"Farming is like Gambling"; An Examination of the Decline of Produce Farming in Lebanon's Central Bekaa Valley

Farming in Lebanon's central Bekaa valley is a sector in decline. The problems faced by farmers in the region are multifaceted and result from a range of issues, including changing social values, the negative effects of trade liberalization, and the impact of climate change. The Lebanese government's desire to shift towards a more service-oriented economy has also contributed to the problem. Still, the potential for growth exists. The Lebanese government should encourage farmers to experiment with new products and techniques, and cater to local and international agro-processing industries and large-scale food producers. If farmers are able to distance themselves qualitatively, rather than quantitatively, from their competitors, they will stand to reap greater, sustainable profits and maintain a reasonable standard of living without feeling the need to shift into other sectors of the economy.

Author

• Allam, Nathalie

Language

• en

Keyword

• Agriculture
• Bekaa
• Lebanon

Date created

• 2011

Type of Work

• Master's Thesis

License

• All rights reserved

Rights statement

• In Copyright

GW Unit

• International Affairs

Degree

• M.A.

Advisor

• Roberts, Sean

Persistent URL

•  https://scholarspace.library.gwu.edu/etd/9019s269z