Harmony in Lebanon heralds optimism
In Lebanon, where the economic situation is deteriorating rapidly and many people struggle to secure their livelihoods, a project by Welthungerhilfe and its partners is offering a glimmer of hope. This initiative, based in the Beqaa Valley, aims to improve opportunities and living conditions for both Lebanese and Syrian communities, increase agricultural profitability, and reduce social tensions.
The Beqaa Valley, known for its fertile soil and longstanding tradition in wine production, has been severely affected by civil war and crises. For Syrian refugee Zainab, who has lived in Lebanon for seven years, the project has been a lifeline. Zainab, a 38-year-old mother of four, has been attending a food processing course to learn how to pickle or preserve food for sale, providing her with a small monthly wage.
The course is part of a broader effort to train both Lebanese and Syrian farmers in efficient and profitable farming techniques. New products and diversity of varieties ensure more reliable harvests, while farmer cooperatives are established to improve market position and competitiveness.
Zainab's participation in the course is important for her integration and job opportunities. Her youngest daughter, Asanat, who is two-and-a-half years old, has never been to Syria, and Zainab's older children can barely remember their life there. For Zainab, the opportunity to start her own business is a step towards a brighter future.
Around 40% of agricultural workers in the Beqaa Valley live in poverty, making them the worst-off occupational group. By providing training and resources, the project aims to lift these farmers out of poverty and improve their position in local markets.
In addition to economic benefits, the project also focuses on improving social cohesion and psychological well-being. Nearly one million registered Syrian refugees find protection in Lebanon, making it the country that has taken in the most Syrian refugees per capita. By fostering cooperation between refugees and host communities, the project seeks to reduce social tensions and promote a more harmonious society.
While specific data on the project's impact in the Beqaa Plain is not readily available, Welthungerhilfe's general focus on food security, job creation, and social cohesion suggests that it is making a significant difference in the lives of those it serves. For Zainab and others like her, the project offers a chance to rebuild their lives and secure a better future for their families.
For detailed and current information about Welthungerhilfe's activities and impact in the Beqaa Plain, direct sources such as Welthungerhilfe's official publications, project reports, or evaluation studies would be needed.
Zainab's food processing course, a part of the broader agricultural training initiative in the Beqaa Valley, contributes to her education-and-self-development by equipping her with skills to start a business, improving her livelihood and future prospects. In alignment with the project's goal, the agricultural training aims to lift both Lebanese and Syrian farmers out of poverty through efficient farming techniques, fostering not only economic growth but also social cohesion in the region.
