-
EconomyJan 14, 2026
Roots of Change: Policy Direction for a Resilient Agri-food Industry in Lebanon
- Youssef Doughan
Source: Bagolina via FlickrThis policy paper is supported by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Beirut Office. The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the donor.
In this policy brief, Youssef Doughan examines the current state of Lebanon’s agri-food sector, outlining how economic collapse, outdated infrastructure, urbanization, and regional conflict have undermined production, disrupted supply chains, and increased food insecurity. He also highlights the country’s significant untapped potential for growth and innovation by pointing out Lebanon’s strategic advantages—fertile land, skilled labor, strong culinary heritage, and export potential—underscoring the need for modern technologies, improved post-harvest systems, and stronger governance to build a resilient agri-food industry
Youssef Doughan is an Agricultural Engineer, economist and consultant with over three decades of experience in agriculture, agribusiness, environment, sustainability, and economic development in both the private and the public sectors. He holds a PhD in Economics from Beirut Arab University, dual MSc degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Economics and BSc in Agriculture and a Diplome D’Ingénieurs Agricole from the American University of Beirut (AUB). He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and is an AI Starter Kit Professional Certificate holder as well; in addition he has received many certificates in Six Sigma, project appraisal, organic farming, feasibility studies and management. Currently, he is a Board Member of the Council of the South and a full-time lecturer at AUB’s Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.