Greening the lands and building sustainable rural livelihoods in southern Lebanon

Beirut (ILO News)- As part of the EU-funded ENABLE programme, implemented by the ILO in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture through the Green Plan and the Lebanese Reforestation Initiative (LRI), the Greening the Lands initiative is transforming agricultural infrastructure and creating sustainable opportunities for rural communities in Lebanon. The project rehabilitates and reclaims agricultural lands, enabling vulnerable farmers to improve their livelihoods, strengthen resilience, and enhance food security.

© ILO

© ILO

In the the Southern Nabatieh area in southern Lebanon, the initiative aims to reach 43 farms in 20 villages. The works include land reclamation to expand cultivable areas, and the construction of concrete large-capacity water reservoirs, retaining rock walls to prevent soil erosion, and rock fences to protect farmlands from grazing and theft. All materials are sourced locally to support the surrounding economy. These interventions not only boost agricultural productivity but also enhance climate resilience by securing irrigation water during droughts and preserving soil quality.

To date, progress has been substantial. More than half of the planned retaining walls have been completed, with additional sections under construction. All planned fencing walls are in place, and most of the water reservoirs have been built, with the remaining works underway. Thirty farmers have already benefited from the completed activities, while works for others are ongoing. These achievements are increasing food production capacity, protecting agricultural land, and improving water management in the region.

© ILO

© ILO

Despite the challenging security situation in southern Lebanon, Greening the Lands’ initiative in Southern Nabatieh continues to promote sustainable infrastructure, local job creation, and environmental protection to strengthen rural communities. The project combines climate-resilient agricultural practices with employment opportunities for vulnerable populations, not only improving livelihoods today but also laying the foundations for long-term stability, productivity, and resilience.

The targeted villages in the Southern Nabatieh area are: Baraachit, Haddatha, Haris, Sultanieh, Kherbit Selem, Safad Al-Battikh, Burj Qalaway, Qalaway, Froun, Kfarsir, Zawtar Al-Gharbieh, Zawtar Al-Charkieh, Yohmor Al-Chaqif, Maifadoun, Kfartebnit, Nabatieh, Nabatieh Al-Fawqa, Zebdine, Harouf, and Kfour.

© ILO

© ILO