SILA - Skills and Innovation for Labor Advancement

Lebanon is experiencing a severe socio-economic crisis, exacerbated by political instability and conflict. The presence of 1.5 million displaced Syrians and a large number of Palestinian refugees places significant strain on the country’s resources. Since 2019, GDP has plummeted, the unemployment rate has exceeded 29%, and more than 80% of the population now lives below the poverty line. Income inequality further limits access to essential services. Agriculture and construction are key sectors with growth potential. In both sectors, Swisscontact supports unemployed youth through training and promotes small businesses to enhance economic stability.

The Project

This four-year project aims to promote economic stability and social cohesion in Lebanon by strengthening the agriculture and construction sectors. These two sectors hold significant potential for future economic growth and for reducing youth unemployment through job creation.

The project focuses on two main areas: First, it provides training for motivated young adults, including refugees, in agriculture and construction, connecting them with potential employers. The trainees gain not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills through hands-on experience in small businesses.

Second, the project supports micro and small enterprises in agriculture and construction to enhance their productivity and improve market access.

In agriculture, the project focuses on building the capacities of small-scale farmers through sector-specific training in good agricultural practices (a technical training), post-harvest procedures, and climate-resilient methods. The SILA project also facilitates market access by connecting farmers with cooperatives, infrastructure, and value chains to reduce food losses and enhance competitiveness.

In the construction sector, SILA introduces eco-friendly building practices and sustainable standards to modernize the industry. By equipping micro and small enterprises (MSEs) with the technical skills and tools needed for competitive bidding and project management, the project empowers these businesses to play a key role in Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts.

The SILA project bridges theory with practical support by connecting trainees with MSEs. Through partnerships with local organizations, the project creates pathways for youth, women, and underserved communities (such as Palestinian and Syrian refugees) to access meaningful employment or entrepreneurial opportunities.

Objectives

1. Swisscontact enhances the skills of 160 young adults in the agriculture and construction sectors through training in livestock management, organic farming, harvest management, agricultural machinery, ecological construction, health and safety, and basic craftsmanship. Additionally, participants receive training in financial literacy and soft skills. They gain practical experience through internships with local businesses. Swisscontact also supports them in their job search, including through an app featuring job listings in the construction sector.
2. Swisscontact improves market access for micro, small, and medium-sized construction enterprises by assessing their needs and promoting the services of the Business Center. Operated by Nawaya, the Business Center offers various services, including the online platform Naaam.org. Swisscontact strengthens the skills and market integration of these businesses and encourages them to register on Naaam.org to better promote their services and facilitate business relationships.
3. Swisscontact supports the production and marketing of small-scale farmers through market analysis, advisory services, and training in market dynamics and post-harvest processing. The project provides theoretical training and on-site mentoring to improve harvest logistics and product quality. An app facilitates online sales, increasing revenue and income for small farmers.
4. Swisscontact allocates a small portion of the budget for flexible approaches in the regional context of Lebanon and Jordan, potentially extending to Syria. The political situation in the region is volatile and has recently been marked by various political and violent developments. Depending on the evolving context, opportunities may arise for humanitarian aid and peacebuilding efforts that could complement the three main objectives of the project.

Expected Results 2025 - 2028

• 160 young unemployed adults (25% women) receive training in the agriculture or construction sectors.
• 60 individuals (37% of trained participants) secure employment or start their own business.
• 600 micro and small construction enterprises complete training programs; 165 of them improve their revenue.
• 750 small-scale farmers and agricultural producers participate in training programs; 300 of them increase their revenue.
• Explore and, if feasible, initiate peacebuilding approaches in the region.