ILO Brief

From information gaps to market solutions: expanding solar energy access for agricultural customers in Lebanon

Amid rising energy costs and persistent electricity shortages, agricultural producers in Lebanon face increasing challenges in maintaining productivity and resilience. While solar photovoltaic (PV) solutions present a viable alternative, adoption has remained limited due to constrained access to reliable and independent technical information, high investment uncertainty and weak linkages between agricultural energy demand and solar service provision. This brief outlines how the Bouzour project addresses these constraints by introducing a practical, market-driven solution combining a user-centred solar decision-support tool with a village-based technical intermediation model. By strengthening access to pre-investment technical assessments and improving early-stage customer screening, the intervention reduces information asymmetries and supports more transparent and informed investment decisions.

Agricultural customer involved in on-farm production activities where energy access is critical to daily operations. Bekaa, Lebanon 31/10/2025 — Agricultural customer involved in on-farm production activities where energy access is critical to daily operations.Bekaa, Lebanon 31/10/2025

The approach enhances the efficiency of engagement between agricultural customers and solar providers, lowers transaction costs and strengthens market linkage - demonstrating a scalable pathway to expand the adoption of sustainable energy solutions in Lebanon’s agricultural sector.