Libya and Italy have launched an agricultural project, which aims to enhance employment opportunities and better working conditions of full-time and seasonal migrant and local workers in Sabha, Murzuq, Ghat and Wadi Al-Hayaa districts of Fezzan region.
The two-year project is implemented by the Italian intergovernmental organization CIHEAM Bari, whose website state the project has €5-million funding from the Directorate General for Italians Abroad and Migration Policies of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI – DGIT) through Italy’s Migration Fund.
According to CIHEAM Bari, the objectives of the projects are support the revival of the agricultural sector “through the supply of modern and efficient farm machinery and equipment.” It also aims to enhance “employment opportunities and better working conditions of full-time and seasonal migrant and local workers in Sabha, Murzuq, Ghat and Wadi Al-Hayaa districts of Fezzan region.” One of the project’s goals is supporting “enhanced social cohesion, inclusivity and socio-economic integration of migrant workers through community mediation and awareness raising as well as TVET and socio-educational initiatives targeting both the local and migrant population.”
Another component of the project is the establishment of a Sahara Peace Hub (SPH) in Libya. CIHEAM Bari is partnering with Italian NGO Ara Pacis Initiatives for Peace to implement this component.
According to a statement by Ara Pacis via its Facebook page, SPH is a “multipurpose center that intends to act as a center of attraction for peace and socio-economic development for the communities in southern Libya.”
“Its objective is to contribute to social cohesion and the integration of local populations and migrant communities present on the territory through opening doors/areas dedicated to the supply of: educational services, professional training, income generating projects, innovative agricultural practices, socio-cultural and sports initiatives.”
Are Pacis revealed that SPH will be located in Sabha and the NGO will “begin shortly” the “renovations of the buildings that will host Sebha’s Sahara Peace Hub”.