LIVCD Quarterly Progress Report - Year 6, Quarter 2

The project contributes to USAID/Lebanon Development Objective 2: "Enhance economic opportunity for the poorest segments of Lebanese society, particularly in areas outside metro Beirut." LIVCD provides assistance to micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises, including farmers and entrepreneurs in rural areas, to upgrade targeted value chains and support jobs and incomes. In the initial phase of the activity in Year 1, LIVCD conducted in-depth assessments of 10 value chains to select target value chains for upgrading. The assessments identified the constraints and opportunities for each value chain to increase competitiveness and an upgrading strategy with a range of activities to address these constraints. The following value chains were selected and approved by USAID: Pome Fruit (Apples and Pears), Stone Fruit - Avocado, Stone Fruit - Cherry, Grapes, Olive Oil, Processed Foods, Honey, Rural Basket, Rural Tourism and handicrafts, and Floriculture. During the quarter, LIVCD team continued the ongoing process of new grant proposals and submission to USAID for review approval. USAID approved a total of 7 new grants with a combined value of $714,951, including a $353,156 contribution from LIVCD grant fund. Grants were approved across all value chains. Unfortunately, one previously approved grant for Jabber trading under the pome fruit value chain was cancelled after the grantee informed LIVCD that he was unable to proceed due to liquidity challenges. The LIVCD team is now reviewing viable alternative grantee proposals with whom to commit and disburse these funds within the remaining project frame. The process is ongoing, and it is planned to identify and submit for USAID approval during the first half of quarter three viable proposals received for consideration. The LIVCD team is working to have all grants completed before the end of quarter four in time for the commencement of active project closeout on October 1, 2018. During the quarter, LIVCD collaborated with USAID on a number of CLA related activities, including a presentation on Cost Benefit Analysis on project interventions. LIVCD is currently carrying out value chain impact assessments for each LIVCD supported value chain. Two impact assessments have now been completed and provided the focus of the CLA discussion for the Economic Growth Portfolio. A third impact assessment was completed at the end of the quarter and is currently under review. The project has now completed a number of technical training manuals, both in manual and digital format, particularly for grape, apple, and avocado. These materials will be valuable reference guides for learning institutions and the private sector. Distribution of these materials will be ongoing from the next quarter until the end of 2018. Numerous field training activities were conducted across all value chains during February and March, with a particular focus on training of new farmers. A particular training of note was that of 125 cherry farmers in Arsal, a region previously known for its cherry production until the Syria crisis spilled over into this region.