For over 25 years, Jihad Muhammad Qaddour has cultivated the land in Benin, dedicating his life to agriculture to provide for his family of seven. As a seasoned farmer, he specializes in greenhouse farming, growing tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, zucchini, and eggplants. With 30 greenhouses under his care, he not only sustains his livelihood but also creates job opportunities for other workers in his community.

Despite his extensive experience, Jihad believes that learning never stops. Through the Agriforward project, he gained valuable knowledge that enhanced his farming practices. "We already had experience, but the training introduced us to new techniques in fertilizers, organic sterilization, and solar energy. Our awareness increased, and as a result, so did our production,"  he shared.

 One of the most impactful improvements for Jihad was the introduction of drip irrigation pipes. "They make our work much easier and significantly boost our crop yield," he explained. However, challenges persist. Rising fertilizer costs and unpredictable weather conditions, such as unusually warm Decembers affecting crop maturity, remain obstacles that require adaptation and support.

Jihad emphasizes the importance of initiatives like Agriforward in supporting farmers. "Agriculture might not make you rich, but it ensures you don’t have to rely on others," he said. By equipping farmers with the right skills and resources, such projects not only improve productivity but also strengthen local food security.

The Agriforward project is implemented in collaboration with World Vision, the House of Peace - دار السلام, and supported by the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Save the Children Lebanon, and the Lebanese Organisation for Studies and Training. Together with Basmeh & Zeitooneh, these organizations form a consortium to advance this initiative.