Jun, 2023
Anera's Reyhan Project Redefines Urban Farming in Lebanon
Amid the bustle of Lebanon's urban landscape, where towering buildings and noisy streets dominate the scenery, a revolution has quietly been taking root. High above the chaos, rooftops are transforming — turning into vibrant gardens that not only captivate the eye but also hold the promise of a greener, more sustainable future.
Through the installation of these rooftop gardens, Anera’s Reyhan program, which is funded by the Alumbra Innovations Foundation, intertwines ecological benefits and food security, creating spaces that allow the spirit of community and innovation to thrive.
Amani Dib, an agricultural engineer, has dedicated her expertise and passion to this groundbreaking endeavor. With an air of enthusiasm, Amani shares the fruits of their labor, remarking, "In the corners of these rooftops, we have witnessed a true agricultural transformation."
Amani's eyes sparkle as she describes the impressive achievements.
"From these once-neglected spaces, every family managed to harvest an astounding 200-250 kilograms (440-550 pounds) of tomatoes, 150 kilograms (330 pounds) of cucumbers, and 15 kilograms (33 pounds) of peppers, as well as a lush abundance of parsley and cilantro."
The sheer scale of the harvest paints a picture of the potential that lies within the urban landscape, and how city spaces may be transformed to serve the community.
From these once-neglected spaces, every family managed [an astounding harvest] of tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, as well as a lush abundance of parsley and cilantro.
In the midst of Lebanon's crippling financial crisis, the Reyhan project has emerged as a beacon for families like Fadwa's, a Lebanese mother determined to provide for her loved ones. With a touch of nostalgia, Fadwa reflects on the hardships they faced, revealing, "The burden of the crisis weighed heavily on us, and we often couldn’t afford to buy the foods we used to eat."
However, the arrival of the Reyhan project and the introduction of greenhouses on rooftops breathed new life into their hopes of nourishment and stability.
Fadwa declares, "Today, our kitchen overflows with abundance. Not only are we self-sufficient, but we can also store surplus produce for the harsh winter months. We give some to our neighbors and relatives and sell the rest."
Reyhan has become not just a means of survival but a powerful tool for economic independence. Your donation can provide families with seedlings, which will help them earn a bigger income during harvest.
"Today, our kitchen overflows with abundance."
For Hussein, struggles with traditional gardening methods left him yearning for a better way to cultivate his crops. "In the confines of limited space and poor conditions, my attempts at growing herbs were disappointing."
After receiving a greenhouse from Anera and connecting with the Reyhan project’s agricultural engineer Amani, Hussein has seen a transformation in his garden’s yield:
"Through the Reyhan project, a world of possibilities has opened up before me. I can now provide for myself and my loved ones, even harvesting enough to share with my relatives. The surplus has become a source of income, which allows me to continue to support my family."
Through rooftop farming, Hussein has unlocked a path toward a sustainable future, both for himself and the environment.
The Reyhan project’s rooftop gardens bring food security to families in need while being ecologically friendly. Amani emphasizes, "Beyond the actual harvests, we have nurtured a spirit of initiative and innovation within our communities."
The project's impact on Fadwa and Hussein's lives has made them living examples of the enormous potential that lies atop these unassuming rooftops in Tyre, South Lebanon.
The success of the Reyhan project stretches far beyond the tangible yields, as it represents a profound shift in mindset—a reimagining of what is possible within the urban landscape. As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Reyhan project over the past year, we are reminded that even in the most unexpected places, a garden can bloom, and with it, hope for a brighter, greener tomorrow.
Harvest hope this season.
Your support can breathe life into programs like the Reyhan Project, giving families hope for a brighter future.
Lebanon
South Governorate
The South Governorate of Lebanon is a beautiful place with white beaches, archeological ruins, bustling old souks, fertile fields of citrus and banana trees, and a deep history. Its residents are from different religions: Shia and Sunni Muslims, Druze, Eastern Orthodox, Maronite, Protestant, and Greek Catholic Christians. Its biggest cities are also the third and fourth largest in the country, Saida and Tyre.
