Ain Ebel Agro-Humanitarian Center (AHC)

During a year marked by multiple crises and a devastating war that severely impacted Lebanese territories, particularly the South and Northeast Bekaa, the Agro- Humanitarian Center, inaugurated in 2023, maintained its critical role in supporting the resilience of surrounding communities within a 20 km radius. The land for the Ain Ebel Agro-Humanitarian Center was generously allocated by the Jesuits, allowing the establishment of the center as part of a broader network of Agro- Humanitarian Centers across all six Lebanese governorates. Leveraging the expertise of OML’s field staff and the operational synergy of the center network, OML successfully supported both host communities and internally displaced persons who were forced to flee their homes due to conflict. In 2024, the center maintained consistent delivery of targeted support to local farmers and agri-businesses, contributing to core dimensions of food security. Through an integrated support model and sustained field presence, OML conducted needs-based assessments to inform adaptive, impact-oriented interventions. OML was the first NGO to assess soil quality following the phosphoric and artificial hostilities that affected the South and Nabatieh governorates. Field meetings were held with farmers and food producers to evaluate the conflict’s impact on livelihoods and agricultural output. Training sessions on soil sampling were delivered, and soil samples were collected and analyzed. Results were disseminated to farmers to raise awareness of soil conditions and were utilized to produce the first technical poster addressing the effects of phosphoric shelling on soil quality in early 2024. Based on the findings, tailored recommendations were provided to guide farmers in improving soil health and restoring agricultural productivity. OML also expanded its investment in the site during 2024, capitalizing on dedicated funding streams to strengthen prioritized value chains with high potential for sustainable agriculture and economic development. Notably, an 500 sqm Carob growing nursery has been installed. This intervention aims to promote a climate-smart value chain for native productive evergreen plants, supporting eco-friendly agricultural practices with low water-use and high environmental efficiency. The center has reinforced its relationship with local farming communities by providing free agricultural extension services to farmers who remained in war-affected areas and distributing seedlings at no cost to support food security during the crisis resulting from the Hezbollah–Israel conflict. The Agro-Humanitarian Center throughout the duration of the conflict, with its team mobilized to deliver emergency support to villagers who stayed along the frontlines. In coordination with the municipalities of Ain Ebel and Rmeich; both of which served as critical hubs for displaced populations; OML ensured the continued operation of the underground water well by supplying photovoltaic power and fuel. This comprehensive intervention contributed to enhancing the resilience of local communities, reinforcing their connection to the land, and fostering a renewed sense of hope and determination to rebuild agricultural livelihoods once security conditions were restored.

SERVICE DESCRIPTION AND IMPACT ACHIEVED IN 2024

Services provided in 2024 included a total of 266,000 seedlings were distributed to 161 farmers, while 13 greenhouses were provided to 13 women from returnee and internally displaced households following the ceasefire, as part of efforts to revitalize agricultural production. The freekeh processing unit remained functional throughout the hostilities, with technical studies on its upgrading conducted and subsequently applied during the 2025 freekeh season. The below table provides details regarding the nature of support and the numbers performed till Dec 2024.

Adel Ghandour

Agro-Humanitarian Program Manager