Resources
Our Core Team
Joseph Kahwaji
Over 20 years of consulting experience in sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship.
Successfully managed development programs funded by USAID, UNDP, ILO, and others.
University lecturer on bio-production, animal welfare, and sustainable farming.
Riwa Mayta
Led implementation of large-scale projects with international donor funding.
Built data management systems from the ground up with optimized data analysis.
Our Expert Network
Milad El Riachy
Abdo Tannoury
A seasoned Agricultural Engineer and Researcher with over 17 years of experience in plant protection, composting, environmental microbiology, and agricultural consulting.
Holds a PhD in Chemistry with a focus on fermentation processes and compost optimization, along with a Master’s degree in Plant Production and Agricultural Engineering.
Brings 18 years of field experience designing and implementing agricultural and environmental solutions for both international and national organizations including UNICEF, ACF, Anera, Mada, Welthungerhilfe, FAO, IFAD, ICARDA, and the EU.
Currently serves as a full-time Assistant Professor and Researcher at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik – Department of Agriculture and Food Engineering within the School of Engineering, focusing on applied agriculture, environmental sciences, genetic engineering, and biotechnology since September 2024.
Previously held the role of Head of Environmental Microbiology and Composting Department at the Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI) from 2019 to 2024. Also contributed to several departments including Bacterial Plant Diseases, Environmental Parasitology, Bees Microbiology, and Wine Science since 2012.
Mentor for numerous doctoral and master’s students from Lebanese and international universities, guiding research in agricultural, microbiological, and biotechnological fields.
Founder and Board Member of the Food Heritage Foundation since 2013, and serving as secretary and treasurer since 2019, supporting local communities in sustainable agriculture and agro-food production.
Actively partners with several Lebanese entities in the valorization of organic waste into high-value products.
Alexi Gholam
A committed HR professional with over 20 years of experience in human resources strategy, organizational development, and transformational consulting.
Holds a PhD in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management.
Has held leadership and advisory roles with major organizations including Mercy Corps, USAID/Chemonics, Save the Children, and Solidarités International.
Provided consultancy services across Lebanon and the MENA region to international NGOs, private sector firms, and public institutions.
Led large-scale HR structural reforms, managed international recruitment processes, implemented HRIS systems, and facilitated capacity-building workshops.
Conducted governance trainings and offered strategic guidance on organizational design and performance management systems.
Worked across diverse industries including Food & Beverage, Health, Airline, Ground Transportation, and Flight Operations.
Wissam Sawaya
A dedicated Business Expert with over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, financial systems, and institutional capacity building across the public and non-profit sectors.
Holds a Master’s degree in Marketing & Communication.
One of Babson Collaborative for Entrepreneurship Education’s writers, and author of another business book titled “Ink to Rethink”.
Led business development and implementation for USAID-funded TIF project, delivering sector-wide support in agro-food, tourism, manufacturing, and the knowledge economy.
Designed and managed key initiatives including Lebanon’s first industrial energy audit cluster and national-level circular economy and food security strategies.
University business lecturer since 2004 at AUST, USEK, and LIU, covering MBA and undergraduate subjects in marketing, entrepreneurship, and management.
Founder of MindTheCracks consultancy, offering tailored business, HR, and marketing support to local firms and startups.
Ziad Farhat
A highly experienced Agricultural Engineer and Irrigation Project Manager with over 20 years of expertise in drip irrigation systems, water management, and agricultural consulting.
Holds postgraduate studies in Horticulture from the CIHEAM Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania (Greece) and a Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering.
Since 2018, has served as Bekaa Branch Manager and Irrigation Projects Manager at The Quinta Group (formerly Robinson Agri), where he led the design and installation of large-scale irrigation systems for vineyards, fruit trees, and vegetables across Lebanon.
Delivered over 60 training sessions with UNDP, Mercy Corps, CARE, PCPM, and others on efficient water management and irrigation practices targeting farmers, cooperatives, and vocational trainees.
Held roles as technical director, key account manager, and lead trainer on advanced irrigation technologies, greenhouse setup, and precision agriculture practices.
Participated in international agri-exhibitions and technical missions in France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, and beyond, maintaining a strong connection to global irrigation and agro-technology advancements.
Long-standing instructor at USJ–ESIAM, teaching courses in horticulture, fertilization, and soilless culture.
Elias Arja
A Sustainable Development and Livelihoods Expert with over 10 years of experience in project management, consulting, and agricultural development in rural and conflict-affected areas.
Holds a Master’s degree in Rural Community Development, an MBA from Wool University – Malta, and a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering.
Has extensive expertise in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating livelihood and agriculture programs for NGOs, UN agencies, municipalities, and cooperatives across Lebanon.
Led large-scale assessments and field data collection, with strong capabilities in strategic planning, team leadership, training coordination, and field operations management.
Specializes in developing climate-smart value chains, agro-processing models, cooperative strengthening, and conflict-sensitive interventions.
Served as a consultant and expert with ICRC, FAO, USAID, UNDP, AUB, and Fondazione Giovanni Paolo II, with deep operational experience in Northeast Bekaa.
Co-founder and board member of Cooperation Without Borders (CWB), contributing to grassroots agricultural initiatives and rural empowerment efforts.
Proficient in SPSS and STATA, with strong communication skills in Arabic and English.
Charbel Hobeika
A committed Agricultural Engineer with over 20 years of expertise in fruit tree production, nursery management, and integrated pest management (IPM), with specialization in Mediterranean crops.
Holds an MSc and a Postgraduate Diploma in IPM from the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (Italy), and a Master’s in Agricultural Engineering and Plant Protection.
Technical Director of Maurice Hobeika Establishment for Trade and Agriculture and Machatel Loubnan Association of Nurserymen, supporting the propagation of certified fruit tree material in Lebanon.
National and regional trainer and consultant for FAO, USAID (LIVCD, ARE, PSL), UNDP, EU-funded projects, WHH, Giovanni Paolo II Foundation, Expertise France, ICU, and others – leading capacity building activities on orchard establishment, pruning, irrigation, fertilization, varietal selection, and orchard management.
Member of the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture’s fruit tree certification, varietal selection, and technical committees since 2004.
Has extensive experience in designing and following‑up demo plots and orchards across Lebanon and abroad, including Russia, with hands‑on field work and advisory missions.
Led and participated in the development of numerous technical manuals and guidelines on fertilization, nutrient management, and varietal/rootstock selection adapted to Lebanese agro‑climatic zones.
Published several peer‑reviewed studies in international plant pathology journals on virus diagnostics and orchard management.
Fluent in Arabic, English, French, and Italian, with strong proficiency in field diagnostics, farm management tools, and GIS mapping.
Elias Wehbe
A skilled Agricultural Engineer with over 20 years of experience in sustainable agriculture, rural development, organic farming, beekeeping, composting, permaculture, and value chain enhancement across Lebanon.
Holds a PhD in Mediterranean Organic Agriculture from the University of Bari (Italy), and a Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering.
Has a strong consultancy record with organizations such as UNDP, FAO, WFP, RMF, CCIAZ, MADA, Fair Trade Lebanon, Arcenciel, and PU, leading technical trainings, cross-sectoral studies, agricultural assessments, and beekeeping development programs.
Serves as a technical trainer and coach to hundreds of farmers and youth in Akkar, Bekaa, Shouf, and Minieh, covering topics such as GAP, composting, irrigation, IPM, olive oil production, organic agriculture, apitourism, and agri-food processing.
Previously held the position of Senior Agricultural Officer at the Safadi Foundation, managing projects on GAP promotion, hydroponics, medicinal plant cultivation for women, greenhouse rehabilitation, and rural infrastructure development.
Former professor at the Lebanese University and ESIAM–USJ, lecturing in sustainable crop protection and Mediterranean agriculture.
Consultant in the MedBEESinessHubs project (EU-funded), contributing to the development of beekeeping economic networks and the design of national “bee trails” in Lebanon.
Founding member and active practitioner in private agri-businesses, including beekeeping (since 2010), greenhouse vegetable production (2012–2017), and dairy product processing (2020–present).
Bassem El Khoury
A skilled Agricultural Engineer with over 25 years of experience in extension services, greenhouse cultivation, and sustainable rural development.
Holds a Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering.
Delivered technical support and coaching to farmers through national and international programs with FAO, UNDP, EU/PCPM, MADA, ILO, and other development actors.
Specializes in greenhouse production, hydroponics, value chain development, and integrated pest management (IPM).
Coordinated fieldwork, training workshops, coaching sessions, and agricultural surveys targeting farmers, cooperatives, and community stakeholders across the Akkar region and North Lebanon.
Contributed to donor-funded programs aimed at enhancing agricultural practices, advancing women’s rural development, and supporting vulnerable communities.
Celine Berbari
A committed Agricultural Engineer with over 17 years of experience in agricultural laboratory management and 13 years of experience in feed analysis, field experimentation, and animal nutrition research.
Holds a Master’s degree in Plant Production and Agricultural Engineering, with a foundational background in biochemistry.
Currently serves as Head of the Feed Laboratory at the Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI), where she manages lab operations, designs experiments, performs statistical analysis, and supervises research activities.
Led research on alternative feed sources such as hydroponic fodder, quinoa, azolla, and triticale, examining their nutritional content, water efficiency, and effects on animal productivity.
Actively engaged in national and international agricultural and agroforestry projects, including those implemented by IFAD, ICARDA, and the LivingAgro program.
Has trained university students and agricultural professionals on laboratory standards, fodder production techniques, and sustainable farming practices.
Contributed to rangeland management planning and national fodder resource assessments across the Bekaa region.
Philippe el Murr
A dedicated Quality and Food Safety Expert with over 15 years of experience in the food industry, public health, and QHSE management.
Holds a Master’s degree in Quality and Food Processing Engineering and is a certified Lead Auditor in ISO 22000.
Has worked across Lebanon and the Gulf region (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Yemen) in leadership roles with major catering companies, agricultural firms, and private sector consultancies.
Specializes in ISO 22000, HACCP, and occupational health and safety systems, with extensive expertise in auditing, training, and full system implementation.
Served as QHSE and food safety manager for more than 30 oil and gas sites and hospitality operations, with strong operational knowledge in compliance, hygiene management, emergency response, and team training.
Founder and owner of a public health and consultancy firm in Lebanon, providing pest control services and ISO certification consultancy.
Elvis Gerges
A skilled Mycologist and Agricultural Expert with over 20 years of experience in plant protection, pest management, and sustainable agriculture.
Holds a Master’s degree in Plant Protection, with a focus on integrated pest management (IPM), biological control, breeding, and genetics.
Head of the Mycology Lab at the Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI) since 2012, specializing in the research and diagnosis of phytopathogenic and entomopathogenic fungi.
Provides national support in disease surveillance, molecular identification of fungi, and farmer extension and advisory services.
Currently serves as Technical Director at Biomass S.A.L., leading projects in IPM implementation, crop planning, and climate-resilient practices for organic farming systems.
Has published several peer-reviewed scientific articles on topics including endophytic fungi, Fusarium diversity, and pest resistance in international journals.
Serves as a trusted consultant for international agencies such as USAID (ARE Program), RET Germany, Danish Advisory Team, Berytech, and the Shouf Biosphere Reserve, delivering training and support on GAP, ICM, and climate-smart agriculture.
Raly Youssef
An Agricultural Expert with over 7 years of hands-on experience supporting farming communities in Akkar, Lebanon, through fieldwork, irrigation infrastructure, value chain development, and farmer training.
Holds a Master’s degree in Plant Production and Agricultural Engineering.
Worked with major international and local NGOs, including World Vision, MADA Association, Safadi Foundation, and Fair Trade Lebanon, focusing on agricultural development, sustainable practices, and emergency response.
A skilled communicator and field trainer, with experience delivering practical and theoretical sessions to rural farmers across greenhouse, open-field, and home garden systems on topics including IPM, GAP, organic farming, fertigation, irrigation, nursery management, and post-harvest techniques.
Led the setup of demo plots using soilless culture techniques (tomato, cucumber, eggplant, pepper) and supported the installation of irrigation networks throughout Qobbayat and coastal Akkar.
Has strong experience in Cash-for-Work and Livelihoods projects, including forest management, bamboo plantations, agricultural road rehabilitation, and support to COOPs and SMEs during crises such as COVID-19 and Lebanon's economic collapse.
Salim Maalouf
A committed Agricultural Engineer with over 25 years of experience in dairy farming, livestock management, and agricultural extension services across Lebanon.
Holds a Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering with a specialization in animal production.
Head of the Extension Office for Zahle at the Ministry of Agriculture, where he designs and implements agricultural strategies for the region’s key sectors.
National and regional trainer and technical consultant for FAO, WFP, AVSI, CCIAZ, LOST, Oxfam, Mercy Corps, and others, leading programs on small ruminants husbandry, manure management, composting, dairy cow management, and herd fertility.
Former Project Manager and Animal Production Expert for IFAD’s Smallholder Livestock Rehabilitation Project.
Led technical studies and implementation plans for slaughterhouses, olive production systems, and integrated public parks in partnership with local municipalities and development agencies.
Conducted international missions and trainings in Europe, Asia, and Africa on food safety, sustainable agriculture, disaster management, dairy production, and feed law.
Co-authored technical publications and contributed to regional reports on milk production and leguminous species in Lebanon.
Joelle Angelle
An Occupational Therapist with over 10 years of experience in therapy, assessment, training, and rehabilitation for children and adolescents with diverse diagnoses including ASD, ADHD, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, sensory processing disorders, and psychomotor delays.
Holds multiple certifications in Infancy Montessori Teaching (0–6 years), Snoezelen Approach, Music Therapy, Ayres Sensory Integration, and a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy.
Founder and CEO of Senses Alive, delivering individualized therapy focused on sensory, cognitive, motor, and executive functions to support autonomy in daily and academic life.
Certified therapist with Humanity & Inclusion, providing personalized sessions and detailed assessments for children with disabilities.
Works as a school therapist and consultant at Antonine Sisters School – Ksara, managing in-school assessments, customized intervention plans, and coordination with teachers and specialists.
Long-standing therapist and trainer with Haramoun Association and LUPD, offering one-on-one and group sessions, staff capacity building, and family support in vulnerable and rural communities.
Previously conducted assignments with UNRWA, providing therapy, accessibility evaluations, and collaborative team-based interventions in refugee settings.
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