German Development Bank and ILO highlight community impact in northern Lebanon

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Beirut (ILO News) - German Development Bank (KfW) and International Labour Organization (ILO) representatives conducted a joint field visit in northern Lebanon to inspect activities implemented under the ILO’s Employment-Intensive Infrastructure Programme (EIIP), which is funded by the German Government through KfW Development Bank. The visit aimed to engage directly with stakeholders and beneficiaries, observe progress on the ground, and assess the social and economic impact of selected interventions implemented through employment-intensive approaches.

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The visit began at the Deddeh Municipality, where the delegation visited the recently rehabilitated municipal building. The project addressed structural deterioration through major works including concrete repairs, roofing, electrical and plumbing upgrades, and the construction of a new upper floor. Accessibility features such as ramps, an elevator, and an accessible toilet were also added. Implemented using labour-based methods, the project provided short-term employment for 185 workers—26 per cent of whom were women. On-the-job training played a pivotal role in encouraging female participation in skilled tasks. Safety and decent work practices were maintained through close follow-up by the ILO team, the contractor and local authorities. 

Following the visit to Deddeh, the delegation continued to the village of Fih, where reclamation and fencing works are being implemented to improve land use for farming communities and support sustainable land management. This initiative is implemented in collaboration with the Green Plan – the Ministry of Agriculture’s ecological unit - and the Lebanese Reforestation Initiative (LRI) NGO. On site, the delegation met with one of the farmer beneficiaries and engaged with workers actively contributing to the fencing activities. The intervention helps protect arable land, reduce environmental degradation, and improve the long-term viability of farming in the area. It also provides much-needed short-term employment for local workers in rural areas with limited economic opportunities.

Throughout the visit, participants from the ILO, KfW and local partners had the opportunity to hear firsthand feedback from community members and observe the practical outcomes of EIIP’s dual objectives: addressing priority infrastructure and environmental needs while creating employment opportunities and decent work. 

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