Local Socio-Economic Development in War-Affected Areas in South Lebanon

This project promotes the empowerment of local stakeholders’ through local economic development and direct livelihood support in conflict-affected areas in South Lebanon.

Background

In addition to the direct economic consequences of the July 2006 war and the destruction of physical infrastructure, employment levels and income generating activities have been negatively affected. Rural and agricultural areas, particularly in the South, were one of the hardest hit during the war. The 2006 war also resulted in widespread losses of boats and fishing nets, the destruction of property and coastal pollution caused by a major oil spill, which severely affected the livelihoods of 5,000 fishermen. Direct support for livelihood recovery was identified as a major gap in the recovery process. A series of assessments have been conducted to determine the socio-economic repercussions of the war on conflict-affected areas. It was determined that the affected population required direct financial support to kick-start their businesses, recover their lost livelihoods and get back to work.
 

Objectives

This project promotes the empowerment of local stakeholders’ through local economic development and direct livelihood support in conflict-affected areas in South Lebanon. It focuses on:
  • Supporting local institutions and major implementing partners in South Lebanon in managing livelihoods projects by applying acquired tools and methodologies; and
  • Supporting local institutions in South Lebanon to consolidate and replicate participatory methodologies in promoting local development initiatives.

Expected results

Upon completion of the project, the following results will be achieved:
  • Local institutions in targeted economic sectors will have demonstrated enhanced managerial capacities, enabling them to effectively plan, design and implement socio-economic projects.
  • Beneficiaries in the targeted economic sectors of South Lebanon will have demonstrated technical capacities in order to improve existing businesses.
  • Local institutions, entrepreneurs and marginalised groups in the targeted economic sectors of South Lebanon will have been supported through the provision of financial services.
  • The capacities of local stakeholders in exchanging practices will have been enhanced by establishing and strengthening local economic fora related to the targeted economic sectors.
  • Local stakeholder capacities will have been enhanced, enabling them to replicate, plan and coordinate socio-economic initiatives.