalizing local agriculture. Throughout the five-year span of its execution, ELSA will collaborate with local organizations, agricultural enterprises and other market participants to accomplish its objectives. It underscores that “the initiative is dedicated to developing and strengthening the local organizations' capacity, preparing them to attract future direct funding opportunities from USAID.”
Through the ELSA project, USAID aims to provide business development services, inclusive of equipment and technical support. This will support at least 50 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), facilitate new market access for over 270 SMEs and improve the livelihoods of more than 3,300 rural families.
Julie Southfield, USAID Mission Director in Lebanon, emphasized, "Supporting agriculture is crucial not only for Lebanon's economic growth but also for the sustainability of its rural communities." She added, "By fortifying agricultural systems, we empower local producers, improve food security and contribute to broader economic stability. With initiatives like ELSA, USAID is committed to fostering long-term resilience and driving the prosperity of Lebanon’s agricultural sector,” she added.
The statement highlights that USAID has invested more than $80 million in Lebanon's agricultural sector over the past decade. This assistance has increased the income of over 40,000 rural families, attracted over $40 million in private sector investments, thereby generating sales exceeding $170 million for businesses and farms. Additionally, USAID has delivered business development services to over 35,000 agricultural entities and families, with more than 19,000 families benefiting from food security programs.
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