As Safadi Foundation sets up units for women to produce oregano in 16 villages of Akkar

The team of the “Using natural resources for the development of the local rural economy in Akkar” project has completed the set up of new oregano production units in Akkar following field visits to 16 villages in the area.  This effort was conducted within the framework of the Afkaar 3 programme implemented by the Safadi foundation in collaboration with AIDA, a Spanish NGO, with financial support from the European Union, and managed by OMSAR. The project director, Dr. Ghassan Sroor, clarified that this stage of the project was conducted by engineers and included the set up of irrigation systems, distribution of seedling, and provision of instructions on planting and caring for the oregano seedling in addition to providing the needed care and technical advice to beneficiaries.  Sroor added that women participating in this project have shown commitment to the project activities especially after they started to benefit economically through marketing some of their products to restaurant as well as drying the oregano and selling it later.
To be reminded that the “Using natural resources for the development of the local rural economy in Akkar” project will continue over a two year period.  The project will contribute to creating work opportunities for more than 80 women in different villages in Akkar.  It also seeks to strengthen the economic value of natural resources as well as facilitate the participation of women in agricultural activities which will help them find a new source of income. Also to be recalled that WEEPortal covered last week one related news entitled:  "Safadi Foundation’s thyme growing project in Akkar to empower women".

Source: Al-Mustaqbal 29 September 2014