Farm workers in Lebanon's Bekaa valley, an agricultural hub for the country. (Credit: João Sousa/L'Orient Today)
BEIRUT — The United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) and the Japanese government issued a statement Wednesday announcing a new $900,000 partnership to fund urban farming activities in Tripoli, North Lebanon.
UN-Habitat and the Embassy of Japan in Lebanon said the new project will be implemented in Shalfeh, Tripoli – a vulnerable urban community in the Abu Samra neighborhood.
"Based on UN-Habitat’s full assessment of the neighborhood in 2022, the population is estimated at 11,000 inhabitants who live in sub-standard housing conditions, lacking basic services such as water, electricity, waste management and access to livelihood opportunities," the statement added.
Tripoli is known to be Lebanon's poorest city.
"The project aims to address increasing socio-economic livelihood challenges in the community and mitigate rising risks and tensions, through the provision of urban farming solutions, clean water, and renewable energy solutions," the statement also indicated.
"Through identifying vacant plots and spaces in dense urban communities, cities can contribute solutions to address food insecurity, enhance skills, provide livelihood opportunities and engage those often left behind," said Taina Christiansen, head of the UN-Habitat Lebanon Country Program.
“This comprehensive project could not have been more timely given the exacerbating socio-economic difficulties that Lebanon is facing," said Japan's ambassador to Lebanon, Magoshi Masayuki. "Japan continues to place a high priority on responding to the urgent needs of the vulnerable households across the country, in particular food security."
The statement also said that the project "will ensure continuous provision of clean water, to minimize water-borne diseases and other health risks, such as cholera."
Lebanon is still grappling with its first cholera outbreak since 1993, although cases are down and caretaker Health Minister Firass Abiad said the situation is under control.