The Beqaa region is home to around 555,150 Lebanese residents, 23.7% of whom live in extreme poverty, in addition to 344,000 refugees. The region has one of the lowest employment rates in the country and competition over low-skilled jobs remains a primary source of tension. In response, CSP is implementing a series of short-term, income-generating Labor-Intensive Works (LIW) activities in Qabb Elias, Bar Elias, Bwarej, and El Fekehe. These include minor maintenance works (cleaning, weeding, desilting, removing bushes and debris) on 53,500m of irrigation canals which serve the plots of an estimated 1,100 farmers. By providing Lebanese residents with temporary employment opportunities during this critical time, these activities are expected to reduce tensions between host communities and refugees whilst improving the livelihoods of local farmers. In parallel, CSP is partnering with the Lebanese Red Cross and the Association for Forest Development and Conservation (AFDC) to train the workers on first aid and health and safety measures at work. During the week of June 6, 2022, 105 workers attended the first aid training at Qabb Elias and Bar Elias, and are expected to initiate the works on June 14th.

“We learned how to employ appropriate precautionary measures at work, as well as to adopt the right procedures until the injured receive professional treatment,” said Muhammad Al Mais, LIW worker from Bar Elias.

USAID/CSP First Aid Training for workers from Qabb Elias – June 9,2022.