Objective:
To strengthen the dairy cattle sector in Jbeil and Keserwan by supporting cattle farmers with essential inputs and capacity building, improving milk production, reducing production costs, and promoting sustainable livestock management.

Summary:
Lebanon's dairy cattle sector has been severely impacted by the economic crisis, with rising feed costs and declining milk production threatening farmers' livelihoods and food security. Building on the success of SEAL's bovine support initiative in Koura, Bcharre, Batroun, and Zgharta, this project aims to replicate the model in Jbeil and Keserwan. Implemented by the SEAL team with volunteer support, the project will strengthen the resilience of local cattle farmers through targeted assistance, contributing to increased dairy production and sustainable livestock development in Mount Lebanon.

Expected Impact:
Building on the success of Phase I, the project will strengthen the dairy sector in Jbeil and Keserwan by supporting 287 cattle farmers with quality concentrated feed, modern milking equipment, and technical training. The intervention is expected to increase milk production by at least 25%, improve milk quality, and reduce annual feed costs by at least 12%, resulting in higher farmer incomes and more competitive locally produced dairy products. The project will also promote sustainable livestock management practices and provide a scalable model for supporting Lebanon's dairy sector.

Implementation Plan:
The project will provide targeted support to 287 cattle farmers through the following interventions:
- Feed Distribution: Provision of one month's supply of concentrated feed to 205 cattle farmers owning 1–5 milking cows, benefiting a total of 545 dairy cows, at a cost of USD 80,442.
- Milking Machines: Distribution of two-head milking machines to 82 cattle farmers owning 6–15 milking cows, benefiting a total of 1,068 dairy cows, at a cost of USD 64,720.

NB: Prior to the distribution, beneficiaries will participate in technical training sessions delivered in collaboration with the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK). These sessions will provide practical guidance on the effective use of concentrated feed and milking machines, helping farmers improve herd management, increase productivity, and enhance the sustainability of their dairy businesses.