The Shouf Biosphere Reserve (SBR) in Lebanon, nestled within the Mediterranean Basin, exemplifies a harmonious blend of biodiversity conservation and sustainable agricultural practices. This study, authored by Khaled Sleem, Zaher Redwan, and Marwa Bou Assi, investigates the economic and ecological value chains of six key crops—oregano, pomegranate, sumac, figs, walnuts, and pine nuts—produced in villages surrounding the reserve. Supported by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the report provides an in-depth analysis of these crops’ production systems, challenges, and potential for sustainable development.
Methodology
The study relied on a comprehensive door-to-door survey of 72 farmers across 24 villages. Data were collected using tailored questionnaires for each crop, focusing on production volumes, cultivation practices, and economic opportunities. The research highlights sustainable farming methods promoted by SBR and identifies opportunities for enhancing market accessibility and value chain efficiency.
Key Findings
1. Oregano
Oregano (Origanum syriacum), integral to Lebanese cuisine, thrives in the region due to its resilience and high demand. Annual production within the study area reached approximately 3,800 kg, with most farmers employing sustainable practices like composting. However, sun-drying, a common method, diminishes product quality by reducing essential oil content. Improved drying techniques and value-added products, such as spice mixes, could boost economic returns.
2. Pomegranate
Pomegranates are cultivated predominantly in lower-altitude areas like Bater and Warhaneyeh. Production reached 32,000 kg, with farmers favoring traditional cultivation methods. However, pest control and market access remain challenges. Pomegranate molasses, a traditional byproduct, presents an opportunity for scaling up production and integrating women’s cooperatives into the value chain.
3. Sumac
Sumac (Rhus coriaria), a wild and drought-resistant crop, has significant untapped potential. While annual production totaled 2,000 kg, large quantities of wild sumac remain unharvested. Processing improvements, including better grinding methods, and integration into spice blends, such as zaatar, can enhance profitability.
4. Figs
Despite a production volume of 13,500 kg, fig cultivation faces challenges such as labor-intensive harvesting and short shelf life. Traditional fig jams and sun-dried figs represent viable value-added products, but the lack of proper drying facilities limits scalability.
5. Walnuts
Walnut production, primarily for local consumption, involves 1.47 million nuts annually. Farmers face difficulties in pest management and marketing. Introducing value-added products like walnut bars or promoting walnuts in traditional dishes like maamoul could strengthen the value chain.
6. Pine Nuts
Pine nuts, derived from extensive stone pine forests, are a key economic asset. However, yields have declined due to invasive pests like Leptoglossus occidentalis. Improved silvicultural practices, pest management, and worker training are essential for sustaining this lucrative industry.
Challenges and Recommendations
The study identifies several challenges, including aging farmer demographics, reliance on chemical inputs, and insufficient market integration. Farmers often depend on local pesticide providers for guidance, which can hinder sustainable practices. Moreover, many agricultural cooperatives lack governance and business planning expertise.
Recommendations include:
- Training cooperative members in governance and management.
- Enhancing processing facilities to meet hygiene and quality standards.
- Promoting value-added products to increase economic returns.
- Implementing integrated pest management and silvicultural guidelines.
Conclusion
This study underscores the potential of Lebanon’s Shouf Biosphere Reserve as a model for sustainable agricultural practices that preserve biodiversity while supporting rural livelihoods. By addressing identified challenges and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the reserve can enhance the economic viability of its value chains and contribute to global conservation efforts.
References
For more insights, the full paper is available at IUCN Library
