UNDP Lebanon-Rural Employment

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The civil war in Syria has caused massive refugee movements to Lebanon. The high influx of refugees is an additional burden on the country's economic and socio-economic situation. Tensions between the refugees and the local population are correspondingly high, with competition for employment and earning opportunities in the host communities playing a prominent role. The ongoing crisis means that there is a high need for investment. Many refugees from Syria and the host communities are dependent on support for the foreseeable future. The aim of the FC measure is therefore to create short- and medium-term income opportunities for refugees from Syria and needy Lebanese. As in the previous phases, the focus of the project is on measures to rehabilitate or build irrigation infrastructure (irrigation canals and retention basins). In addition to the short-term employment opportunities that arise from the implementation of these measures, the efficiency and profitability of agricultural production in the project regions is to be increased, which will have further employment effects. In addition, rainwater use and water efficiency measures will be introduced for the first time in this phase. This is intended to further increase food security and water availability in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and to facilitate thorough hygiene to prevent the SARSCoV-2 virus and other pathogens. The project budget includes an additional EUR 1 million that was made available following the explosion at the port of Beirut in summer 2020. The project is being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The total cost of this phase is EUR 11 million. The FC funds are being provided as a grant.