Technical Article Archives | Berytech

Key insights from the QEEMA roundtable discussion with municipalities of Keserwan and El Metn

Maria Chahine — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 08:27:20 +0000

The roundtable discussion hosted by QEEMA with municipalities and waste valorization stakeholders surfaced a shared sense of urgency, paired with a growing willingness to move from discussion to action.

1. Urgency is driving openness to collaboration

Across discussions, municipalities expressed deep concern about the limited time remaining before landfill closures. This pressure is pushing mayors to actively consider local and inter-municipal alternatives, particularly joint solutions with neighboring municipalities. For many, the situation has shifted waste management from a long-term issue to an immediate governance priority.

2. Structural constraints remain a major barrier

Municipalities face overlapping constraints: limited land availability, tight budgets, dependence on existing centralized service arrangements, and low transparency around actual waste management costs and deductions from the Independent Municipal Fund. Smaller municipalities, in particular, voiced uncertainty about where to begin, from licensing and technology selection to determining viable facility scale, reinforcing the need for shared infrastructure and collective approaches.

3. Decentralized, circular models are gaining traction

A strong technical consensus emerged around decentralized systems built on source separation, local sorting and treatment, high organic recovery, and landfilling only as a residual option. Case studies from Bikfaya, Beit Mery, Ras el Metn, and Ghosta showed that when municipalities commit to separation at source, invest in appropriate infrastructure, and sustain awareness efforts, landfill volumes can be significantly reduced while generating usable outputs.

4. Financial sustainability requires realistic, mixed models

Speakers were clear that revenues from recyclables or compost alone cannot cover capital and operating costs. Viable models rely on shared responsibility, with municipalities providing land or buildings, private operators equipping and operating facilities against a fee per ton, and households contributing through realistic and transparent fees. This also opens the discussion on municipal revenue mechanisms and the need to further examine how they can support long-term service delivery.

5. Governance clarity exists, but guidance is missing

While Law 80/2018 clearly assigns responsibility for household waste management to municipalities and unions of municipalities, many questions remain around implementation. Municipal representatives highlighted uncertainty around tariff setting, private fee collection, budget classification, and acceptable social thresholds, pointing to a need for standardized legal and financial guidance.

6. Inter-municipal cooperation is increasingly central

For municipalities with limited land or low waste volumes, cooperation through unions or informal groupings emerged as a realistic pathway. Participants emphasized that shared facilities, coordinated enforcement, and joint communication efforts are essential to avoid fragmented and inefficient solutions.

7. Citizen trust is a determining factor

Successful experiences consistently showed that technical solutions only work when paired with sustained citizen engagement. Transparent communication, visible municipal leadership, and clear separation rules increase participation and reduce resistance, particularly when new fees or facilities are involved. Early dialogue with hosting communities was identified as critical to managing social sensitivity around facility siting.

8. Momentum for next steps is already forming

Several municipalities signaled readiness to move forward through follow-up meetings, site assessments, data collection, and peer learning visits. There is strong interest in technical matchmaking, shared pilots, and hands-on guidance to translate intent into implementable projects.

Overall insight

The roundtable discussion confirmed that municipalities are ready to explore decentralized and circular waste solutions, but they need structured support to navigate technical choices, financial models, governance arrangements, and citizen engagement.

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From Fragmentation to Function: Why Clusters Matter Now More Than Ever in Lebanon

Noor Maroun — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 07:59:10 +0000

Insights inspired by the Lebanon Clusters 2025 convening on circularity, competitiveness, and systemic change.

There is a growing understanding across Lebanon’s economic and innovation landscape: the country’s most pressing challenges won’t be solved by surface-level fixes. Across energy, agriculture, and waste, short-term responses may have eased immediate pressures but have fallen short of addressing the deeper systemic challenges. Real progress demands going beyond systems to transform underlying systems that either enable or obstruct sustainable development.

That’s precisely what Lebanon Clusters 2025 set out to address. By bringing together over 150 stakeholders from the public and private sectors, academia and civil society, the convening didn’t just celebrate collaboration and circularity, it challenged everyone to critically examine how systems work today, and how they could work better, together.

At the center of that shift in thinking is the role of clusters: collaborative ecosystems built around shared value, circular thinking, and long-term competitiveness. A proven model worldwide, clusters are now taking on new relevance in shaping Lebanon’s path toward sustainable growth.

Clusters as a Response to Structural Problems

In his keynote address, Mr. Nehmat Frem, President and CEO of INDEVCO Group and Member of the Parliament of Lebanon, set the tone by calling for a deeper, more courageous kind of reform. He reminded the audience that Lebanon’s challenges, like the enduring waste crisis, are not short-term obstacles but long-standing structural issues that cannot be solved with temporary fixes. These problems, he argued, demand systemic responses rooted in shared responsibility and long-term thinking.

That same logic applies across sectors:

Agrifood, where small producers remain disconnected from innovation, markets, and one another.

Energy, where sustainable alternatives are still under-leveraged.

Waste, where valorization is the exception, not the norm.

Clusters offer a way forward, not as short term interventions, but as permanent structures for transformation.

Why Clusters? Why Now?

Lebanon Clusters 2025 made a timely case for scaling cluster development across sectors, by demonstrating what clusters can achieve when fully activated:

They reinforce resilience through collaboration.

Clusters bring together industries, researchers, and service providers, fostering coordination and shared purpose that strengthen the wider economic landscape.

They activate cross-sector circularity.

Clusters move beyond vertical silos. Waste becomes input, energy circulates more efficiently, and food systems plug directly into innovation. Circularity becomes practical, not conceptual.

They formalize what often remains informal.

Clusters transform sporadic partnerships to intentional, governed ecosystems, the very backbone needed for systems to evolve.

From Vision to Infrastructure

What made Lebanon Clusters 2025 stand out was not simply the what of collaboration, but the how behind organizing and sustaining it.

During a fireside chat moderated by Mr. Nicolas Farhat, Deputy General Manager at Berytech, panelists explored both global and local perspectives. Mr. Alejandro Gallego Alcaide, Director of International Business at AMEC, shared international best practices, while Dr. Marc Bou Zeidan, Executive Director of QOOT, grounded the discussion in Lebanon’s agrifood context. The takeaway was clear: clusters succeed only when shaped by real sector needs, not imposed from above.

That same thread continued in the session on organizational models, where Ms. Lara Khoury, Director of Programs at Berytech, unpacked differences among chambers, syndicates, associations, and clusters. She emphasized that clusters should be positioned not as another network but as adaptable, forward-thinking engines of innovation and competitiveness.

In the policy and legal session, Ms. Jessica Hajjar, Programs Manager at Berytech, and Maître Julien Khoury, Intellectual Property Specialist, made a strong case for official cluster recognition. Their intervention reinforced a central truth: if clusters are to become genuine economic infrastructure, they require legal clarity, policy integration, and long-term commitment.

The event also showcased the tangible progress made by Lebanon’s emerging clusters, particularly in waste valorization and sustainable energy.

Ms. Ingrid Salloum, Manager of QEEMA, highlighted how the Waste Valorization Cluster is connecting key industry players to transform waste challenges into circular economy opportunities.

Mr. Youssef Yammine, Manager of the Sustainable Energy Cluster, emphasized energy’s pivotal role in enabling circularity across sectors and driving Lebanon’s green transition.

Not a Celebration, a Realignment

Building on these examples, Lebanon Clusters 2025 marked a decisive shift from isolated initiatives to a coordinated future, one where actors such as QEEMA, the Sustainable Energy Cluster, QOOT, and Euromed Clusters Forward work in sync to build new cycles of shared value.

The presence of Euromed Clusters Forward, which also brought perspectives from Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco, added a valuable layer of regional exchange, showing how Lebanon’s emerging cluster ecosystem is part of a wider Mediterranean effort toward innovation-driven circularity.

Together, Lebanon’s three clusters form interconnected pillars of the country’s circular economy: QEEMA drives waste valorization and resource recovery, the Sustainable Energy Cluster advances renewable solutions and efficiency, and QOOT fosters innovation across the agrifood value chain. Their convergence demonstrates how cross-sector collaboration can unlock new business models and shared economic value.

A Quiet but Fundamental Shift

If Lebanon’s past is a story of brilliant individuals and initiatives, its future must be built on coherence, structure, and systems that can hold together through change.

Clusters don’t promise overnight transformation, but they do offer something far more powerful: a stable platform for long-term, circular progress, where innovation is not just invented, but embedded.

Because at the end of the day, progress begins not with new ideas, but with how we organize the ones we already have.

Next Steps & Acknowledgment

This event was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Economy and Trade, with the support of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the European Union.

To explore collaboration opportunities with any of the clusters, interested partners are invited to fill out the collaboration interest form:

Learn more at www.qeema.org , www.secluster.org, and www.qoot.org.

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Bridging the Gap: From Research to Market in Agri-Food Innovation

Berytech Team — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 14:50:29 +0000

Turning ideas into tangible products is never simple, but Lebanon’s agri-food sector is showing that it’s possible with the right mix of collaboration, expertise, and support.

As part of the Seeds of Innovation II initiative, organized by the Agrifood Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) under the EU-funded Lebanon Innovate Program, and in collaboration with EBRD, a high-level panel titled ““Bridging Academia, Industry, and Policy in Agri-Food Innovation” was organized. The event brought together key players from government, academia, Business Support, and industry to explore how Lebanon can strengthen its agri-food R&D ecosystem and transform research into market-ready solutions.

Bridging Academia, Industry, and Policy: Advancing Agri-Food Innovation in Lebanon

Lebanon Innovate, under the Seeds of Innovation II initiative organized by the Agrifood Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) as part of the EU-funded Lebanon Innovate Program, recently hosted a high-level panel on “Bridging Academia, Industry, and Policy in Agri-Food Innovation”. This panel brought together governments, academics, financiers and industry leaders to explore how Lebanon can strengthen its Agri-food R&D ecosystem and and turn research into market-ready solutions.

The panel featured Mr.s Carla Wehbe – Head of Intellectual Property at the Ministry of Economy & Trade, Mr. Jad Zgheib – Principal Manager at EBRD, Dr. Sandy Rihana – Director of the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) at USEK, and Mrs. Nathalie Kazan – General Manager at Delta Group.

A central theme of the conversation was the importance of intellectual property as a foundation for innovation. Carla Wehbe emphasized that protection must begin at the earliest stages of research, stressing that awareness and guidance are essential for both academia and the private sector. The ministry has launched training programs for schools and universities and is supporting the development of IP-focused educational programs, while also leveraging international frameworks to safeguard Lebanese innovations. For Mrs. Wehbe, embedding IP protection into the innovation process ensures that ideas have the time and space to develop into viable products.

From the academic perspective, Dr. Sandy Rihana explained how USEK’s TTO bridges research and market application by supporting inventors throughout the innovation journey. The office offers market studies, technical assessments and legal guidance. By connecting researchers with BSOs, industry partners and advisors, the TTO ensures innovations respond to real market needs. Dr. Rihana highlighted key areas in agrifood innovation, such as automation, smart farming and waste valorization, demonstrating how research can adapt to create solutions that are both technically and commercially viable.

Representing the financial and developmental perspective, Jad Zgheib shared the role of structured support programs in fostering collaboration between universities and companies. By offering financial and technical guidance, these programs help innovators move from research to practical application. Mr. Zgheib noted that while companies may approach innovation cautiously, the agri-food sector is showing a strong willingness to experiment, especially when supported by expertise and resources that link research to market needs.

Bringing the industry perspective, Mrs. Nathalie Kazan outlined Delta Group’s journey in transforming research into market-ready products. With targeted support from EBRD, the company collaborated with researchers to develop a range of Mediterranean food mixes under the “Makadear” sub-brand. Combining R&D, branding, packaging, marketing, Delta Group demonstrated how practical collaboration across disciplines can turn ideas into products that meet consumer needs. Mrs. Kazan emphasized that successful innovation requires both academic insight and practical expertise, highlighting the value of multi-disciplinary teamwork and access to market-oriented resources.

Panelists concluded by identifying priorities to accelerate agri-food innovation in Lebanon:

Establishing shared platforms for collaboration

Strengthening IP protection and literacy

Creating dedicated support mechanisms for SMEs

Promoting mentorship opportunities from larger companies to smaller innovators.

The discussion highlighted that Lebanon’s agri-food innovation potential lies in integrating research, industry, and policy into a cohesive ecosystem. By institutionalizing TTOs, promoting IP awareness, and providing the necessary technical and financial support, Lebanon can transform fragmented initiatives into a connected, resilient, and sustainable ecosystem.

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Navigating Lebanon’s Agrifood Landscape: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Path Forward

Maria Chahine — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 13:19:35 +0000

Lebanon’s agrifood sector is a prime example of resiliency. As the backbone of the country’s food system, farms, businesses, and local communities have continuously adjusted to economic instability, political turbulence, and environmental pressures. However, now coming out of a uniquely challenging 2024, accumulated critical challenges call for strategic thinking and innovative, practical solutions.

Understanding the Food System Challenge (FSC)

The Food System Challenge (FSC) is a collaborative initiative by the World Food Programme (WFP) and Berytech, supported by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It aims to bolster Lebanese Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the agriculture and agrifood sectors by addressing core challenges within the food system.

A Closer Look at Pressing Challenges

Food Systems Advisor Bashar Berro explains that food security revolves around four key pillars: availability, accessibility, utility, and sustainability within the food or food value chain. “Lebanon faces disruptions in all four of these areas, which keeps our communities insecure,” he says.

Lebanon’s agricultural systems face growing pressures that call for careful examination and immediate action, particularly regarding resource management and operational practices. Agricultural productivity is significantly threatened by outdated water infrastructure and unpredictable rainfall patterns due to climate change. “Climate change is severely impacting Lebanese Agriculture and Food Systems. Unfortunately, there is a very limited understanding about the expected impact and adaptation measures to keep systems in Lebanon resilient,” Berro adds.

Additionally, food waste has increased because of production inefficiencies, severely impacting sectors such as dairy, meat, and vegetables. The significant dependence on imported food staples emphasizes the pressing need for sustainable substitutes to improve food security and economic stability.

The recent conflict has further strained Lebanon’s agrifood sector, particularly in rural areas like southern Lebanon and the Bekaa region. Farmers have suffered significant losses, with harvests abandoned, orchards damaged, and livestock production severely impacted. The disruption of export routes has added another layer of difficulty, particularly for staple crops such as potatoes, affecting both local livelihoods and market stability.

Exploring Practical Strategies

This series of articles will offer a practical roadmap tailored specifically for Lebanon’s agrifood stakeholders, closely matching programs such as Berytech’s Food System Challenge. It aims to provide agribusinesses and entrepreneurs with useful knowledge and hands-on insights.

The first article will outline sustainable and practical solutions to increase water and energy access, essential for farming operations and business continuity. Effective strategies will be highlighted, including the use of renewable energy such as solar-powered irrigation, drip irrigation, and rainwater harvesting.
The second piece will focus on local import substitution strategies, intended to boost local economies and lessen reliance on outside food sources. Real-life examples will illustrate successful models that Lebanese agribusinesses can recreate.
The third article will then shift towards optimizing production efficiency. Practical case studies and proven methods will demonstrate how operational improvements can boost productivity, minimize losses, and ensure greater profitability and sustainability.
Lastly, the critical issue of food loss reduction will be addressed by introducing innovative circular economy practices. Lebanese agribusinesses and producers will benefit from insights on how to turn waste into useful resources, improving sustainability and resilience.

A Collective Path Forward

As Lebanon faces this pivotal moment, cross-collaboration between farmers, businesses, thinkers, and policymakers is essential to creating a robust and sustainable agrifood sector. Stakeholders can work together to create a prosperous and sustainable future by encouraging creative and useful collaborations.

Join us as we explore the pathways toward turning challenges into opportunities, ensuring lasting food security, economic stability, and enduring prosperity for Lebanon.

United Nations Food Systems Hub. (2024, March 1). National Pathway: Lebanon. UN Food Systems Hub. Retrieved mid-February 2025.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2024). Lebanon’s Food Security Situation: Dependency on Imports and Future Risks. Open Knowledge FAO. Retrieved mid-February 2025.
Jaafar, H. (2024, November 3). The 2024 Israeli War on Lebanon: A Devastating Blow to Agriculture and the Environment. Retrieved mid-February 2025.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2024). Assessment of the Impact of the Conflict on Lebanon’s Agricultural Sector. Open Knowledge FAO. Retrieved mid-February 2025.

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Securing Water and Energy Access: Powering Sustainable Farming and Food Production in Lebanon

Maria Chahine — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 13:19:32 +0000

Water and energy are the backbone of Lebanon’s agrifood systems. They fuel farms, sustain livelihoods, and keep food production moving forward. However, accessing these essential resources has become increasingly difficult in the past few years due to economic, environmental, and political instability.

For rural entrepreneurs, securing reliable water and energy sources is not just a necessity—it is key to business continuity and growth. Efficient resource management goes beyond conservation; it requires practical, cost-effective solutions that help farmers sustain operations while reducing long-term expenses. By combining local expertise with targeted investments, Lebanon’s rural agribusinesses can build resilience and improve productivity despite ongoing challenges.

Current Challenges

Lebanon’s economic downturn, the repercussions of conflict, and continued political uncertainty have placed immense pressure on both water and energy supplies. This has led to shortages, disrupted supply chains, and increased environmental pollution.

Frequent power outages have led many farms and food processing facilities to rely heavily on costly and unsustainable fuel sources, such as generators, to maintain operations. This reliance not only increases operational costs but also contributes to environmental pollution. Farmers in remote areas are particularly vulnerable, as limited access to electricity hampers their ability to efficiently operate essential equipment like irrigation systems and refrigeration units. (IWA, 2024)

Lebanon’s water infrastructure is similarly struggling. Aging irrigation networks suffer from significant leaks, leading to substantial water losses. Climate change exacerbates these issues by causing unpredictable rainfall patterns, complicating long-term water management strategies. As a result, farmers are often forced to drill deeper wells or purchase water at high costs, further straining their financial resources. ((Lebanese Ministry of Energy and Water, 2024))

Additionally, the loss of skilled professionals due to brain drain has weakened the agricultural sector’s ability to adopt and scale modern, sustainable solutions. Without the right expertise, implementing energy-efficient technologies and water-saving techniques becomes more difficult, leaving many farmers dependent on outdated practices. (FAO, 2024)

Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs with Practical Approaches

The challenges facing Lebanon’s agrifood sector may seem daunting, but practical and accessible solutions can help farmers optimize resources, cut losses, and increase resilience. The key lies in adopting methods that are both affordable and effective, ensuring that rural entrepreneurs can sustain their businesses despite ongoing uncertainties.

“Economic development and resource sustainability often pull in different directions,” says Nicolas Farhat, Deputy General Manager at Berytech, “but within that tension lies a powerful opportunity: to reimagine growth models that are both inclusive and resource-conscious.”

“The challenge isn’t to eliminate the trade-offs, but to acknowledge them, and navigate them with intention, innovation, and long-term thinking,” he continues.

Accessible, Low-Cost Fixes

For many farmers who have suffered severe financial setbacks, solutions that require minimal investment can help them get back on their feet. These approaches focus on optimizing resources, reducing waste, and keeping operational costs as low as possible.

Drip Irrigation and Rainwater Harvesting: Switching to drip irrigation ensures water is delivered directly to plant roots, minimizing waste and improving crop yields. Rainwater harvesting—using rooftop tanks or small reservoirs—helps store water for dry periods, reducing reliance on groundwater and expensive water purchases.
Energy-Efficient Cold Storage and Processing: Solar-powered refrigeration units and energy-efficient processing equipment can help farmers preserve produce longer, reduce post-harvest losses, and maintain product quality—especially in areas where grid electricity is unreliable.
Turning Waste into Resources: Composting agricultural waste improves soil fertility while reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. Small-scale biogas systems can turn farm waste into energy for cooking, heating, and even powering small machinery.
Reusing Treated Wastewater for Farming: Rural agribusinesses can recycle wastewater for irrigation through small, locally operated treatment facilities. This provides a stable water source and helps mitigate environmental impact.

Long-Term Investments

For those looking to secure their farms for the future, transitioning to sustainable and independent models is essential. While these solutions require a larger upfront investment, they offer long-term stability and protection against rising costs and infrastructure challenges.

Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems: Switching from diesel water pumps to small-scale solar irrigation provides a stable water supply while cutting fuel expenses. This is particularly beneficial for farms in off-grid areas where electricity access is inconsistent.
Renewable Energy for Farm Operations: Investing in solar panels, small wind turbines, or hybrid energy systems enables farmers to power irrigation, refrigeration, milling, and other essential operations. Battery storage solutions help maintain power supply even during outages, making farms less dependent on expensive and polluting fuel generators.)
Hydroponics and Vertical Farming: These techniques allow farmers to grow crops with minimal water use and maximize space efficiency. They are particularly useful in arid regions where water access is unreliable. Pairing hydroponics with renewable energy can make year-round production more viable.
Shared Agrovoltaic Projects: Farmers can collaborate to develop shared solar farms where crops grow beneath solar panels, providing both energy and food production benefits. This approach optimizes land use and increases resilience against economic and climate-related challenges.

Lebanon’s agrifood sector is at a turning point. By investing in sustainable water and energy solutions, farmers can transform challenges into opportunities, ensuring long-term food security and economic stability.

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Driving Agrifood Independence: The Power of Local Import Substitution

Maria Chahine — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 13:19:28 +0000

Reducing Lebanon’s reliance on imported agricultural inputs is becoming more important, as it works towards food security and economic resilience. Amid ongoing political instability, economic difficulties and increased pollution, supporting local production is not only beneficial but crucial. Reliance on local resources provides stability and a pathway towards long-term sustainability for entrepreneurs operating in rural areas.

Current Dependency and Vulnerabilities

Lebanon’s agricultural sector remains heavily reliant on imports for essential inputs, making it vulnerable to global disruptions and price volatility. Recent assessments indicate that the country imports approximately 80% of its food needs, underscoring its susceptibility to external shocks. (U.S. International Trade Administration, 2024)

This dependency extends beyond fertilizers to include seeds and other staple commodities, further exposing Lebanon to international market fluctuations and domestic crises. (FAO, 2024)

Such reliance not only affects immediate productivity but also hampers long-term agricultural resilience, as local production remains highly sensitive to supply chain disruptions and rising input costs. (AUB, 2024)

Opportunities for Local Solutions

According to Food Science Expert Hussein Hassan, the biggest challenge in achieving local import substitution in Lebanon lies in the fragmented agri-food ecosystem. “Limited access to affordable raw materials further complicates things,” he explains. Despite this, Hassan is hopeful. “The growing momentum for collaboration between farmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs presents a powerful opportunity to build a more self-reliant and resilient food system, “he highlights.

Lebanon’s shifting economic and agricultural landscape in 2025 presents an opportunity for farmers and rural entrepreneurs to move away from costly dependencies and toward localized, self-sustaining solutions. As traditional supply chains remain unstable and input prices fluctuate, farmers can capitalize on innovation, local resources, and collaborative initiatives to build more resilient, independent agribusinesses. Several practical approaches can help drive this transition, offering long-term benefits despite initial challenges.

“Lebanon’s most promising opportunity is leveraging local to produce essential agri-food inputs, including fertilizers, seeds, and animal feed, locally. The key challenge remains ensuring consistent quality and scalability to compete with imported alternatives,” Hassan continues.

One key opportunity lies in localized biofertilizer production, using organic waste and beneficial microbes to create affordable, nutrient-rich alternatives to imported fertilizers. Farmers can start by composting farm waste or working with cooperatives that specialize in microbial-enriched fertilizers, reducing dependency on external inputs while improving soil health. Though initial investment in technical expertise and equipment may be needed, support from agricultural initiatives and local training programs can ease this transition, making biofertilizers a long-term cost-effective solution.

Another crucial shift is the establishment of community seed banks to preserve biodiversity and provide a trustworthy local seed source. By organizing small-scale seed exchanges or collaborating with agricultural cooperatives, farmers can create decentralized systems that protect traditional crop varieties and reduce reliance on fluctuating global markets. While maintaining seed quality requires proper storage and ongoing management, training programs and partnerships with research institutions can help farmers implement best practices, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Renewable energy integration, particularly through solar power, presents another viable path toward independence. Farmers can start with small-scale solar-powered irrigation or cold storage units, gradually expanding to power food processing and other operations. While upfront costs remain a challenge, available grants, microfinancing options, and cooperative-led projects make these technologies increasingly accessible. By reducing dependence on expensive fuel-based generators, renewable energy adoption not only enhances productivity but also provides long-term financial stability in an unpredictable energy landscape.

Initiatives like these have already started taking shape in Lebanon, with agribusinesses investing in alternative farming inputs, localized seed preservation, and renewable energy solutions. In this new era of advancement and sustainability, Lebanese farmers can seize the opportunity to either invest in such practices themselves or leverage cross-sector collaboration and partnerships across their respective value chains to enhance efficiency and drive innovation in their own models.

Ensuring Long-Term Resilience

By localizing agrifood production, Lebanon can withstand supply chain interruptions and maintain steady cost-effective access to necessary inputs. Acting now would allow the country to be prepared to handle issues relating to population, growth and international economic uncertainty in the future.

The promotion of agrifood independence through local production is ultimately an opportunity to innovate, empower communities and strengthen Lebanon’s economy. Investing in these regional solutions, rural businesses can develop resilience and set the stage for a prosperous and sustainable future.

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Maximizing Agrifood Output in Lebanon: Enhancing Quantity, Quality, and Efficiency

Maria Chahine — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 13:19:26 +0000

Improving Lebanon’s agrifood systems has become crucial for strengthening economic stability and ensuring long-term food security. As the country faces ongoing economic and environmental challenges, maximizing agrifood output has become more essential than ever. With shifting market dynamics, rising input costs, and growing demand for sustainable production, there are real opportunities to leverage innovation, local resources, and traditional knowledge to optimize yields and improve overall food system resilience.

Understanding Current Inefficiencies

Lebanon’s agricultural sector faces structural inefficiencies that limit its ability to maximize output. Limited access to high-quality seeds continues to trap farmers in cycles of low-yield crops and ineffective crop planning, restricting productivity and long-term agricultural sustainability.

Post-harvest losses remain a critical challenge, with disruptions in transportation affecting 41% of farming households and limiting their ability to sell produce efficiently. Inadequate storage infrastructure further compounds these losses, reducing both farmer incomes and the overall food supply. (FAO, 2024)

Furthermore, the slow adoption of modern farming techniques, such as automated irrigation, greenhouse cultivation, crop rotation, and integrated pest management, prevents farmers from optimizing resource use and improving yields. Outdated agricultural methods continue to contribute to inefficiencies in land and water use, reducing the sector’s ability to scale and meet increasing demand. (FAO, 2024)

Practical Strategies for Enhanced Productivity

While one of the greatest challenges facing Lebanon’s agri-food sector today is the need to increase productivity and quality despite limited resources, fragmented land, and ongoing economic pressures, “this challenge is also our greatest opportunity,” says Agri-Food and Quality expert Zeina Nakat. “By investing in modern agricultural practices, fostering farmer cooperatives, and prioritizing quality assurance systems, Lebanon can not only boost its agri-food output but also position its products as competitive and trusted in both local and international markets,” she explains.

To maximize agrifood output in Lebanon, focusing on enhancing quantity, quality, and efficiency is essential. Regular monitoring of basic efficiency metrics, such as yield per hectare, post-harvest loss rates, and resource usage, is crucial for identifying weaknesses and tracking progress. Implementing the following practical strategies can significantly improve agrifood efficiency:

Combining Traditional and Modern Techniques: Integrating Lebanon’s rich agricultural heritage with contemporary methods can yield exceptional results. For instance, adopting soil testing, targeted fertilization, and efficient irrigation systems like drip irrigation can boost yields while conserving resources such as water and soil nutrients. These practices align with conservation agriculture principles, which aim to enhance soil health and productivity.
Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices: Given Lebanon’s changing climate, adopting resilient practices is vital. Climate-smart agriculture, including crop diversification, agroforestry, and minimal tillage—can improve soil health, conserve water, and reduce vulnerability to extreme weather events. These practices not only enhance yields but also promote long-term sustainability and reliability.
Precision Crop Planning: Connecting farmers and landowners with agrifood engineers can enhance resource management and crop planning. Implementing precision agriculture techniques, such as soil sensors, satellite mapping, and data-driven decision-making, can streamline operations, reduce waste, and increase profitability. Precision agriculture utilizes advanced technologies to optimize resource use and improve yields.

Long-Term Benefits for Farmers and Lebanon’s Economy

Implementing these strategies offers significant long-term benefits. Increased agricultural output can reduce reliance on food imports and create export opportunities, stimulating local markets. For rural farmers and businesses, enhanced productivity leads to higher incomes, boosting local economies and overall economic resilience. Additionally, increased agricultural productivity can attract investment to rural areas, fostering job creation and economic growth. Investments in new technology, high-yielding varieties, and efficient water use are crucial for reducing production costs and enhancing value on farms. (IFAD, 2024)

Moving Forward Together

Enhancing Lebanon’s agrifood productivity requires collaboration among farmers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and specialists in technology and agriculture. By working together, these stakeholders can effectively integrate these strategies into daily practices, building a sustainable, productive, and profitable agrifood sector. Proactive collaboration and informed action can transform Lebanon’s agricultural challenges into opportunities, ensuring a resilient and prosperous future for the next generations.

By focusing on these practical and actionable strategies, Lebanon can enhance the quantity, quality, and efficiency of its agrifood output, aligning with the core theme of maximizing agricultural productivity.

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Reducing Food Loss: Creating Value from Waste in Lebanon’s Agrifood Sector

Maria Chahine — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 13:19:22 +0000

Addressing food loss is both an ethical imperative and a strategic necessity for Lebanon’s agrifood businesses and the national economy. In the wake of recent disruptions caused by conflict, rebuilding a more resilient, efficient food system has become even more critical. Farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities have the potential to turn food loss reduction into an opportunity for development, sustainability, and financial success while contributing to the country’s economic recovery.

“One of the key challenges in Lebanon is the absence of a structured value chain for food waste, starting with the lack of clean, source-segregated waste from major generators like farms, agri-food industries, supermarkets, and institutions. Addressing this gap can unlock real opportunities for composting, animal feed production, and biogas generation — providing financially viable and environmentally impactful solutions,” says Dounia El Dick, General Manager of Fermendom and waste management expert.

Why Food Loss Matters

Lebanon experiences significant food loss annually due to inefficiencies in production, harvesting, storage, transportation, and market distribution. Recent disruptions—including damaged farmland, interrupted supply chains, and rising input costs—have further intensified these losses, making food availability and affordability an urgent concern. While specific national statistics remain limited, it is widely recognized that food loss is particularly high for perishable foods such as fruits and vegetables, especially in regions with inadequate storage and transport infrastructure. (FAO, 2024) This wasted potential not only impacts food security but also undermines economic resilience in rural areas, where agriculture remains a primary source of income.

Moreover, food loss also contributes to environmental degradation, wasting water, energy, and resources while generating unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing organic matter. As Lebanon seeks more sustainable solutions, tackling food loss will be a key factor in rebuilding a stronger, more climate-resilient agrifood system.

Identifying Causes of Food Loss in Lebanon

Several key factors contribute to Lebanon’s high rates of food loss, many of which have been amplified by recent disruptions:

Inadequate Storage Facilities: Many rural areas lack access to proper storage infrastructure, such as refrigeration or humidity-controlled environments, leading to rapid spoilage of goods, particularly for fresh produce in regions affected by power shortages. (FAO, 2024)
Poor Transportation Systems: Road damage and fuel shortages have compounded Lebanon’s already inefficient logistical planning and transport infrastructure, causing delivery delays and increasing spoilage, particularly for perishable crops. (IFAD, 2024)
Lack of Value-Added Processing: Limited access to processing facilities and agribusiness investment prevents farmers from turning excess or imperfect produce into marketable, longer-lasting products, such as dried fruit, preserves, or frozen goods.
Market Accessibility Issues: Many rural farmers struggle to access urban markets due to disrupted trade routes and increased transportation costs, leading to higher spoilage and unsold produce.

Practical Solutions to Reduce Food Loss

To address these challenges and support Lebanon’s agrifood recovery, farmers, agribusinesses, and local initiatives can implement practical, scalable solutions:

Improved Storage Solutions: Implementing affordable, decentralized cold storage solutions—such as solar-powered storage units and community-managed refrigeration hubs—can significantly reduce spoilage and create shared cost efficiencies. (UNDP, 2024)
Better Transportation Logistics: Developing local transportation cooperatives and optimizing shorter, regional supply chains can help ensure that fresh produce reaches markets on time, reducing spoilage. Digital marketplace platforms can also connect farmers with direct buyers, improving efficiency.
Value-Added Processing: Encouraging investment in small-scale food processing facilities, such as drying, freezing, or preserving operations, can extend the shelf life of excess produce, offering farmers alternative revenue streams.
Enhanced Market Connections: Strengthening local food hubs, farmers’ markets, and urban-rural trade linkages can improve market accessibility, ensuring that food reaches consumers before spoilage occurs.
Education and Training: Providing technical training on post-harvest handling, proper storage, and preservation techniques can empower farmers to better manage food supplies, reducing unnecessary losses and maximizing profitability.

Building a Sustainable Agrifood Future

Reducing food loss is more than just minimizing waste. It is a key step toward a more efficient, resilient, and self-sufficient agrifood system in Lebanon. As the country rebuilds, optimizing resources and improving efficiency will be essential to strengthening local markets, reducing reliance on imports, and ensuring long-term sustainability. Smarter post-harvest management, better storage and transportation solutions, and stronger market linkages can increase profitability for farmers and agribusinesses while conserving vital resources and reducing environmental impact.

Achieving these goals requires collaboration across the agrifood sector, bringing together farmers, agribusinesses, and innovators to develop practical, scalable solutions. Efforts to reduce food loss are already taking shape through initiatives that support efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in the food system. By embracing innovation and collective action, Lebanon’s agrifood sector can turn challenges into opportunities for long-term growth, ensuring a stronger, more secure future for food production and distribution.

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