Projects

UNDP ART GOLD LEBANON, 2006-2013

UNDP ART GOLD Lebanon is being implemented in the four neediest areas where the scores of poverty rates mount high, the socio-economic problems are enormous, and the convergence between deprivation and the effects of the July 2006 war took place. The ART GOLD Lebanon main aim however is to support the Lebanese national government and local communities in achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

In the framework of the program, the main activities of ILS LEDA were:

• Finalization of the “Strategic Guidelines for LED in Lebanon” based on the competitive advantages of Lebanese products and the strategy for supporting them through the forthcoming LEDAs.
• Improving productive capacities and compeitiveness of the priority value chains, as milk and beekeeping
• Provide technical assistance through ART ILS LEDA service, for setting-up four Local Economic Development Agencies (LEDAs) and guarantying their functioning: ALEDA (SOUTHERN SUBURBES OF BEIRUT), BEEKA, NORTHERN LEBANON, SOUTH LEBANON
• Support the LEDAs' start up, mainly through reinforcing the management capacities
• Support the establishment of a Guarantee Fund as a mechanism for channelling funds to micro, small and medium enterprises and business cooperatives, identified by UNDP/AGL and later by the LEDAs when operational, for provide them with access to the local banking system in the four designated areas. The goal of the Guarantee Fund is to enhance human development and contribute to the fight against poverty and exclusion, through allowing the establishment and the growth of micro and small businesses in the framework of a territorial development strategy.

Two LEDAs (ALEDA and Northern Lebanon LEDA) were able to be self-sustainable

ALEDA BSS included seven members of municipalities: Haret Hreik, Gbayreh, Chiah, Hazmieh, Mrayjeh, Furn El Chebback, Buruj Al Barajneh, and six representatives from the private sector including head of traders’ council in Chiah, the school principals, Head of Ouzaii Harbor and associates from Strategic Research Center.

The main objectives of ALEDA BSS are to foster local economic development and to develop a strategic economic identity for the area.

Aleda BSS aims to increase income generation and to create job opportunities targeting individuals (particularly youth and Women,) entrepreneurs, SMEs, start-ups, cooperatives and unions.

Currently ALEDA BSS encompasses four service units: Business Development Unit, Human Resource Development Unit, Strategic Development Unit andProject Development Unit. Additional units will be developed based on future identified needs.

Through a participatory approach, ALEDA BSS collaborates with local stakeholders for the development of a common vision towards a sustainable and comprehensive economic future.

The Northern Lebanon LEDA (constituted in 2011) included as members Chamber of commerce, Federation of Dannieh Municipalities, Livestock Husbandry and Feed Cultivation Cooperative in Akkar, Federation of Jurd Al Kayteh Municipalities, COOP Beekeepers in Beit Al Faks in Dannieh, ECDAR NGO, Social Movement NGO

In the first 3 years NL LEDA achieved the following results

• Support to 1000 beneficiaries that include 1000 families in order to invest in the poultry sector.
• Support to 2 agro-food cooperatives in Akkar, mainly 860 farmers on different levels: marketing strategy, new production line, technical assessment, bill of penalties and technical specification for new equipment.
• Providing goats and trainings on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for the Most Vulnerable (MV) farmers in the area.
• Support to the marketing strategy of the olive oil sector in Dreib area in Akkar.
• Support to the potato and leafy green sub sectors through 4 cooperatives which consists of approximately 150 farmers, elaboration of vocational training curriculum adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture all over Lebanon.
• Support to cow breeders by providing them with awareness sessions and distribution of tool kits to 943 Providing vocational trainings for 100 youth: support to employment by 20% and support to start up business by 22%
• Support to breeders for improving the quality and quantity production with a focus of the hygiene level and quality control of the products.
• Access to finance fair in Tal Abbas area in Akkar for 150 farmers: we gathered the farmers with banks’ representatives in order for them to learn about loans and how to use them for their investments.
• Execution of about 15 projects, in addition to small projects, proposals to municipalities and consultancy services