LEBANON - More than 250 women-led cooperative groups in Lebanon have received support between 2019 and 2024 under a programme led by the FAO, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Directorate General of Cooperatives.
Funded by Canada, the program enabled 265 groups to benefit from technical training and business development programmes. In addition, 143 groups received production equipment to expand collective food processing activities, improve product quality, and generate more income.
FAO highlighted the program's achievements on the International Day of Cooperatives on July 4, 2026, emphasizing that cooperatives continue to play a vital role in supporting farmers, fishers, women, men, youth, and rural entrepreneurs in coping with economic challenges, improving livelihoods, and strengthening resilience.
FAO Representative in Lebanon, Nora Ourabah Haddad, said cooperatives offer practical solutions based on solidarity and shared responsibility, enabling producers to manage risks, improve bargaining power, and access markets.
The program also strengthened the institutional capacity of the Directorate General of Cooperatives, including the development of an information management system with gender-disaggregated data.
FAO added that it continues to promote inclusive and sustainable agri-food systems in Lebanon by supporting governance, climate-smart agriculture, and rural finance.
The organization reiterated its commitment to cooperatives as a cornerstone for food security, rural development, and long-term stability in Lebanon.
