$13.5 million for two agriculture projects

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture has launched two projects: One to develop agricultural vocational and technical education, and the second to create more job opportunities in the agriculture sector through investments in preparing land tracks and water reservoirs. The Netherlands Embassy has provided $13.5 million for the projects, which will be implemented within three years.

The ministry said that the project will improve the management and academic capabilities in seven agricultural schools affiliated to the ministry. This will also contribute to increased student enrollment.

The project will also allow Syrian refugees to benefit from the educational programs. The idea being that vocational baccalaureate certificate in agriculture will attain will be a useful tool when they return to their home country.

The second project will be implemented by the FAO and the Green Project, which is affiliated to the ministry. Dany Lichaa El-Khoury, Agricultural Development Expert and Technical Assistant to Agricultural and Rural Development Program (ARDP) at the ministry, said the project will boost the capabilities of the Green Project to support small and medium farmers in developing their unexploited lands. In effect, this would keep farmers in their villages, and create more jobs for farm laborers.

El-Khoury said that the project is twofold: It will train farmers how to professionally manage their lands, and how to adopt sustainable practices.