The Issue
For decades, landmines and unexploded ordnance have made large parts of Lebanon’s farmland unsafe to use. Entire communities – especially in the South and Mount Lebanon – have been cut off from their main source of income and food. Even after clearance of landmines, many farmers lack the resources, knowledge, or support to bring their land back into productive use.
Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis has only deepened rural poverty. Farmers face soaring costs, reduced market access, and environmental challenges. Without targeted support, de-mined land risks remaining unused, and the chance to turn cleared ground into productive farmland is lost.
The Project
DanChurchAid (DCA) has been clearing mines and unexploded ordnance in Lebanon since 2007, saving lives and returning land to communities. Building on this experience, DCA launched “Hazard to Harvest”, a pilot project that bridges Mine Action with sustainable development.
The project supported farmers in two villages – Bmehray (Mount Lebanon) and Al-Bustan (South Lebanon) – to restore cleared agricultural land. Working closely with farmers, municipalities, and agronomists, DCA identified the best options for immediate and long-term livelihood recovery.
Farmers received training on agroecological practices, soil health, and environmentally friendly farming methods. Educational videos and awareness sessions further spread knowledge on sustainable agriculture.
In parallel, DCA mentored a new national partner, AgriMovement, to strengthen its governance and management capacity, paving the way for a locally led approach to rural recovery.
The Change
Through this project, once-dangerous land became a source of life again. Farmers gained the technical skills, confidence, and resources to cultivate safely and sustainably.
The pilot in Bmehray and Al-Bustan demonstrated how mine clearance can evolve into genuine community recovery – turning risk zones into productive farmland that feeds families and fuels local economies.
At the same time, the project strengthened local ownership. By supporting AgriMovement’s institutional growth, DCA ensured that future recovery and agricultural development efforts are led by capable Lebanese actors, creating a lasting impact beyond the pilot phase.
The Results
This project combined capacity-building trainings with the distribution of agricultural inputs, enabling farmers to translate knowledge into practice.
Trainings covered agroecological farming techniques, beekeeping, and complementary sustainable practices, while input support focused on heirloom seeds and compost, promoting soil fertility, biodiversity, and seed sovereignty.
The project achieved tangible results in terms of knowledge uptake and practice adoption, with farmers applying improved cultivation techniques and reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. Farmers reported increased crop diversity and improved production practices, while the integrated approach of training and input support proved effective in overcoming resource constraints.
The pilot generated key lessons on the importance of practical support, follow-up, and farmer engagement, laying a strong foundation for DCA Lebanon’s expanded agroecological and sustainable livelihoods programming in subsequent phases
The Partners
AgriMovement – An emerging Lebanese organisation working to promote sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods. Through this partnership, DCA is helping AgriMovement strengthen its systems, governance, and technical capacity to lead similar projects in the future.
DCA also works closely with the Lebanese Mine Action Centre (LMAC) and local municipalities to ensure that reclaimed land is developed safely, sustainably, and in line with national mine action and rural development priorities.
About the Project
Full title: Hazard to Harvest: Reclaiming De-mined Agricultural Land for Social Economic Development
Timeline: 1 April 2023 – 31 December 2025
Partner(s): AgriMovement
Amount: DKK 797,790.00
DCA Theme: Build
Expected number of people reached: 750
Donor(s): Danida
