“Souk El Jabal” (The Mountain Market), as this complex is known, is the result of a partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Federation of Chouf Al-Suwaidjani Municipalities, with funding from the German government through the German Development Bank (KfW). This project comes within the framework of broader efforts to revive livelihoods and support the rural economy in the Chouf region.
The opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures such as the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. “Nizar Hani,” the Head of the Federation of Chouf Al-Suwaidjani Municipalities, “Kamel Al-Ghossaini,” the Director of the German Development Bank office in Lebanon, Dr. “Solveig Buhl,” and the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme, “Blairta Aliko,” in addition to a number of farmers and cooperatives from various villages in the region.
The complex includes a central wholesale vegetable market, shops for selling agricultural and beekeeping products, dedicated training facilities, a community kitchen, and administrative offices. It is expected that more than 270 farmers, 400 beekeepers, and 40 producers of agricultural foods will benefit from this complex. The complex will also provide a sustainable source of income for fifty women working in the community kitchen.
The Minister of Agriculture affirmed in his speech that “we are celebrating a success story represented by the opening of this agricultural complex, which embodies a long-term vision and is considered one of the main pillars of the new agricultural plan 2026–2035. Through this vision, we aspire to generalize this model in various Lebanese regions to be an effective link between farmers and markets.”
This initiative also focuses on enhancing cooperation with public and private institutions, including the Ministry of Agriculture, the “Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI),” and local agricultural schools, with the aim of ensuring that farmers, cooperatives, and traders receive continuous technical support and guidance.
By facilitating access to markets, reducing transportation costs, supporting women’s participation in the economy, and encouraging ecotourism, “Souk El Jabal” represents an important step towards revitalizing local economies and transforming rural potential into sustainable growth, while strengthening its role as a fundamental driver for agricultural and tourism development in the Chouf region. (National Agency)
