Page 28 - AA 2026

Lebanon

Winter cereal harvest in 2024 estimated well below

average due to adverse weather conditions

The Role of Cooperatives in theme “Cooperatives for a Peaceful and seize new economic opportuni-
Strengthening Rural Communities World!”. On this day, The Food and ties that would often fall beyond the
Across Lebanon, cooperatives Agriculture Organization of the Unit- reach of individuals acting alone.
and producer organizations support ed Nations (FAO) highlights the vital The FAO Representative in Leba-
farmers, fishers, women, men and role that cooperatives and producer non saide . “When farmers, fishers
youth entrepreneurs and rural com- organisations play in achieving food and economic actors work together,
munities overcome economic chal- security, supporting rural, coastal, they are better equipped to manage
lenges, improve livelihoods and and fisheries-dependent communi- risks, realize economies of scale,
strengthen resilience. By working ties’ livelihoods and strengthening increase their bargaining power,
collectively, they facilitate access to the resilience of Lebanon’s agrifood access markets and invest in their
markets, services and productive re- systems. future. FAO’s support goes beyond
sources, provide a voice in decision At a time when rural communities training and equipment. It is about
making, while strengthening social continue to face the combined im- building strong and sustainable rural
cohesion and local development. pacts of conflict, economic instabil- institutions that continue delivering
Celebrated annually on the first ity, climate-related challenges and services to their members, creating
Saturday of July, the International rising production costs, collective opportunities and strengthening lo-
Day of Cooperatives will take place action enables small-scale producers cal economies for years to come.”
on 4 July 2026, globally under the to reduce risks, improve productivity A flagship example of FAO’s com-
26 Arab Agriculture 2026