Context
Jibal is a non-profit organisation founded in Lebanon in 2019 by Angela Saadé and Ounsi El Daïf. After founding Tabadol in Lyon and Eedama in the United Arab Emirates, respectively, they decided to co-found Jibal. Their work combines socio-cultural and environmental perspectives to promote a holistic approach to social development. Jibal promotes sustainability in all its aspects - in the enhancement of natural spaces, in human societies, and in economic and social policies. To achieve this, Jibal develops and implements actions that produce concrete results
- Educational workshops that equip participants with techniques and perspectives to promote social and environmental justice. They take a variety of forms: scientific experiments, round-table discussions, role-playing and hands-on workshops on technological innovation. The aim of these workshops is to develop a holistic understanding of environmental and social justice issues.
- Applied research projects to develop knowledge and share best practice on local food production, gardening, composting, food waste reduction, water desalination, water saving, solar energy, sustainable transport, etc.
- Training courses for farmers, educators and other professionals.
Project
Jibal aims to change the way the conventional food system works in Lebanon - from production to distribution and consumption practices. Jibal members work directly with farmers and consumers to support agroecology and promote food sovereignty policies. As part of this programme, Jibal organises practical training programmes and builds partnerships with agro-ecology experts and influential people in the community.
In seeking to transform farmers' working conditions, Jibal focuses on alternative economies. Their work involves helping producers and consumers to set up cooperatives and initiatives that involve collective work. In 2022, a farmers' market was launched in Beirut, initially involving 20 farmers, and currently bringing together 7 farmers from Mount Lebanon.
Souk El Mawsam is a farmers' market in the Geitawi neighbourhood of Beirut. It aims to support a number of farmers in Mount Lebanon in their transition to agroecology. It promotes healthy, low-input food from local farmers and small producers. It also aims to build links between urban dwellers and rural producers by providing urban customers with access to healthy traditional foods and direct contact with local producers.
For whom ?
The NGO Jibal runs projects for farmers and consumers.
Results
In 2021, the NGO Jibal published a report listing alternative food initiatives in Lebanon, sharing the challenges they face and the opportunities for growth. Since then, the organisation has also published reports on the state of agro-ecology in Lebanon.
This initiative sheet was written by Yohan Taris, LFC trainee in February 2023.
Sources :
Last modification : 29 Dec 2023.
Jibal
The development of initiatives such as Badaro Urban Farmers helps to stimulate the farmers' market culture in Lebanon, while ensuring a decent income for producers and fresh produce for consumers, all in a thoughtful setting for families with fun activities. Local associations also have the opportunity to use a platform to showcase their activities and, in some cases, sell products, while screenings and debates are organised to encourage social reflection.