The International Labour Organisation trained 110 tobacco farmers on how to grow oregano as an alternative crop, also supplying them with seeds and irrigation materials.[1] In comparison to tobacco, oregano has low input costs, requires less water and less work. Annual returns can be about 25 % higher than tobacco. The ILO programme also supports olive farming, beekeeping, livestock and fish farming in Lebanon thanks to funding from the Lebanon Recovery Fund (LRF). Alternatives to tobacco growing are particularly important in a country where 60% of the population depend on the tobacco production sector for their livelihood.
Alternatives