December 13, 2006

New Project Won–Lebanon: Rapid Animal Feeding Aid Program

A new $150,000 award under its Lebanon Rapid Animal Feeding Aid Program (RAAFA) charges ACDI/VOCA with conducting a four-month emergency relief program to reduce vulnerability and increase livelihood security of households impacted by last summer’s Israel-Hezbollah hostilities. ACDI/VOCA will target small ruminant producers in the Beqa’a Valley, whose relief needs are exacerbated by their pre-existing poverty and remote location. ACDI/VOCA’s existing relationship with these communities will allow us to respond to their needs and help secure their livelihoods throughout the coming winter.

The project targets 200 of the most conflict-affected herders in the Beqa’a Valley—150 in the eastern and 50 in the western valley—and their households. They will be assisted in the areas of transitional shelter, basic hygiene and livelihoods recovery. ACDI/VOCA will provide 1,000 tons of small ruminant rations to feed approximately 20,000 head and will distribute 200 tents/tarps, 1,400 blankets and 400 hygiene kits.