Key challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs in the agriculture and agro-food sectors in North-Lebanon and Akkar

Needs Assessment Report Under the Productive Sectors Development Programme

In view of Lebanon’s long-term structural challenges and the profound effects that subsequent crises are having on its economy, there is ongoing need to support job creation and inclusive economic growth, especially for women and youth in the most disadvantaged areas.

This study identified six main categories that reflect the current challenges, trends and context that any start-up or MSME will have to face:

- the political and security situation;
- collapsing infrastructure;
- migration, brain drain and employment challenges;
- currency devaluation and inflation;
- banking sector challenges and access to finance; and
- the Covid-19 pandemic.