Lebanon

Since October 2019, the national currency has lost 80 percent of its value, and by June 2020, the World Food Programme (WFP) recorded an increase of 109 percent in prices of food – 85 percent of which is imported.  A recent WFP survey on the impact of the economic crisis and of the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent lockdown measures on livelihoods and food security revealed that food has become a major source of concern with 50 percent of Lebanese respondents saying they worried about having enough food to eat.

The devastating blasts that hit Beirut port – through which 70 percent of Lebanon’s overall trade transits – on 4 August 2020 have dealt the country a further blow, destroying grain silos as well as homes and economic activities.

Having shown exceptional solidarity towards people fleeing war and insecurity in neighbouring countries, Lebanon has the world’s highest per capita refugee presence, estimated at one quarter of the overall population. The spillover from the ongoing war in Syria has exacerbated economic and social challenges, placing a strain on existing resources and already overstretched public services and infrastructure in host communities. According to WFP estimates, the number of Syrian refugees who are severely or moderately food insecure stands at 1.2 million, only 800,000 of whom are receiving assistance.

WFP has been in Lebanon since 2012.  Leveraging its global experience, innovative tools and extensive networks, WFP works to help vulnerable Lebanese and refugees ensure they have sufficient, nutritious food throughout the year. 

Cash assistance to buy food and empower vulnerable families to meet their essential needs is complemented by longer term activities to enhance the skills and employability of both Lebanese and Syrians, and improve their livelihoods – including by linking smallholder farmers to markets. WFP also distributes daily nutritious snacks to vulnerable Lebanese and refugee school children in public schools across Lebanon. Building on its expertise and tools for large-scale crisis response, WFP is also assisting the Lebanese government develop its social assistance system, and design programmes to promote the equal participation of women in society and the economy.

These activities – crucial to support Lebanon in reaching Sustainable Development Goal 2 on Zero Hunger and to foster social cohesion and stability in the face of significant straining factors – cannot be pursued in isolation. WFP works in partnership with government authorities, other UN agencies, NGOs and the private sector – including a network of 500 local shops that are at the forefront of WFP’s refugee response.