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Lebanon
SNAPSHOT
Date of independence: 1943
Population: 4.1 million (2006)
Income per person: $5,490 (yr)
Source: World Bank Development Indicators 2006
USAID IN LEBANON
http://lebanon.usaid.gov
CONTACTS
Mission Director
Raouf Youssef
U.S. Embassy
Awkwar, Lebanon
Tel: 961-4-544-251
Lebanon Desk Officer
Elaine Scott
Tel: (202) 712-0404
Email: escott@usaid.gov 
Through a USAID-funded program, goats receive a vaccination in response to a flock disease outbreak in the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon. (Photo: USAID/Lebanon) Overview
Civil war engulfed Lebanon from 1975 until 1991, resulting in the destruction of much of the country and the economy. The summer of 2006 war exacerbated this condition. The United States aims to strengthen Lebanon’s sovereign politically elected government and is committed to helping Lebanon rebuild and become a stable and prosperous partner in achieving regional peace and a strong global economy. Legislative elections held in June 2005, the first since the civil war and free of Syrian influence, created opportunities to engage with the central government. USAID activities focus on three main areas: economic opportunity, democratic governance, and water and the environment. USAID also provided support to the Government of Lebanon during its reconstruction phase.
Programs
Humanitarian Assistance
Following the summer 2006 conflict, USAID responded quickly to bring urgently needed humanitarian relief to the people of Lebanon. USAID provided medicine, fuel, shelter, food, and water to the Lebanese people. A shipment of 25,000 metric tons of wheat was dispatched to Lebanon to ensure an uninterrupted supply of food. As part of its reconstruction efforts, USAID is currently involved in rebuilding the Mudairej Bridge, improving public schools for a better learning environment, cleaning the oil spill site to restore the livelihoods of people in coastal areas, and supporting the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation in its efforts to rebuild homes and private businesses in the hardest-hit areas.
Economic Growth
To create jobs, USAID works to strengthen these sectors: agribusiness, information and communications technology, and rural tourism. In agribusiness, USAID trains farmers in organic farming techniques; improves links between growers, processors, and retailers; and provides training to farmers in marketing and branding. USAID’s Internet and computer access centers supply rural businesses with wireless connectivity, as well as information on prices and markets. USAID’s tourism program trains hospitality workers and provides technical assistance to rural cottage inns to help them attract tourists.
Governing Justly and Democratically
USAID provides technical assistance and training to municipalities to help them better serve their constituents by strengthening municipality administration and encouraging citizens to participate in public decisions. USAID also assists parliamentary regulatory boards in being more responsive to people’s needs. USAID funds civil society organizations that speak out in favor of transparency, accountability, and good governance. USAID’s Professional Training program is designed to benefit Lebanese professionals by offering them training and internships.
Investing In People
USAID strengthens five American educational institutions in Lebanon by providing scholarship assistance. USAID also works with government and community organizations to change the way Lebanese think about the environment. The program involves using better technologies to dispose of waste and improving the laws that govern water use. At the national level, USAID strengthens water policies, and, at the local level, USAID supports Lebanon’s water authorities. USAID also implements small-scale waste management projects appropriate for small communities. USAID activities are carried out through nongovernmental organizations, civil society groups, universities, municipalities, and contractors.
Through the creation of the Jezzine Development Cooperative in South Lebanon, the first of its kind worldwide, USAID helps war and landmine survivors and their families lead productive lives. USAID’s Small Awards program targets indigenous organizations working to improve the socioeconomic conditions of their communities, in fields such as health care, orphan care, and other charity work.
Responding to Crisis and Supporting Stability
A $250 million cash transfer program, part of a $300 million supplemental funding package, will bring progress toward fiscal balance, which is essential to economic stability in Lebanon. The program is based on the Government of Lebanon’s own economic reform plan and is endorsed by the International Monetary Fund. The remaining $50 million will provide for the continuation of the LEAD school rehabilitation program; scholarships to American educational institutions; support for the rule of law, good governance, transparency and accountability; and work with civil society. A new program with USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives will support inter-confessional cooperation at the local level, with additional assistance being provided for the expansion of small and medium enterprises and other programs.
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