Exploring the determinants of an agricultural anomaly : the case of the Damask Rose (Rosa damascena) value chain in Qasarnaba, Lebanon -

Abstract

Background: Although the origin of Rosa damascena is highly controversial, its aesthetically appealing pink flowers and distinctive aroma have been agreed upon globally. Currently, it is being cultivated in Bulgaria, Turkey followed by Iran, India, Morocco, and Lebanon. Material and Methods: A combination of in-depth semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted in Qasarnaba in March 2016: (1) to examine the value chain actors and their functions; and (2) to identify the key features that have contributed to sustaining Rosa damascena cultivation to our present day in Qasarnaba and limited it to this geographical area leading to an agriculture anomaly. Results: Although the origin of the Rosa damascena was highly debatable, there was a consensus that it provides financial support for around 80percent of the villagers in Qasarnaba who benefit from either selling the rose itself or processing it. Moreover, five key actors in the rose value chain were identified: the growers, harvesters, wholesalers, processors, and retailers. Those actors were highly interdependent creating a complex value chain that is composed of several processes namely: cultivation, harvesting, wholesaling, processing and marketing. The study also examined critically the sustainable livelihood assets and the constraints found along these value chain processes to recommend relevant interventions and solutions that can empower the main value chain actors. Finally, although the financial, social and environmental assets are key pillars by which this horticulture has been sustained till these days, this agricultural anomaly is keenly preserved because Rosa damascena is deeply in embedded in the cultural heritage and collective identity of Qasarnaba’s society. Conclusion: Technical, financial and institutional support is needed to assist the value chain actors in Qasarnaba to improve their livelihoods and ensure the sustainability of Rosa damascena cultivation in Qasarnaba, thus preserving this agricultural anomaly for more years to c