Overall Information

What is the WFP Livelihood and Resilience Programme?

The WFP Livelihood and Resilience Programme in Lebanon aims to enhance food security and economic self-reliance by providing vulnerable individuals and communities with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to improve their livelihoods. The programme focuses on capacity building, income-generating activities, protection and enhancement of natural resources and value chain revitalization to strengthen community resilience to economic and environmental shocks.

What types of activities are included in the programme?

The programme includes a range of projects and activities aimed at improving livelihoods and resilience, such as:

• Community infrastructure rehabilitation and construction through Food Assistance for Assets (FFA) or Engineering project.

• Support for micro and small businesses

• Agricultural support, including training and provision of tools/resources to smallholders’ farmers

• Climate-smart and sustainable agriculture initiatives

• Vocational and technical skills training

What is Food Assistance for Assets (FFA)?

Food Assistance for Assets (FFA) using food or cash-based transfers is one of the key activities in which WFP delivers food assistance, while contributing to the longer-term development goals

What is the objective of FFA?

WFP's 'Food Assistance for Assets' programmes help vulnerable communities meet their immediate needs whilst engaging them in the construction of assets that contribute to strengthening their livelihoods, reducing the risks from natural disasters, and making them more resilient to shocks in the longer term.

When does WFP engage with engineering companies for project implementation?

Activities requiring higher standards, often beyond what is normally possible using local expertise from governments, NGOs, the UN, and other partners. This is particularly necessary for:

• Activities for which technical engineering requirements are complex and not available locally.

• Activities where engineering standards are related to major safety aspects.

• Activities that require complex engineering design and implementation that go through tendering, even when engineering skills are available locally.

How and what support is provided by WFP to micro and small businesses?

WFP provides technical assistance in the form of training, grants, inputs and facilitating access to markets for small businesses and farmers. The programme also promotes climate-smart agricultural practices and links farmers with local and regional value chains to enhance productivity and income.

How and what support is provided by WFP to farmers?

• Agriculture Infrastructure and Natural Resource Management: Rehabilitation of agricultural roads, construction and rehabilitation of irrigation networks, solar-powered water pumps, ponds, water canals, land terracing, land reclamation, and post-harvest facility rehabilitation.

• Forestry, Forest Management, and Reforestation Initiatives: Tree planting, forest restoration, and sustainable forest management practices.

• Training, Capacity Building: Farmer training (eg. on Climate-Smart Agriculture), capacity building in resource management

• Provide water and soil testing services to farmers to enhance sustainability and support adaptation to environmental challenges.

• Input Support: Provision of seeds, seedlings, tools, and other agricultural inputs.

• Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): Establishment of early warning systems, development of community-based risk management plans, formation and training of first responder teams, provision of tools and equipment for disaster preparedness, and training on disaster response.

• Provision of grant/Cash: assistance in the form of grant particularly to small-scale farmers.

• Equipping and supporting public and community institutions: Supporting farmers markets, research centers (LARI).

• Facilitate linkages between farmers and processors to strengthen communication, improve product quality, and ensure a reliable supply chain. This network aims to enhance market access, promote fair pricing, and support sustainable practices for both farmers and processors.

Who is eligible to participate in WFP Livelihood and Resilience programme?

Eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific project and location. However, the programme generally targets Lebanese and refugee communities meeting the conditions below:

• Individual is willing to commit and able to engage for the full project period for 40 to 60 hours per month, as per the activity schedule.

• Individual is minimum 18 years old.

• Geographic proximity to the location of the activities.

• Female participation is encouraged.

• Priority is given to small-scale farmers, women, PWDs, and marginalized groups to promote inclusive and equitable access to resources.

• Not participating in other similar activities at the same time (with other CPs).

  • First priority: below Survival Minimum Expenditure Basket (SMEB) and not in the Multipurpose cash assistance Programme (MCAP).

  • Second priority: above SMEB and below MEB (Survival Minimum Expenditure Basket)

  • Third priority: below SMEB and receiving WFP food assistance.

  • Fourth priority: receiving MCAP with project justification or above MEB with project justification.

• For Lebanese participants, they should be eligible based on the vulnerability assessment provided by WFP and collected by CP during the outreach phase.

• Enrolment in activities is free of charge. No one should pay for participating in the activities.

SMEs and Cooperatives

SMEs and cooperative operating in the food system starting from input suppliers to producers, transporters, processors, distributors, wholesalers, exporters, importers, retailers, and agricultural and agro-food cooperatives.

SMEs and cooperatives must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Type – Food System actors registered and based in Lebanon.

• Size –Should have a minimum of 5 full-time legally registered employees including founders/owners/shareholders, and a maximum of 100 employees.

• Type of activity –Should be working within the food system and at any level of the system (ex. input supplier, registered farming organizations, collection and post-harvest centers, transporters, storage center, processors, distributors, wholesalers, exporters, importers, retailers, and agricultural and agro-food cooperatives and other companies working with and for the food system like food packaging production and food cleaning and disinfection material, energy providers…)

• Farmer and producer cooperatives are also considered eligible if they meet the above classifications in term of employment, and the eligibility criteria and can present impactful and scalable solutions that will benefit a large number of actors beyond the organization itself.

WFP encourages women-owned/women-led cooperatives and enterprises.

How can participants apply for WFP programme?

Interested individuals can apply through WFP’s local implementing partners in their area. Specific application details, including deadlines and requirements, are announced through community outreach, social media, and current cooperating parties.

• WFP partners are providing accessible online registration forms with clear labels, instructions, Immersive reading, and a dedicated phone number for PWDs to receive support, including home visits for assistance.

• Awareness and information sessions are being held at accessible venues and are including various formats (pictures, clear information, handouts) to ensure PWDs can fully engage and receive key messages on equal access.

• Additionally, in the Food system challenge (SMEs), the Call for applications is being published in English and Arabic allowing business advisors to assist applicants if needed.

• Communication channels include the partners websites, Facebook, LinkedIn, X Twitter, and Instagram.

• Success stories and short videos highlighting program impact are being shared to inspire and motivate future applicants.

How are participants selected?

Selection is based on a set of criteria for different groups and project. The following are few examples.

Farmers Group

• Specific Value Chain: Farmers engaged in targeted value chains (e.g., vegetables, dairy, livestock, agroforestry, etc.).

• Project-Specific Requirements: Such as minimum or maximum number of animals, land size, or production capacity.

• Availability or Lack of Infrastructure: Farmers in areas with limited irrigation, storage, greenhouse, or processing facilities may be prioritized.

• Vulnerability Status: Smallholder farmers, women-headed households, and those affected by climate shocks or conflict.

• Level of Engagement: Willingness to participate in training, adopt climate-smart practices, and engage in sustainable farming methods.

• Legal Land Tenure or Access: Ownership or legal access to land for agricultural use.

• Participation in Farmer Organizations or Cooperatives: Preference for those actively engaged in local farmer groups to enhance collective impact.

Targeting of farmers happens in close coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture. For this reason, please refer to the Ministry of Agriculture regional offices for further information.

Other community members for WFP Livelihood assistance?

• WFP identifies areas and regions facing food insecurity, poverty, and heightened risks from climate change and other natural disasters through data analysis, utilizing national or regional assessments of food security and vulnerability.

• Local leaders, community focal points, and trusted representatives are then engaged to identify the most vulnerable households. This is done through meetings, community consultations, or collaboration with community-based organizations to gather information about those in need of support.

• Priority is given to specific groups based on their vulnerability, including households headed by women, people with disabilities, the elderly, and others who may be more dependent on external assistance.

• WFP uses tools like the Vulnerability Assessment and Mapping (VAM) to assess key factors such as household income, assets, and food security status.

• Community members have the opportunity to self-register for programs like Food for Assets (FFA) and skills training. Registration is facilitated through community meetings or local registration points to ensure accessibility and transparency.

• WFP also works closely with governments, local NGOs, and community groups for selecting the beneficiaries to ensure that the selection process is inclusive and fair. This collaboration involves meetings, data sharing, and aligning criteria with stakeholders to ensure that no one is left behind.

The SMEs and cooperatives

The following selection criteria are applied for selecting SMEs and Cooperatives.

• The proposed programme/projects should have the potential impact to:

• Strengthen Lebanon’s local food system and enhance local production for local consumption.

• Create or increase opportunities for employment and income generation for local stakeholders.

• Be inclusive of small-scale food system actors and improve collaboration/business partnerships and linkages between actors.

• Create a positive impact (economic, health, innovation, etc.) to the food system actors and/or the consumers.

• Feasibility

  • The food system actor should be already in business and products should already be produced/in the market (even if adjustments should be implemented).

  • The applying business has evidence of its ability to make and implement the proposed solution (business plan) and has a clear vision of demand from the targeted users/customers of its solution.

  • The applying business has evidence of the sustainability of the proposed solution.

• Innovation

  • The proposed programme should be an introduction on the market of a new or significantly improved product or process compared to those previously developed in the market. Two types of innovation are distinguished: product innovations (goods or services) and process innovations (including organizational and marketing innovations).

  • Product innovation includes significant design changes and digital goods or services. It excludes the resale as seen of new goods or services and changes of an aesthetic nature.

  • Process innovation concerns production and development methods, logistics and distribution, the information and communication system, administrative tasks and accounting, the organization of procedures, management of relationships with suppliers, work organization, decision-making processes, human resources, marketing, packaging, pricing and after-sales service.

• Scalability

  • The proposed programme/project has a potential to be broadly develop and/or be replicated.

  • The proposed programme/project will give the opportunity for the applying food system actor to develop its market inside and/or outside Lebanon.

  • The proposed programme/project will support the development of the applying food system actor.

• Cost effectiveness

  • The proposed programme/project will demonstrate the cost efficiency that it will provide to the applying business.

  • The proposed programme/project will provide a high return on investment.

  • The applying business has a robust plan ensuring a sustainable revenue/funding generation model beyond the potential funding from the programme.

• Additional criteria

  • Women-led business or cooperative, applicants empowering women, youth and people with disability, or applicant employing women, youth, and people with disability will be given preference.

The process for supporting SMEs and Cooperatives involves.

1. Outreach- a range of communication tools and platforms are used depending upon the messages and the target group to achieve the highest reach to SMEs and Cooperatives.

2. Initial application- the SMEs and Cooperatives shall submit an initial plan or concept for review and screening. The template for application/concept note would be shared through the communication platforms.

3. Screening and due-diligence- the submitted application and concept would be screened following specific criteria including alignment with the programme objectives, their feasibility, possible impact and the potential for scale up.

4. Final selection and contractual arrangement- contract and agreement with applicants passing through the final submission, detailing the activities and support they would receive are then organized.

In which areas of Lebanon is the programme available?

The programme is implemented across various regions in Lebanon, including rural and peri-urban areas with high levels of unemployment, food insecurity, and exposure to climate related shocks. Specific locations vary depending on the project and funding availability.

Can refugees participate in the programme?

Yes, depending on the project and its specific eligibility criteria. WFP ensures that both vulnerable Lebanese and refugees have access to livelihood and resilience support where applicable.

Where can I get more information?

For further details, please visit WFP website or reach us via email at feedback.lebanon@wfp.org or contact WFP Lebanon’s local partners in your area. You can also reach out to WFP through the call center by dialing 1526.

WFP partners are: