Rural Economy
Agricultural production
In the North of Lebanon, agriculture constitutes the main economic activity. It employs – directly as well as indirectly- about 70 % of the local working population.
The North is divided into three agricultural regions, according to the topography of the soil:
The mountainous region and that of relative altitude, in which Zgharta is situated, cultivates seed fruit, such as apples and pears (60 % of all Lebanese apples are being produced in that area) and breeds animals.
The plain of Akkar, which is known for its vegetable and fruit production.
The coastal region, which grows vines and in which olive growing is predominant (it constitutes 48.5 % of Lebanese oil production).
In spite of the importance of agriculture in the Northern regions (it represents 25 % of Lebanon's agricultural lands), total production in this region remains less than the rest of the country. This is due to the fact that farmers in these regions continue to employ obsolete techniques of exploitation, which inhibit their economic development.
The plains of Akkar have been suffering from the effects of excessive exploitation for a long time, especially cereal growing. At the moment, the farmers have turned to intensive farming of, for example, potatoes and peanuts, to raise their revenues. This way of farming leads to the deterioration of the soil and the reduction of arable land.
Zgharta, where the Agricultural Center of the North (CAN) is situated, is a region of average altitude in which mainly fruit trees are cultivated. Although this region has efficient public transport and is easily accessible for local farmers and livestock breeders, they have kept old techniques of exploitation and limit themselves to cultivating citrus fruit, apples, pears and olives.
Agricultural returns, Ministry of Agriculture, 1998/1999
Livestock breeding
In Lebanon , livestock breeding does not correspond to the needs of the population. Breeding is deficient due to low per capita production. It is thus essential to intensify breeding and raise per capita production.
A system of intensive livestock breeding has been implemented for bovines and production is now progressively increasing. However, the problem continues for small ruminants, which have not been reoriented towards intensification.
According to the FAO, the whole Lebanese goat herd amounts to 435,000 goats. The herd is 95 % Baladi, which is a mountainous and robust local race (135 liters of milk per head per year), and 5 % Damascus race (250 liters). This herd's main source of feed is obtained by grazing which is limited by dryness and the amount of available land - resulting in low livestock production. In addition, the breeding of goats causes damage to the environment due to the uncontrolled grazing system.
The following are factors that make it impossible to increase productivity and hinder economic development which prevents youth from returning to rural areas: monocultures, cultivated varieties, extensive breeding, irrigation systems, the high prices of production, the interests of intermediaries, the absence of accessible bank credits, the lack of storing and conservation structures for produce, and the absence of programs for social insurance.