USAID/Lebanon Community Support Program Task Order No. 2 Work Plan, October 2021 – September 2022

2 Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2022 was developed in response to the turbulent operating environment in Lebanon. The country has been affected by economic, livelihood, and COVID-19 crises, which have deepened in FY2021. The highly fluid operating environment has impacted the economic, political, security, and social contexts at local and national levels. The national currency reached an all-time historic low of 23,000 Lebanese Pounds (LBP) to one US dollar on the alternative market by the beginning of the fourth quarter of FY2021. This rapid devaluation, combined with the government's gradual lifting of subsidized foodstuffs, fuel, and other essential goods, has increased households' living costs, resulting in more than half of the population plunging below the extreme poverty line. The Government of Lebanon has remained in caretaker status after almost a year of political deadlock, while the Central Bank has begun slashing import subsidies, including on petroleum products, provoking an unprecedented fuel shortage and increasing power cuts across the country. The unfolding cuts on imported goods and consequent deterioration of living conditions, as well as prolonged political instability, have prompted an increase in civil unrest, protests, roadblocks, and crime rates across Lebanon. These contextual changes presented new challenges to CSP during FY2021, hindering the ability to visit communities, meet with stakeholders in person, and bring communities together to address local tension issues. The fuel crisis and frequent roadblocks resulted in difficulties for staff and contractors to travel on-site, causing continuous delays and moving targets, particularly in the North region. In response to these challenges, TO 2 adjusted its modalities of work to adapt and coordinate closely with partners and suppliers to plan innovative and effective tactics in order to ensure the provision of needed support to vulnerable communities. The program implemented various strategies to mitigate the impact of the fuel crisis and frequent roadblocks, including finding alternative ways to communicate and work with partners and suppliers. Additionally, the economic crisis and currency devaluation resulted in significant shortages in the market supply of construction materials and other necessary equipment/supplies for activity implementation. The CSP Task Order No. 2 Work Plan for FY2022 aims to address the challenges faced by vulnerable communities in Lebanon. The program will focus on community stabilization and development, with a particular emphasis on supporting the livelihoods of 750 farmers through the provision of solar-powered equipment and other essential tools. The program will also work to improve access to basic resources, including electricity and water, through the installation of on-grid water pump solar systems and the provision of LED streetlights. The program's activities will be designed to be flexible and adaptable to the changing operating environment, with a focus on ensuring the provision of needed support to vulnerable communities.