Bringing warmth to families in Lebanon’s north

In Lebanon, a multidimensional economic crisis now well into its third year continues to impact on entire communities, especially the most vulnerable.

More than 80% of the country’s population has been pushed into poverty, more than double the level before the crisis. Fuel shortages and soaring costs have left households in the country’s north unable to afford heating, putting people’s health at risk.

Through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) response in Lebanon, supported by the Australian Government, World Vision has worked with communities, the private sector, and partners to improve the ability of communities to cope with cold winters, even as the economic situation continues to deteriorate. More than 11,000 individuals have been assisted by the project.

Cash transfers to cover winter bills

Above: Abdo with his daughter in front of her house in Akkar, North Lebanon. Photo: George Mghames/World Vision Lebanon

For 78-year-old Abdo, who lives in Akkar, the crisis and his ailing health has left him in a position he never thought he would be in, after being self-reliant for his whole life.

“I used to work every day in my land. I had a truck and a water cistern. I was self-sufficient. Things took a downward turn when I was diagnosed with hemiplegia [paralysis on one side of the body] and had to rely on my daughter to take care of me. To make matters worse, four years ago, I broke my leg and it still needs surgery.”

Last winter was especially tough for Abdo, who lives alone.

“I was not able to buy enough wood for the heater so is spent most of the time under blankets to stay warm. Moving around the house was a nightmare due to how cold it gets in the evening. I felt the cold penetrating my bones,” he said.

Akkar is one of the poorest areas of the country, with few job opportunities as local businesses are left struggling from the crisis. It also experiences very cold winters.

Through the AHP response, World Vision Lebanon is providing direct cash assistance to vulnerable individuals and households.

For Abdo, the cash support made a significant difference.

“This winter was much more tolerable. I received a total of 400 USD during the previous year in winter cash assistance. I was able to buy some wood for the heater and pay for a doctor’s visit,” he said.

Home improvements to keep the warmth inside

Above: Roula used to burn plastic in her heater to stay warm. Photo: George Mghames/World Vision Lebanon

For recently widowed Roula, 47, who also lives in Akkar, winter adds extra anxiety as she struggles to provide for her four children and keep them warm. Her husband, who was the family’s main provider, passed away ten months ago from an arterial bleed, and the family used every cent they could gather to pay for his medical expenses.

“When my husband was still at the hospital we had to sell whatever is available in the house to pay for the expenses; we sold most of the furniture, the washing machine, the television and even the refrigerator,” Roula said. “I have to buy food day by day since I don’t have a fridge to store it.”

Roula’s house was run down, leaving the family further exposed to the elements. World Vision supported improvements to her home through the AHP response, in addition to cash assistance.

“The team isolated the roof to reduce the humidity and added plastic sheeting to cover all the windows. Thanks to their work the home is warmer now,” Roula said. In addition to the weatherproof rehabilitation of her home, Roula also benefited from cash assistance under the project. “Thanks to the cash I received I am not forced to burn plastic in the heater to stay warm. I was able to buy some wood instead. Burning plastic is unhealthy for my children.”

Supporting innovative and affordable energy sources

Above: Olive pomace wood producer Tony next to a pile of olive pomace. He is waiting for it to dry out before it can be processed into briquettes for fuel. Photo: George Mghames/World Vision Lebanon

Through the project, World Vision Lebanon identified the need for an alternate, sustainable, efficient and affordable fuel source. Families were burning anything they could access to keep their homes warm, including toxic plastics, and any firewood they could gather nearby, leading to deforestation.

Olive pomace wood, made out of the byproducts of olive oil production, is eco-friendly and has high energy density compared to regular firewood. It is also much cheaper than wood coal. Best of all, it can be locally produced.

Above: Finished olive pomace wood. Photo: George Mghames/World Vision Lebanon

Through the AHP response, World Vision supported 10 olive pomace wood producers, including the Agricultural Cooperative in Kebayat, North Lebanon, improve their ability to produce and package the olive pomace wood.

“The production phase usually takes around three to four months. It is also important to leave the final product (the wood) to dry well in the sun or under plastic sheeting such as those provided by World Vision,” explains producer Tony Braidy.

“Oil prices are increasing fast, also the currency is constantly devaluing, therefore it is important to focus more on alternative methods. Nowadays, people are looking for long-lasting and affordable alternatives for heating their homes. Olive pomace wood is the perfect solution,” Tony says.

To ensure communities are aware of heating options, including the benefits of olive pomace wood, World Vision’s partner LebRelief has been conducting awareness sessions in Akkar on heating preservation and alternative heating methods.

“I was not aware of all the important information shared during the session,” said Ahmad, one of the attendees. “A lot of people tend to cut down trees to use as firewood. Obviously, this is not good for the environment; those trees can’t be replaced. Also, normal firewood burns fast and does not last long, thus I believe that olive pomace wood is the cheapest, most efficient and climate-friendliest option.”