USAID announces new $10M activity in Lebanon to empower local systems in agriculture

On October 1, 2024, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched a new five-year $10 million activity, Empowering Local Systems in Agriculture (ELSA) in Lebanon, the U.S. Embassy said on Thursday.

The activity will develop agriculture market systems that focus on

sustainable access to inputs and market channels. With Lebanon’s agriculture sector facing significant challenges as a result of the ongoing economic crisis, this initiative will focus on strengthening and revitalizing local agriculture.

Throughout its five years of implementation, ELSA will partner with local organizations, agri-businesses, and other market actors to reach its objectives. The initiative takes a localization-centric approach that builds the capacity of local organizations and

prepares 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 invested more than $80 million in Lebanon’s agriculture sector. This support 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 firms and farms level, provided business development services to more than 35,000 enterprises and farming households, and benefited over 19,000 households from food security programming.