The goal of this paper is to find out whether converting from conventional to organic farming of some avocado farmers would improve the economic situation of the farmers in Lebanon. It also aims to look deeper into the motivation of conversion, obstacles in the way, and to consider alternatives.
Lebanon is one of the small countries in the Middle East where agriculture plays a huge role in supporting its economy. The United Nations stated that, in total, 6,8 million people reside in Lebanon where the agriculture sector contributes to 2.5% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and offers jobs to more than 11% of the population. Due to a Mediterranean climate and a fair amount of rain, the Lebanese agricultural practice varies along the mountains and coast. With the suitable climate, fertile soil, a high amount of rainfall, and water availability for irrigation, more than 2000 different wild species of plants can grow. This allows for different types of crops as well, including field crops, olives, fruits, vegetables, and many more. This diversity enables not only the benefit to the locals but also the exporting of the harvest to the Arab countries and Europe.
In the past, farmers were dependent on certain fruits, mainly citrus (for example lemon, orange, mandarin). These were planted on a 210-km-area along the coast. However, these fruits have suffered during the past decade as a result of socio-political-economic reasons, failing to provide economic support for the local farmers. Nevertheless, farmers showed a potential to shift agricultural practices towards other fruits. The avocado tree showed to be a prominent candidate and its role in agriculture has had a huge development with the help of projects by foreign nations such as the United States (US), The Netherlands, and France. This supported the agriculture sector through the funding of projects and by providing experts to help farmers increase their production to a higher level.
Today, avocado farming belongs not only to the important fields of Lebanese agriculture but also in the Arab and European markets the sale of Lebanese avocados has been prominent. The international market for avocados is highly competitive, and research shows that markets such as Europe prefer better quality and more sustainable organic fruits. However, the economy in Lebanon has seen a drastic decline since October 2019 and farmers need a sustainable plan to keep their work going.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Theoretical Background and Literature Review
- Current Economic Crisis in Lebanon
- Avocado Farming
- Lebanon
- Current Avocado Market in Lebanon: Chain Actors
- International Avocado Market
- Europe as a Potential market for Lebanon
- Organic Farming
- Definitions
- Benefits and Opportunities of Organic Farming
- Challenges
- Converting to Organic Farming Debate
- Organic Certification in Lebanon
- Organic Market in Lebanon
- Global organic market
- The Lebanese Value Chain of Fruits and its Potential for Europe
- Research Questions
- Materials and Methods
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Quantitative versus Qualitative
- Data Collection Method: Interviews and Case Studies
- Analysis: SWOT
- Procedure
- Respondents' Backgrounds
- Price per kg
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Results
- Export
- Exporting to Europe in 2021
- Transition Period and Certification
- Cost Analysis: Non-Organic Chemicals Used and Labor
- Export
- Discussion
- Costs of Converting to Organic Farming
- Comparison with Avocado Farming in Mexico
- Additional Aspects of Organic Avocado Farming
- Social, Ethical, and Environmental Aspects
- Alternatives
- Limitations
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This Master's thesis explores the economic viability of converting avocado farming in Lebanon from conventional to organic practices. The study aims to analyze the potential challenges and opportunities associated with this transition, considering factors such as market demand, certification requirements, and cost implications. Furthermore, the research investigates the social, ethical, and environmental benefits of organic avocado farming in Lebanon.
- The economic feasibility of transitioning from conventional to organic avocado farming in Lebanon.
- The impact of organic certification requirements on avocado production costs.
- The potential market demand for organic avocados in Lebanon and Europe.
- The environmental and social benefits of organic avocado farming.
- The challenges and opportunities faced by Lebanese avocado farmers in adopting organic practices.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The thesis begins with a comprehensive overview of the current economic crisis in Lebanon, highlighting its impact on the agricultural sector. The study then delves into the specifics of avocado farming in Lebanon, examining the current market dynamics and the role of international market actors. Chapter 2 provides a detailed analysis of organic farming practices, focusing on definitions, benefits, challenges, and the existing organic market in Lebanon and internationally.
Chapter 3 outlines the research methodology employed in the study, emphasizing the use of qualitative data collection methods, including interviews and case studies. The chapter also describes the analytical framework used to assess the viability of converting to organic farming.
Chapter 4 presents the results of the study, focusing on key findings related to export potential, certification requirements, and the cost implications of transitioning to organic farming.
Chapter 5 delves into a detailed discussion of the costs associated with organic farming, comparing them to conventional practices. It also explores the social, ethical, and environmental implications of adopting organic farming methods in Lebanon. The chapter concludes by examining alternative approaches and potential limitations to converting to organic avocado farming.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This research utilizes keywords such as organic avocado farming, Lebanon, economic feasibility, market demand, organic certification, cost analysis, environmental benefits, social impacts, and the challenges associated with transitioning from conventional to organic farming practices. The study explores the potential for organic avocado farming to contribute to sustainable development and economic growth in Lebanon.
- Citation du texte
- Yara Hijazi (Auteur), 2021, The economic perspective of converting avocado farming in Lebanon from conventional to organic, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1153594
