Market Assessment: Labor Market Assessment in Akkar and Tripoli - Lebanon

Since 2012, PU-AMI has developed an integrated response to populations affected by the Syrian crisis, leading activities in Beirut, Mount Lebanon, Saida and Akkar. In 2018, in line with the LCRP 2017/2020, PU-AMI will focus on increasing self-sufficiency among vulnerable populations (both host and refugee), through safe, stable and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

In Akkar, PU-AMI is implementing an integrated community-based approach. In 2015 and 2016 PUAMI has consolidated its working area to the North-West region of the Governorate (Sahel Area), with a comprehensive and integrated intervention offering shelter, WASH, education, protection, health and infrastructure activities and services to the host and refugee communities. PU-AMI is also implementing projects focused on the promotion of livelihood opportunities for Syrian refugee and vulnerable Lebanese communities, such as Cash for Work (CFW) (since 2014), and a Food for Assets (FFA) intervention supported by WFP (in 2017).

PU-AMI is currently planning to implement Food for Training (FFT) activities with women, aiming to support short term food needs and improve income generating skills. 60 Syrian and Lebanese women will participate in a six-month sewing training, which will enable them to gain skills in techniques and increase their opportunities to access to livelihood opportunities in the textile labor market in Akkar.

Through stakeholders and community consultation, PU-AMI identified the textile sector as a strong avenue for women to create livelihood opportunities in Akkar. However, further assessment and research are needed to fine-tune training offering and facilitate access to livelihood opportunities.

Within that background the objectives of the present assessment are to provide an evidenced-based understanding of the current and potential market needs, gaps, trends as well as stakeholders interactions within the textile sector in Akkar and Tripoli. It will aim at identifying related livelihood opportunities for vulnerable Syrian and Lebanese individuals. The assessment will formulate programmatic recommendations to enhance PU-AMI short-term (24 months) livelihood activities and increase the creation and/or facilitation of livelihood opportunities for vulnerable individuals.