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COUNCIL FOR DEVELOPMENT AND RECONSTRUCTION Economic and Social Fund for Development Project

Funded by the European Union

Financing Agreement No. LBN/B7-4100/IB/99/0225

Community Development Unit

Local Development Plan for the Community of Denbo

Beirut December 2006

ESFD Lebanon EC-Project No. LBN/B7-4100/IB/99/0225

Council for Development and Reconstruction FMU and PMU - AHT/VAKAKIS/NSCE

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Table of Contents 1. The Community of Denbo.................................................................................... 5

1.1 Location........................................................................................................ 5 1.2 Population .................................................................................................... 6 1.3 Habitat and Living Conditions....................................................................... 6 1.4 Economy and Employment........................................................................... 7 1.5 Natural Environment..................................................................................... 7 1.6 Main Trends and Challenges........................................................................ 8

2. The Local Development Planning Process........................................................ 10 3. Community Mobilisation .................................................................................... 12

3.1 Local Governance and Participation........................................................... 12 3.2 Target Groups ............................................................................................ 16 3.3 Stakeholder Analysis.................................................................................. 16 3.4 Conclusion.................................................................................................. 17

4. Problem Analysis............................................................................................... 18 5. Objectives Analysis and Overview of Solutions................................................. 21

5.1 Structure of Objectives and ESFD Support ................................................ 21 5.2 Improving Local Employment ..................................................................... 21

5.2.1 Enhance the Productivity of the Agricultural Sector ............................ 21 5.2.2 Develop Human Capacities................................................................. 22 5.2.3 Improve the Productivity of Small Enterprises..................................... 22

5.3 Increase Human Development Opportunities............................................. 22 5.4 Lowering Risks for Human Health .............................................................. 23 5.4.1 Improve the Physical and Natural Environment ...................................... 23 5.4.2 Improve Community Access to Healthcare............................................. 23 5.5 Improving Local Governance Structures .................................................... 23

6 Summary of the Local Development Plan and ESFD Contribution.................... 25

6.1 Summary of the Local Development Plan .................................................. 25 6.2 ESFD Contribution ..................................................................................... 25



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List of Figures Figure 1: Location Map 5 Figure 2: Local Development Planning Cycle 11 Figure 3: Framework of Local Dialogue 15 Figure 4: Problem Analysis (Problem Tree) 20 Figure 5: Objectives and Strategy Analysis 24 Figure 6: Strategy for Reaching the Objectives 26 Figure 7: Logical Framework Matrix for the ESFD Financial Contribution 28 List of Annexes Annex 1: Memorandum of Understanding between the Denbo Municipal Council and

the ESFD Project Annex 2: Stakeholder Analysis Annex 3: Documentation of Working Group Results Annex 4: Ex-ante evaluation Annex 5: Documentation of Decisions of the Municipal Council



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List of Abbreviations CAS Central Administration of Statistics CDR Council for Development and Reconstruction EC European Community ESFD Economic and Social Fund for Development EU European Union FMU Fund Management Unit FMU-MD FMU Managing Director GOL Government of Lebanon LBP Lebanese Pound MC Municipal Council MOPH Ministry of Public Health MOSA Ministry of Social Affairs MOU Memorandum of Understanding NGO Non-Government Organization PCM Project Cycle Management PMU Project Management Unit



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1. The Community of Denbo 1.1 Location

Denbo is located in the Caza of Akkar (Al Qayteh middle region), North Lebanon governorate (muhafazat). With 600 meters altitude above the sea level, Denbo’s overall surface is estimated at 1500 hectares.

The geographical boundaries are defined by a number of villages:

From North: Bkarzala and Howeysh

From South: Hrar and Habshit

From East: Shan and Howeysh

From West: Saysouk and Kaloud el bakieh

Administratively, the locality encompasses three main villages: Denbo, Moubarkieh and Bajaa.

Denbo is 17 km away from Halba, the Akkar caza centre, 35 km from Tripoli, the centre of the governorate of North Lebanon, and 125 km from the capital Beirut. The main roads leading to Denbo are:

Tripoli- Al Abda- Al Bohsas- Al Hosnia- Bkarzala- Denbo

Al Kobeyat- Al Kantara- Bkarzala- Denbo

Figure 1 Location Map



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1.2 Population

According to the MC, there are 15.000 people living in Denbo. The total number of voters is 4000 (aged above 21 and excluding the military forces), while the number of people who took part in the last elections (2005) was 1840.

Youth constitute a large proportion of the population. Those who are below 35 years old represent 65% of the population.

Denbo has the typical characteristics of a traditional rural society where early marriage of young women (between 15 and 18 years old) is still common practice. This explains the very high average family size, which is 8 persons per household and may reach 12 in some cases (the national average family size is 4.3 according to CAS 2005 reports).

The locality has been witnessing, since decades, waves of immigration to Australia. The trend is still present and is increasing specially for young men and women. It is estimated that not less than 3000 people, originally from Denbo, are currently living abroad. In addition, rural migration among the young is a primary characteristic of Denbo.

1.3 Habitat and Living Conditions

The locality encompasses 1.500 dwellings distributed among 1.100 buildings. 76% of these buildings are located in Denbo village while the remaining is distributed among other villages: Moubarkieh (16%), Bajaa and Bint el Jara (8%). Denbo shows all typical features of a poor community when examining the conditions of the habitat. Housing conditions are inadequate in several aspects:

Small size compared to the large size of the family. A typical family 3 children or more would share a room.

Improper planning: the majority of houses are directly located on the streets that are generally narrow and in bad conditions.

Most of the building facades are un-finished. The majority of people do not have the financial means to complete the remaining construction works of their houses.

All houses lack access to basic sanitation facilities and water supply. This exposes the population and the natural environment to particular hygienic risks.

The majority of houses are connected to the electricity network. However, the community complained about the frequent cut of electrical power and the weak voltage of transmitters (140 volts instead of 220). Because of financial constraints, the majority of people are unable to pay for alternative services (private electrical generators).

Most houses do not have a decent heating system. Households rely on traditional heating facilities (using gaz energy) heavily consumed during very cold winter season.

All these aspects reflect directly on the poor living conditions of the local community.



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1.4 Economy and Employment

Around 45% of Denbo residents rely on agriculture as a main source of income. Because of the low productivity of this sector, most people exercise other economic activities, mainly independent professions such as taxi drivers, merchants and artisans.

Denbo is a very poor community:

The average household income does not exceed LBP 250.000 (USD 166) per month. This is much lower than the lower poverty line for Lebanon, which is estimated at LBP 471.000 (USD 314) per month for an average household of 4.64 members1.

The rapid decline in living conditions is accentuated by high levels of unemployment reaching 30% of the overall active population, which is significantly higher than the Caza unemployment rate estimated at 11.1%. Unemployment is particularly high among women (98%)2.

For these reasons, farmers, women and young people practice informal daily work, such as picking wild herbs (used as alternative medicines) and selling them to dealers.

1.5 Natural Environment

Around 70% of Denbo’s overall surface includes forests, agricultural and non-exploited lands. Denbo’s natural environment includes forests pine trees as well as oak and sycamore, in addition to water springs and underground water.

The locality faces serious pollution of the underground water mainly caused by the absence of safe sanitation facilities, which constitutes a risk for human health. In 1990, eight people died from poisoning caused by the infiltration of sewage in the underground water. Over one hundred people were hospitalised.

1 Poverty Analysis and Targeting Mechanism for the ESFD Project, Short Term Mission on Social and Municipal Development, CDR – ESFD, November 2002. 2 Ibid



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Unsafe handling of solid waste puts an additional strain on the natural environment and on human health. The MC has arranged for distribution of bins. A private company is in charge for waste collection and disposal. However, the private company provides inappropriate services. It dumps waste erratically and incinerates dumping sites in the open air.

Denbo is exposed to high risks for the environment and human health.

1.6 Main Trends and Challenges

Denbo has the typical features of a poor and traditional rural community that lives in isolation from the surrounding environment. Most of the basic infrastructural services are quasi absent, especially bad main roads. In additions, it is a remote location, far from key central administrative cities (35 Km from Tripoli). Halba is only 17 km away but the bad roads make access difficult.

Since decades, the locality has been deprived from development projects that would generate economic opportunities. The government has for years been completely absent in Denbo, so did NGOs and private sector investors.

The overall socio-economic development perspectives in Denbo are declining. Besides the high rates of unemployment causing a very low average household income, main challenges can be summarized as follows:

The agricultural sector, is the main source of income. It may disappear in the coming years. It was reported that the number of farmers is decreasing year after year. More fields are abandoned. Only the old generation still practices agriculture. Most farms are very small. The majority relies on olive cultivation which constitutes 60% of the overall agricultural produce. Olive cultivation is under-developed. Equipment is outdated and know-how is limited. Revenues are weak due to the seasonal aspect of the agricultural activity.

Youth represents the majority in Denbo (65%) with no opportunities for adequate education and employment. This puts high pressure on the young to leave Denbo and seek better living conditions elsewhere. The community reported that almost every family in Denbo has between 1 to 2 children who live in Australia or who work outside Denbo. This trend is expected to increase in the future as long as youth Australia’s Dream surpasses Denbo’s mere function as a place of birth



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Women are exposed to very difficult living conditions in Denbo. Almost all have no regular economic occupation (98%) and 33% are illiterate. Women are restricted by several factors, mainly: (1) poor skills and know how and (2) the prevailing traditions shaped by a typical patriarchal society. Women constitute half of Denbo’s community. Declining trends in Denbo development perspectives will continue unless women are actively engaged in shaping and realizing the future of the locality.

Poverty in Denbo is also reflected in the unhealthy living conditions that put high pressure on the local people. All houses lack basic infrastructure (water supply, wastewater networks) causing severe pollution and risks on human health and on the environment. As a result, people have to bear additional expenses for alternative services. They spend an average of LBP 300.000 per year to have access to drinking water and around LBP 200.000 per year to maintain septic tanks. In addition, Denbo does not have the necessary communal facilities responding to people’s social, health and educational needs.

In order to face the harsh economic conditions, a number of people (farmers, youth and women) have engaged in seasonal work that do not provide fixed income, such as picking wild herbs and producing homemade traditional handcrafts. Wild herbs (mainly salvia and oreganum) are used in alternative medications and are sold to dealers who re-sell them to local processing facilities (drying / oil extraction) or to traders / exporters who deal with neighbouring countries such as Jordan. Traditional handcraft still exists. Hay is used to produce brooms, chairs, and trays. This artisan activity was common practice in the past. Today, only very few and elderly people maintain this activity.



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2. The Local Development Planning Process The ESFD Community Development Component The mission of the Economic and Social Fund for Development (ESFD) is to contribute to poverty alleviation in Lebanon. It is an “Apex”-Institution, mobilising intermediary partners to implement poverty alleviation action in job creation and community development. Self-help assistance, needs and demand orientation, active participation, sound ownership, sustainability, gender equity and ecological sensitivity are the key trademarks of the ESFD. The ESFD is funded by the European Union (EU) and by the Government of Lebanon (GOL).

The Community Development Component of the ESFD helps to improve the access of the poor to basic social services and their living conditions. It builds on the mobilization of group initiatives in the most deprived areas of Lebanon.

Municipal Councils Municipal Councils (MCs) are the main ESFD Partners in community development. They lead the formulation of an integrated vision of medium term local development in close collaboration with community-based organisations, committees and working groups. They lead the identification of priorities, required interventions and projects, which shall approach progressively the community to the co-ordinated vision. They co-ordinate, supervise and monitor the implementation of sustainable projects. The collaboration principles between MCs and the ESFD are laid down in Memoranda of Understanding (see Annex 1).

Local Development Planning Local development planning is a participatory process comprising the successive steps of community mobilisation, creation of structures for dialogue (committees / working groups), situation analysis, detailed problem analysis, objective analysis and strategy analysis. These steps are illustrated in Figure 1. The ESFD provides technical assistance support to local communities to implement this planning cycle.

- The mobilisation of the community is undertaken through the systematic dissemination of information, the analysis of all relevant local stakeholders and the establishment of contact with interest groups, community based organisations and other actors to create awareness of the planning process and to mobilise active participation by the community.

- Planning dialogue needs to be structured and formalised. The creation of committees and working groups is essential to provide a platform for the most active citizens and to share responsibility for contributions to the planning process.

- The situation analysis allows for detailed diagnostics and provides the statistical base for measuring the impact of the local development plans.

- The detailed problem hierarchy illustrates the cause-effect relations of problems perceived and identified by the community.

- The objectives analysis shows the structure of ends and means. It leads to the identification of solutions to be brought about with the assistance of the ESFD or of other public or private institutions (strategy analysis).

- The strategy analysis represents the “Local Development Plan”. The communities specify their priorities according to this analysis and they propose the projects for which they seek assistance from the ESFD (demand driven approach). On this basis the logical framework planning for the ESFD contribution is developed and preliminary project identification is performed, allowing the elaboration of grant agreements for the mobilisation of funds.



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Figure 2: Local Development Planning Cycle

1. Conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding

5. Participatory Problem Analysis

3. Creation of Dialogue Structures

7. Co-ordination of Strategies and Priorities

6. Analysis of Objectives and Solutions

2. Community mobilization, target group and stakeholder analysis,

information dissemination

8. Further project planning steps

4. Situation Analysis (Ex-ante evaluation)



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3. Community Mobilisation 3.1 Local Governance and Participation

Structures for Local Decision Making The Municipal Council, Mukhtars as well as local community representatives constitute the main structures for local decision-making in Denbo.

The MC is composed of 15 members (male only) who constitute a homogenous team. The municipal council was newly established in 2004. It has limited institutional capacities and a number of administrative and financial problems. Both the MC and the local community lack the appropriate know how and capacity to establish dialogue structures. Participatory appro-aches in municipal planning were inexistent. The MC viewed the partnership with ESFD as an opportunity to strengthen the municipality on one hand and to bridge the gap between the municipality and the local community on the other hand.

The MC, represented by the Mayor, fully cooperated with ESFD technical assistance team and provided all necessary support to ensure effective community participation. A steering committee composed of four members was established in order to guide the entire local development planning process.

Mukhtars were also involved in the early phases of the partnership. They do not only have the knowledge about the local community but also represent a key stakeholder, as they were considered an important local decision maker prior to the establishment of the municipality. The Mukhtars considered partnership with ESFD an important step to promote development in Denbo. Due to conflicts with the MC, one mukhtar abstained to attend meetings since the early phases of the process.

The representatives from the main families in Denbo were involved in all meetings during the planning process. They considered their participation a key element in identifying interventions that respond to their needs and aspirations.

The preliminary visits undertaken to Denbo resulted in the signature of the MoU, which took place on 29 March 2006 (refer to MOU, Annex 1)

The Community Mobilisation Process The community mobilisation process in Denbo started in March 2006. Methods adopted for community mobilization in Denbo were designed in a progressive process with three main approaches:

1. ESFD information dissemination

This entailed the organization of meetings with MC members and implementing General Assemblies with community members to share the MoU content, agree on work plans and launch the implementation process of the partnership.

2. Local core team formation, capacity building and self-diagnosis

A core team composed of five persons (2 women and 3 men) was formed. They were jointly selected by the MC and the ESFD community development experts. The team was formed to engage the ex-ante evaluation in a participatory manner.



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The team members took part in a two-day training workshop. Tools and techniques for participatory self-diagnosis assessments were introduced. Supported by the MC, the team members undertook field assessments and gathered information using several techniques: interviews, focus groups meetings, direct observation etc.

The core team members not only facilitated the self-diagnosis. They also played a key role in disseminating necessary information regarding ESFD and establishing dialogue structures with concerned community groups (women, youth, disabled…).

The core team was systematically coached. Five follow up meetings were implemented to monitor the progress of the field assessments, review information and provide necessary assistance and support.

3. Expansion: working group formation

A one-day validation workshop was organized on 29 April 2006 gathering around 70 community representatives. Core team members presented preliminary findings of the ex-ante evaluation, which were discussed with participants.

The core team members were trained on presentation skills and were in charge of delivering ex-ante results to the audience during the validation workshop. In addition, core team members, assisted by the MC, were provided with the necessary support to handle workshop organization and ensure needed logistics.

Table 1: Record of Major Community Mobilisation Events

Date Target Group

Subject of Workshop / Meeting No. of Participants

02/03 MC & mukhtars

Two preliminary meetings – information sharing content of the MoU 12

11 & 14/03

MC, mukhtar and local community

Two general assemblies – information sharing, formation of a local core team 20

31/03 & 01/04

Local core team members

Training workshop “Tools and techniques for undertaking participatory assessments” 5



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Date Target

Group Subject of Workshop / Meeting No. of

Participants

March – April

MC and local core team members

Five follow up meetings: review data gathered, assist in report formulation, training in presentation skills and organization of the validation workshop.

15

29/04 Local community

Validation workshop ex-ante assessment – Stakeholder analysis – Formation of five committees: education, social development, health, environment, local economy and agriculture (as detailed in figure 3)

70

12/05 & 19/05 Committees Problem analysis session and validation 40-50

19/05 & 26/05 Committees Objective analysis session and validation 40-50

2/06, 9/06 and 16/06

Committees Strategy analysis / project identification 30-40

The following conclusions are drawn from the mobilisation process:

- The dialogue structures put in place improved the community responsiveness in attending meetings. The degree of absenteeism was low, though people often complained about the long planning process and regularity of meetings.

- The MC played a key role in community mobilisation process. Public announcements to encourage people to attend meetings were done using local satellite television channels, hanging banners in strategic locations as well as mosques (during Friday prayers).

- Community participation in local development planning was a new practice in Denbo. The ESFD contributed to establish a platform for dialogue, enabling the community in general, and women and youth in specific, to voice their needs and aspirations. The challenge is to institutionalise this platform and sustain it after the end of ESFD partnership.

- Conflicts in Denbo are relatively insignificant. They are rooted in the previous municipal elections (2004). This contributed to achieve relatively sound participation and reach community consensus on key issues.

- The perceived development priorities did not fully match with the ESFD funding conditions and criteria3. The community expressed its urgent need to utilize ESFD funds for a wastewater network facility. Contacts established with CDR revealed that funds are made available by the Italian Government for this purpose. The ESFD funding of infra-structure projects in other communities in the Akkar region made negotiations difficult.

- The limited experience in development projects made it difficult for the Denbo community to propose creative and sustainable solutions for problems. Community representatives were encouraged to undertake field visits to existing development projects in neighbouring villages (Bkarzala and Mishmish) to learn more about existing possibilities.

3 The ESFD gives preference to the funding of projects with impact on the local economy and employment.



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Figure 3: Framework of Local Dialogue in Denbo

Municipal Council of Denbo

Joint Steering Committee (Municipal council members & community representatives)

Joint Committee for Education

Joint Committee for Social Development

Artisans Youth Women Farmers Teachers & Educators

Joint Committee for Health

Infrastructure Services

Joint Committee for Environment Protection

Joint Committee for Economic Development

Agriculture development

Youth capacity development

Women empowerment

Small enterprises




3.2 Target Groups

Groups exposed to particular constrains in Denbo are:

Farmers and families who depend on agricultural activities as a main source of income (mainly olives). This group has no regular fixed income due to the seasonal aspect of the cultivation activity as well as limited technical capacities and know-how.

Youth groups who are unskilled and work informally in jobs that do not require high educational levels and professional backgrounds.

Almost all women are unemployed (98%). This group has low educational levels and poor skills. Even if some women have basic education, very often they are restricted from working due to prevailing customs and traditions.

Owners of small enterprises (groceries, artisans…) who have low financial returns and limited capacities to develop their businesses.

Disabled (37 cases) persons are not provided with adequate support to enhance their integration in the community at large.

General concerns to all residents in Denbo community are:

Water pollution caused by the absence of a wastewater network; this represents a threat to the entire community. It is worth noting that this situation caused in early nineties the death of 8 persons and 130 poisoning cases.

Uncontrolled waste dumping and incineration causes environmental pollution and hence, poses risks on human health.

Students drop out of school in relatively early educational stages to join the local workforce. Other reasons for dropping out are related to the poor quality of education.

Youth needs are unsatisfied in Denbo. The majority of youth groups wish to leave Denbo for Australia or other Lebanese regions for work purposes.

The absence of basic services (health, education, other social and cultural services) is putting additional pressure on the community. Inhabitants bear additional costs to have access to relevant services located outside Denbo.

Weak local governance and absence of active community institutions are among the key factors delaying the development process in Denbo.

3.3 Stakeholder Analysis

The stakeholder analysis was carried out as part of the ex-ante evaluation and was validated during the workshop that took place on 29 April 2006. Participants were divided into working groups representing sectors (agriculture, artisans…) and social groups (women, youth…). Working group members were presented their particular interest and potentials for the local development process. Results of the working group session were presented to the audience, thoroughly debated and approved by the MC (see Annex 2).

The number of local actors in Denbo is limited. They are:

a. Governmental institutions: The Ministry of Education which has three schools (elementary and intermediate) for 1493 students. A request was submitted by the MC to the Ministry of Education to establish a vocational training school (land will be offered by the MC). The CDR plans to set up in the coming two years infrastructure facilities (wastewater and water) with funding provided by the international community.

b. The Municipal Council.




c. Other stakeholders: recently an agricultural cooperative was established in Moubarkieh but it is still inactive. NGOs in Akkar have partnered with the MC to benefit from potential funding made available by the CDR (Community Development Project). There are no political parties or active NGOs in Denbo. However, one NGO in Akkar developed a joint project with the municipality to establish a library in the school. The project was submitted to CDR Community Development Project and funding was approved.

3.4 Conclusion

The participatory approaches applied throughout the planning process prepared the Denbo community well to implement the partnership with ESFD. The Denbo MC represented by the president played a crucial role in mobilising the community and encouraging them to take part in meetings and debates. Mobilisation processes were carried out using existing local facilities such as: local satellite TV channel, door-to-door field visits, Friday prayers in mosques and hanging banners in specific strategic locations.

The Denbo local development plan is a result of systematic participation of all relevant groups and actors. The ESFD should continue consultation with these key people in the upcoming implementation, monitoring and evaluation stages, as envisaged.




4. Problem Analysis The problem analysis in Denbo was carried out in two consecutive sessions:

Session one was designed to collect all problems, discuss them, cluster them and organize them to express cause - effect relationships.

Session two aimed at validating the problem tree and reaching consensus.

During session one, participants were introduced to the Meta-Plan Technique, which is a participatory method that encourages participants to describe living conditions problems and sharing it with the audience. Through working groups, participants formulated problem statements, which were presented and discussed with the audience. The discussion focused on the adequate re-formulation of related statements, elimination of expressions that double up and reaching consensus on the core problem.

Session two focused on validating the problem tree and discussing cause-effects factors for clustered problems.

The core problem that the community of Denbo is facing relates to the accelerated decline in the living conditions, which is leading to increased poverty and subsequently to rural migration and increased rates of immigration. The main factors, which have been identified by the community, causing the accelerated decline in living conditions are (a) low income levels and high rates of unemployment, (b) low potentials for developing human capacities, (c) increased threats on human health and (d) weak local governance structures.

Unemployment

Unemployment is considered a key issue in Denbo, which is estimated at around 30%. This is a very high rate compared with the rate on the Caza level estimated at 11%4. Unem-ployment is reflecting on the low household income estimated at LBP 250.000 (USD 166) per month, much lower than the national lower poverty line estimated by the ESFD in 2002 at USD 314 in constant 2000 prices5.

Unemployment in Denbo is caused by three main factors:

- Low productivity of the agricultural sector that is due to (a) decreased quality of agricultural produce, (b) limited existing agricultural infrastructure and (c) difficulty in marketing agricultural products;

- Low productivity of existing small enterprises that have currently no access to financial or non-financial support. The management capacities of owners and employees are weak. These factors are a threat for the potential future development of this sector.

- Poor human capacities mainly caused by the low educational levels and the low quality of education. This problem directly affects illiterate women (especially those aged 40 and above) and hence is constraining them from participating in the economic life.

With the absence of significant interventions to develop the local economy of Denbo, it is foreseen that unemployment rates will keep on rising and rural migration and immigration to foreign countries will increase, especially among the young population.

4 Ibid 5 ESFD Project: Poverty Analysis and Targeting Mechanism, Beirut, November 2002 Chapter 2.3.2.




Low Potentials for Developing Human Capacities

The Denbo community has very little to offer to enhance human development. This affects the community at large, but specifically the youth and disabled persons. Youth suffers from serious boredom caused by lack of necessary cultural, educational and social activities.

Their personal development perspectives (general knowledge, life skills…) are very low. Denbo has almost no services addressing disabled needs, which is leading to increased marginalization of this group.

Increased Threats on Human health

Threats on human health are mainly caused by the unsafe disposal of wastewater, which infiltrates to underground water and causes severe pollution to the main and only source of water. In addition, the Denbo community is threatened by two other environmental problems: Unsafe solid waste management and frequent forests fires (especially in summer).

Denbo does not have the necessary health facilities, people have to travel to other cities and towns (such as Halba, Tripoli and Bkarzala) in order to have access to health services. All these problems are aggravated by the limited community awareness on health issues.

Weak Local Governance Structures

Weakness in local governance is mainly due to two main factors:

- Limited municipal experience is main factor leading to weak communication structures between the municipality and the local community. This reflects on the poor community participation in municipal life, the decreasing levels of tax collection, the limited financial resources and the absence of communal development initiatives.

- The absence of governmental and non-governmental organizations in Denbo is a factor that limits development potentials and weakens local governance.

The problem analysis is visualized as the problem tree on the following page.



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20

Figure 4: Problem Analysis (Problem Tree)

* Lack of sportive playgrounds, gardens, public areas, computer centers, public library

Weak local governance structure

Irrigation system is poor

Rain water is wasted

Agriculture aid programs are limited

Difficult access to markets

Limited skills

Inability to work on credit basis

Weak in attracting

clients

Low general educational level among youth

High emigration rates

Fast decline of living conditions

Increased poverty

High rural migration rates

Increased risks on human health

Low productivity of the agriculture sector

Limited agriculture infrastructure

Limited investment in agricultural sector

Low quality of agriculture produce

High reliance traditional crops

High production cost

Primitive agriculture equipments

Access to agricultural lands is

difficult

High % of non-reclaimed

agricultural lands

Limted number of development

projects

Inappropriate role of relevant GO and

NGOs

Weak financial resources

Weak community participation in municipal life

Low tax collection rates

Limited dialogue platform community

Weak municipal experience

small size of existing entreprises

Limited financial capital

Weak opportunities for sector development

Weak community awerness

Deteriorated environment state

Forests fires

Soil pollution

Pollution under ground water

Unsafe disposal of wastewater

High cost of chronicاdisease medicines

Difficult access to the health services

Poor skills and capacities

Decrease in educational

levels

Weak skills and know-how among

youth

Limited opportunities

for youth development

High rates of dropouts

Limited participation of women in economic life

Limited number of teachers

Teaching weakness in

foreign language

Limited opportunities for women development

High rates of illiteracy among

women

Low opportunities for

human development

Marginalization of disabled

High level of boredom among

youth*

Limited services addressing disabled

needs

High level of unemployment unumployment

Low productivity of smal bussinesses

High prices of agricultureal inputs

Poor know-how and skills in agriculture

techniques

Low quality of education

services

Unsafe solid waste disposal

Low income rates

Increased number of unexploited lands Limited

number of schools




5. Objectives Analysis and Overview of Solutions 5.1 Structure of Objectives and ESFD Support

General Objective and Purpose of Local Development in Denbo

The general objective of the local development plan for Denbo is to improve the living conditions on a sustainable basis.

The objectives analysis is shown in Figure 6. The problems expressed in Figure 5 are expressed in positive terms and show the means-ends hierarchy of objectives. The objec-tives analysis shall become a tool for the MC to lead the local development process and mobilize for the solution of the problems identified by the community.

ESFD Support

The ESFD should support the MC in this effort. The ESFD assistance has two aspects:

- The ESFD will co-finance eligible projects according to the priorities of the community (demand driven approach)6 and gives continued support for planning, implementation and the achievement of sustainable operation and maintenance by the community. The financial support from ESFD has limits, i.e. the ceiling of EUR 300.000 set in the Memorandum of Understanding.

- The ESFD will assist the MC in mobilizing public, private or civil society institutions in solving problems for which financial support is not made available through the ESFD EC grant. The MC receives assistance in project planning and general capacity building. The purpose is to empower the local decision makers and actors to rely as much as possible on themselves in developing problem solutions in co-operation with all stakeholders.

Structure of Objectives and Solutions

The objectives analysis comprises four clusters of solutions, corresponding to the structure of the problem analysis. The solutions lie in:

- Tackling the factors that lead to local unemployment;

- Increasing human development opportunities;

- Lowering the risks for human health;

- Improving local governance structures.

5.2 Improving Local Employment

5.2.1 Enhance the Productivity of the Agricultural Sector

The agriculture sector is the major source of income in Denbo. In the light of the continuous regression this sector has been witnessing in the last decades, farmers suggested the following:

- Improving agricultural infrastructure: ensure necessary equipment and machinery, establishing irrigation systems and land reclamation to introduce new crops and develop existing ones.

6 The eligibility criteria are specified in the Memorandum of Understanding, see Annex 1, Article 3.2. They fully comply with the stipulations of the ESFD Financing Agreement.




- Facilitating access to markets and introducing alternative and competitive types of crops.

- Improving the quality of agricultural produces and providing proper guidance and agricul-tural extension services to introduce new and competitive varieties/species. Medicinal plants (salvia and oreganum) represent a key opportunity to achieve this objective.

As noted previously, a number of people (farmers, women and youth) are involved in picking certain types of herbs and selling them to intermediary dealers. This sector is considered a viable business to private companies (e.g in Batroun Caza) who have established processing facilities (drying, oil extraction and packaging) for the local, regional and international markets.

- Farmers proposed to introduce new and competitive types of crops including local processing. In this context, medicinal plants (planting and processing) appear as an important opportunity for Denbo, as mentioned above.

5.2.2 Develop Human Capacities

The low educational level in Denbo is a general limiting factor for the improvement of local employment. School dropouts are very frequent especially in the intermediate stages and high rates of illiteracy prevail, especially among women. In this context, the joint committee for education proposed the following:

- Improving the educational situation, preventing school dropout and developing youth skills that match with the requirements of the labour market.

- Women empowerment and skills enhancement to promote their active participation in economic life. This will include the following programs: literacy courses and vocational training programs including computer literacy, handcraft production, cooking classes etc.

5.2.3 Improve the Productivity of Small Enterprises

The local economy in Denbo is limited to few grocery shops (45), hairdressers (10), snack (9) and billiard centres (8) as well as a number of artisans in the sectors of car repair (3). During meetings with community representatives, the ESFD job creation component was discussed and a number of persons were interested to take loans for business expansion and for the creation of new businesses. Potential future beneficiaries would require orientation and guidance to help them thoroughly examine and study the business ideas.

5.3 Increase Human Development Opportunities

The Denbo community lacks facilities to promote youth development and to address the needs of the disabled. Members of the social development committee proposed the following:

- Youth need to fill up their empty time with educational, cultural and sports activities to improve their skills and enhance their sense of belonging to their locality.

- Integration of the disabled in society and setting up a specialized centre for rehabilitation and skill development.




5.4 Lowering Risks for Human Health

5.4.1 Improve the Physical and Natural Environment

Denbo lacks dearly the necessary wastewater network and relies heavily on sceptic tanks as alternatives. Sewage infiltration is causing heavy underground water pollution, which is the main source of drinking water for the whole community. As an alternative, people have access to drinking water from existing rivers in neighbouring villages, which are also polluted as reported by community representatives. This situation is not only adding a financial burden on the population7 but also is posing a serious threat on human health. It is urgent to implement proper infrastructure to halt pollution caused by unsafe disposal methods.

Solid waste mismanagement is another major issue directly affecting the health of the Denbo residents. A private company is contracted by the municipality to collect, transport and treat generated waste. The problem resides in the uncontrolled waste dumping and incineration (opened dump and open air burning). The joint committee for environment protection proposed to establish a solid waste management facility that could be implemented in partnership with neighbouring villages (Bkarzala, Habshit and Houeish).

5.4.2 Improve Community Access to Healthcare

Because Denbo local community is continuously exposed to health risks, the health committee expressed the need to improve community access to health services through the establishment of a dispensary. The dispensary will provide curative and preventive health care and contribute to increasing the awareness of the community on human health.

5.5 Improving Local Governance Structures

The Denbo MC was newly established in 2004. There is a need to address local governance and improve local participation. The ESFD has contributed in building bridges between the community and the municipality through creating dialogue structures. However, more effort should be done in this respect to institutionalise this process and enhance participation in community development. Participants proposed community representatives to take part in development planning processes through establishing joint municipal/ community committees.

Community representatives proposed to establish local organizations (NGOs, agricultural cooperatives…), which will contribute to enhancing local development.

7 People pay around LBP 300.000 to have access to drinking water (hiring a truck to get water from rivers located in neighboring villages)




Figure 5: Objective and Strategy Analysis




6 Summary of the Local Development Plan and ESFD Contribution

6.1 Summary of the Local Development Plan

The Denbo local development plan is the result of a complex effort exerted by community representatives. Series of meetings were organized with the aim of encouraging them to take part in the process, voice their problems and propose solutions. The present development plan genuinely expresses the needs and aspirations of the local community and was formulated relying on available potentials.

The strategy (detailed in Figure 7), as proposed by the community, focuses on achieving four main objectives: (1) providing job opportunities and improving household income, (2) establishing the necessary social, cultural, health and sports facilities that respond to the needs of the community, (3) protecting the environment and (4) enhancing community participation and building bridges with the municipality.

6.2 ESFD Contribution

As agreed in the MoU (Annex 1) ESFD financial contribution to the local development plan in Denbo is EUR 300,000. ESFD would support the investment cost for eligible projects and not the operation and maintenance cost.

Several meetings gathering Denbo MC and joint committees were organized to discuss proposed projects. Each project was thoroughly reviewed in order to make sure that it falls within ESFD set criteria. As a result, consensus was reached on the following projects:

- Establishing a medicinal plant nursery and processing unit.

- Establishing a sports facility as part of the envisaged vocational school complex the municipality is implementing with the Ministry of Education.

- Setting up a communal social and healthcare center.

- Providing necessary technical assistance to improve local governance structures.




Figure 6: Strategy for Reaching the Objectives of the Local Development Plan

No Objectives and Solutions Supporting Stakeholder Concept for sustainable operation and maintenance

1. 1.1 1.1.1 1.1.2 1.1.3 1.2 1.2.1 1.2.2 1.3 2. 2.1 2.2

Objective Cluster (1): Improving Local Employment

Solutions for improving local employment: Agricultural Sector Improvement of agricultural infrastructure - Set up necessary irrigation infrastructure - Establish network to collect rain water - Land reclamation - Establish agricultural roads - Ensure necessary equipment and machinery Introducing new agricultural varieties/species - Establish a nursery for medicinal plants - Provide guidance and orientation - Establish a plant for the drying and packaging processes

Improving the quality of agricultural produce - Organize and implement agricultural extension services

- Introduce new techniques for the improvement of agriculture produce

Develop Human Capacities Denbo

Center for Community Development

- Rehabilitate and equip existing center - Undertake computer learning sessions for youth and women

- Implement remedial classes - Organize vocational training courses targeting women (sewing, cooking, handcrafts…) to improve their employment perspectives

Denbo educational complex for vocational education - Implement the study of the project - Construct the building - Operate

Improve productivity of small enterprises

- Inform local community about ESFD lending program

- Provide credits to small businesses Objective Cluster (2): Increasing Human Development Opportunities

Solutions for increasing human development opportunities: Youth Development: Sports Facility - Undertake a technical study. - Build and equip the facility as part of the educational complex.

- Assist in establishing the youth club. - Build the capacities of club members.

Promote Disabled Integration

- Implement necessary studies. - Establish and equip a rehabilitation center. - Implement relevant vocational courses.

MC with Ministry of Energy MC with Ministry of Energy MC with Green Project MC with Green Project MC with Green Project MC with ESFD support MC with ESFD support MC with ESFD support MC with Ministry of Agriculture MC with Ministry of Agriculture MC and social development committee with ESFD support MC and Ministry of Education MC with support from ESFD job creation component MC with ESFD support MC with ESFD support MC with ESFD support MC with ESFD support MC with social development committee MC with MoSA MC with MoSA

Create municipal management committee, implement necessary studies. Create a specialized cooperative, collect cost covering fees from cooperatives and relevant users Create municipal management committee Create municipal management committee, collect cost covering fees from users Ministry of Education cost recovery from users To be ensured by private businesses Establish a youth club, cost recovery from users Create a joint community/municipal committee




No Objectives and Solutions Supporting Stakeholder Concept for sustainable operation and maintenance

3. 3.1 3.2 4.

Objective Cluster (3): Lowering Risks for Human Health Solutions for lowering risks for human health: Improvement of Water Quality

- Undertake necessary studies. - Establish a wastewater network. - Establish a drinking water network. Improvement of Community Access to Healthcare Denbo Communal Healthcare Center - Rehabilitate and equip available center. - Complete registration process. - Recruit staff (doctor/nurses/…). - Plan community awareness sessions.

Objective cluster (4): Improving local governance structures

Solutions for improving local governance structures:

- Create a sustainable platform for community participation in municipal planning.

- Build the capacity of the MC on governance and participation issues.

- Implement relevant activities to strengthen community participation: establish or institutionalize joint. community/municipal committees, hold regular public meetings, develop municipal newsletter…

MC and CDR MC and CDR MC and CDR MC, MoPH with the support of ESFD MC with ESFD support MC with ESFD support MC with ESFD support

Create municipal management committee, collect cost covering fees from users Joint health committee, collect cost covering fees from users MC/local community joint committee




Figure 5: Logical Framework Matrix – Grant Agreement Denbo Program/Project Title: Local Development Plan Denbo Date of establishment: March

2007 Page 1 of 3

Intervention Logic No Objectively verifiable Indicators Sources of Verification Assumptions Overall Objective

Poverty is reduced in the community of Denbo on a sustainable basis

1. The proportion of households living below the poverty line (331 USD/month) is reduced significantly

Household survey

Project Purpose

Living conditions in Denbo are improved on a sustainable basis

2. Opinion leaders and community groups declare that the living conditions in Denbo have significantly improved since 2006

Opinion polls

Result No. 1 Local employment is improved

Result No. 1.1 The productivity of agricultural sector is improved on sustainable basis

3.1 3.2 3.3

Extension message on modern cultivation techniques and crop diversification are disseminated to the farming community The adoption rate of extension messages is in the order of 66% The number of farmers participating in growing medicinal plants increase significantly

Survey on farming community - Idem – - Idem -

Farmers remain motivated

Results

Result No. 1.2 The development of human capacities is strengthened

4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4

200 women have acquired new professional skills 100 women have started successfully an economic activity Grades of weak school students improve following remedial classes 240 persons have acquired new IT skills

Training evaluation reports Surveys to monitor status of women who took part in the training School records Reports of the social development centre

Patriarchal mentality is overcome and women are given the chance to develop




Program/Project Title: Local Development Plan Denbo Date of establishment: July 2006 Page 1 of 2 Intervention Logic No Objectively verifiable Indicators Sources of Verification Assumptions

Result No. 2 The access to health services is improved on a sustainable basis

5.1 5.2

The health status of community is monitored and improves significantly Users of the health care centre declare their satisfaction with the services received

Health records of the MC and patients records of the health care centre Opinion polls

Good community response to awareness campaigns

Results (cont’d)

Result No. 3 The organization of youth in the local society is strengthened

6.1 6.2 6.3

The sports club reaches 100 members during the first year of existence Full-time use of the sports facility Increased number of visitors to Denbo to take part in tournaments

Official record for establishment of a youth club Reservation sheets of sports facility Records of the sports facility

Readiness of youth to organize the spots club

Activities 1.

2.

3.

4.

Main activities for Result No. 1.1 Implement a sustainable management structure Open access to agricultural extension services Upgrade existing agricultural infrastructure and establish an irrigation network Diversify farming systems and improve farming practices

Budgets and Resources Implementation budget of EUR 161,050

Activities 1.

2.

3.

Main activities for Result No. 1.2 Renovate and equip the centre Implement a sustainable management structure Develop training programs Carry out training courses





Activities 1.

2.

3.

4.

Main activities Result No. 2 Rehabilitate the locality and equip the health care centre Create a sustainable management structure Establish the operational rules of the centre Provide regular health services


Activities

1.

2.

3.

4.

Main activities Result No. 3 Build and equip the sports facility Implement a sustainable management structure Develop the sports program Carry out sport and social events On a regular basis





Annex 1

Memorandum of Understanding between the Municipal Council of Denbo and the ESFD Project




Annex 2 Stakeholder Analysis




Annex 3 Documentation of Working Group Results




Annex 4 Ex-Ante Evaluation in Denbo




Annex 5 Documentation of Decisions of the Municipal Council

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