When hostilities escalated in Lebanon in late 2024, thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed, leaving communities struggling to survive. In the South and Bekaa regions alone, over 128,000 units were damaged, and 55% of surveyed businesses reported sustained physical damage to their premises. Amid this devastation, cooperatives—lifelines for rural economies—faced severe disruptions. Thanks to France’s support, UNDP launched an Emergency and Recovery Support Program to help these cooperatives rebuild, restore livelihoods, and strengthen resilience. 

France’s contribution enabled UNDP to roll out four integrated support packages: 

• Grants for Reconstruction and Recovery: Covering repairs, rehabilitation, equipment, and energy-efficient solutions to restart production and restore access to markets.
• Technical Assistance: Providing financial literacy training for women-led cooperatives to strengthen budgeting, planning, and financial management.
• E-Commerce Platform: Developed with UNESCWA to connect cooperatives to new markets and boost online sales.
• Institutional Support: Upgrading the General Directorate of Cooperatives with IT equipment and energy-efficient facilities to improve governance and service delivery. 

In total, USD 791,958 was allocated for reconstruction grants, alongside investments in digital tools and capacity building. 

Impact on the Ground 

31 cooperatives were selected from the most affected areas, with 67% in agro-food production and 33% in agriculture. Nearly 60% are located in South Lebanon and Nabatieh, regions hardest hit by the conflict. These cooperatives produce essential goods—olive oil, jams, zaatar, honey—that sustain local food security and preserve Lebanon’s culinary heritage. 

Each grant is more than financial aid—it is a lifeline, especially as rural women represent more than half of the members of the cooperatives and benefit directly from the recovery programme. For example: 

• In Qouzah, South Lebanon, a women-led cooperative cultivating thyme received support to repair collapsed walls, replace irrigation systems, and plant new seeds. “The grant allowed us to restore our facility and keep our members employed. Without it, we would have lost everything,” said the cooperative’s president (UNDP Beneficiary Testimony, 2025).
• In Hermel, an agricultural cooperative producing olive oil installed a solar energy system and purchased a tractor for land preparation. “Solar power reduced our costs and gave us stability. We can now operate sustainably and plan for the future,” shared a member (UNDP Beneficiary Testimony, 2025).
• In Deir Mimas, a cooperative managing beehives and producing mouneh (food stock) repaired its facility and bought cold storage equipment. “We resumed operations before the end of the olive and honey season. This saved our income and our dignity,” explained a beekeeper (UNDP Beneficiary Testimony, 2025). 

These interventions restore livelihoods, empower women, and strengthen local economies. They also promote climate-friendly practices through solar energy and sustainable farming. By supporting cooperatives, France and UNDP are not only rebuilding businesses—they are rebuilding hope. 

Looking Ahead 

While progress is visible, needs remain high. Additional funding will allow UNDP to expand support to more cooperatives, enhance digital platforms, and scale up renewable energy solutions. France’s partnership is a testament to solidarity and resilience—helping Lebanon move from crisis to recovery.