May Crisis Update
Key Takeaways: Lebanon held national elections on May 15, the first since the country’s economic crisis began in 2019 and the August 2020 Beirut port blast. No parliamentary block or political alliance won a clear majority, unlike in the previous parliament....
BASATINE – Bolstering Agriculture Systems
Mercy Corps launches BASATINE, a four-year programme aiming to sustain the capacity of Lebanese agriculture to produce food for the local market, create and maintain jobs, generate social cohesion between host communities and refugees, as well as promote gender...
April Crisis Update
Key Takeaways: The Lebanese Pound (LBP) depreciated in April to 27000, likely due to an increase in LBP in circulation and reduced Sayrafa injections. This possibly marks a shift in the Central Bank policy since January of stabilizing the LBP within the 20-25000...
Bringing communities together in a time of isolation
A billboard from a Mercy Corps Lebanon campaign to raise awareness for mental health. By Alexandra Ataya Program Manager, Mercy Corps Lebanon The COVID‑19 pandemic has and continues to exacerbate existing difficulties that many communities face across the world. In...
War in Ukraine threatens food security arround the world
More than 11 million people have been displaced in Ukraine—with 4.9 million of them having fled the country-since the conflict began in late February. While we must support people directly affected by the conflict, we’re also now seeing how the crisis has deeply impacted the global markets-threatening food security for many countries who rely on Ukraine and Russia’s agricultural exports.
March Crisis Update
Key Takeaways: The Lebanese pound’s (LBP) value against the US dollar (USD) declined in March, largely over concerns about how long Circular 161 will remain in force and multiple probes targeting the banking sector locally and internationally. Investigations into the...
Mercy Corps CEO visit to Lebanon
Lebanon is an incredibly beautiful, dynamic and diverse country that has faced enormous challenges in recent years. Now, the situation is worsening due to the ripple effects from the war in Ukraine. In the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon – about 30 kilometers East of Beirut —...
HORECA Market Linkages
To facilitate market linkages and enhance networking opportunities, Mercy Corps Lebanon supported five Small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in the latest edition of HORECA Connects 2022. Throughout the three-day exhibition, the SMEs showcased their...
Humanitarian Impact of Ukraine Conflict on Lebanon
Lebanon faces significant fallout from the Ukraine conflict due to potential grain shortages and the economic impact of higher commodity prices - in particular fuel - when it can least afford it. Mired in one of the largest economic contractions in history, the...
Cash assistance is critical for communities recovering from crises
With a cash grant from Mercy Corps, Andy repaired his music shop after it was destroyed by the explosion in Beirut. No one could have anticipated the catastrophe that struck Lebanon in August 2020. It was an ordinary Tuesday evening when an explosion rocked Beirut,...
