Purpose – Small-scale goat farming and dairy goat productions are significant constituents in the livelihoods
of marginal Lebanese rural communities. Reviving and supporting that sector is instrumental in creating value
for rural communities to build sustainable livelihoods and safeguard climate-adapted value chains (VCs). The
paper aims to describe the dairy goat VC in the Shouf and West Bekaa (WB) areas of Lebanon, which are
traditionally popular for caprine production.
Design/methodology/approach – A socio-economic approach was employed to determine the perceived
challenges, opportunities and context of goat farmers and dairy processor in the Shouf and WB casas as case
studies, using the Heifer International’s toolkit for goat value chains. Questionnaires were developed for the five
actors of the VC: farmer, milk collector, processor, retailer and consumer. The data were analyzed
quantitatively, using simple statistical analysis, and qualitatively through observation, gathering, coding and
thematically organizing the responses.
Findings – In the Shouf, the chain is shorter, consisting of a farmer, processor and consumer, while in the WB
the VC includes a milk collector and larger dairy factories. The value is unequally and unfairly distributed
among the actors putting the small-scale farmers and processors in subordinate positions. In terms of enabling
environment, the role of the state, authorities and organizations remains minimal in supporting the sector. The
challenges facing this sector are economic, regulatory, operational, social and hygienic as perceived by the
participants.
Research limitations/implications – The economic, political and social instability of the country hinders
the performance of the sector.
Originality/value – Limited research is available on the small ruminants’ VC in Lebanon, addressing the
socio-economic status of goat farmers and opportunities available in the sector. On the other hand, the demand
for traditional dairy products is increasing amid rising concerns related to intensive livestock systems and
negative association of livestock systems with climate change. Accordingly, basic assessment and research on
the existing small ruminant dairy chains is important as a first step for the sustainable development of the
sector.