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The impact of agricultural sector on boosting the Lebanese economy throughout the economic crisis


Article Information

Title: The impact of agricultural sector on boosting the Lebanese economy throughout the economic crisis

Authors: Denis Ushakov, Khodor Shatila

Journal: International Journal of Agricultural Extension (IJAE)

HEC Recognition History
Category From To
Y 2024-10-01 2025-12-31
Y 2023-07-01 2024-09-30
Y 2021-07-01 2022-06-30
Y 2020-07-01 2021-06-30

Publisher: DATAPLUS (SMC- Private) Limited

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2022

Volume: 10

Issue: 3

Language: English

DOI: 10.33687/ijae.10.03.4021

Keywords: EconomyInflationAgricultural SectorLebaneseExchange rate

Categories

Abstract

Every developing country aims to achieve high-income status as a primary objective. To achieve this aim and other vital development objectives like guaranteeing food security and promoting nutrition, agriculture plays a crucial role. Therefore, agricultural transformation must become a reality to eradicate hunger and undernutrition while boosting economic development. Only a few nations have acquired high-income status after starting poor. However, those that accomplished it began with farming and went through an economic transition that boosted growth and eliminate hunger and undernutrition. The research implemented a methodology approach throughout online meetings for any of the interviews. The researcher began the interviews by asking open-ended questions to get to know the interviewees better and to set a casual tone for the conversation. The research sought to use open and probing questions that enable respondents to explain and identify the events or circumstances as they view them. Farmers in Lebanon are fighting to make ends meet as the value of the dollar versus the Lebanese lira continues to climb. This might become worse if Saudi Arabia imposes a ban on agricultural goods. Lebanon's economic crisis has taken a heavy toll on the country's agriculture industry.


Research Objective

To study the economic impact of the crisis on the agricultural sector in Lebanon.


Methodology

Qualitative methodology using face-to-face interviews with two farmers and two entrepreneurs in the agricultural field. Open-ended and probing questions were used. Data was transcribed using NVIVO.

Methodology Flowchart
                        graph TD; A[Conduct Face-to-Face Interviews] --> B[Ask Open-Ended and Probing Questions]; B --> C[Record and Transcribe Interviews]; C --> D[Generate Codes and Themes using NVIVO]; D --> E[Analyze Data]; E --> F[Draw Conclusions];                    

Discussion

The paper discusses the role of agriculture in economic transformation, the impact of economic crises and pandemics on the food supply chain, and the specific challenges faced by the Lebanese agricultural sector. It highlights issues such as currency devaluation, lack of social safety nets for farmers, reliance on imports, and the impact of the Syrian refugee crisis. The potential impact of a Saudi ban on agricultural imports is also discussed.


Key Findings

Farmers in Lebanon are struggling due to the devaluing Lebanese lira and the potential for a Saudi ban on agricultural goods. The agricultural sector is seen as a hobby rather than a business due to lack of government support and low investment. The economic crisis and COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated existing weaknesses in the food supply chain and increased food insecurity.


Conclusion

The combination of financial and economic problems with the COVID-19 pandemic poses a significant threat to the well-being of a substantial portion of the Lebanese population, particularly smallholder farmers, women, and young people. The agricultural sector is heavily impacted, leading to job losses, reduced incomes, and increased food insecurity.


Fact Check

- Lebanon's GDP dropped from $55 billion in 2018 to $33 billion in 2020.
- The Lebanese lira has devalued by 90% since late 2019.
- Saudi Arabia decided not to allow the importation of fruits and vegetables from Lebanon in April 2021 due to smuggled cocaine.


Mind Map

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