THE SITUATION
Lebanon is entering its fourth year of severe economic, political, and social crises while also hosting the largest number of refugees per capita in the world. Record-high global food and fuel prices have added to the country’s already dire situation. Recently downgraded from an Upper to a Low Middle-Income Country, Lebanon is facing the world’s worst economic and financial crisis in the last 150 years.
ABOUT CASH
ASSISTANCE
For vulnerable Lebanese:
WFP, with funding from the European Union and other donors, is providing monthly, unconditional cash assistance to the most vulnerable Lebanese families through the National Poverty Targeting Programme (NPTP) of the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) and of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (PCM).
The programme, which is the country’s first national safety net, was established in 2011. Those eligible receive an e-card to redeem cash from an ATM, financial service provider, or to purchase from a shop with a Point of Sales (POS).
The European Union is a major funder of the NPTP. With an initial target of 5,000 households in 2014, the NPTP is expected to reach 75,000 households — around 430,000 people — in 2023.
Why Cash Assistance
As a form of humanitarian assistance, cash transfers provide many benefits: flexibility of choice; empowerment of recipients to buy what is most needed including food, medical bills, rent, school fees, school bus fees. Cash assistance can also empower women through access to digital payment services, financial literacy and decision-making on how to use the cash. It also contributes to the local economy.
Why Cash Assistance
As a form of humanitarian assistance, cash transfers provide many benefits: flexibility of choice; empowerment of recipients to buy what is most needed including food, medical bills, rent, school fees, school bus fees. Cash assistance can also empower women through access to digital payment services, financial literacy and decision-making on how to use the cash. It also contributes to the local economy.
About the World Food Programme (WFP)
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. The World Food Programme uses food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.
About the European Union (EU)
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 countries. Its major contributions to international cooperation and development aid make it the world’s largest aid donor, maintaining cultural diversity, tolerance, and individual freedoms. The European Union is committed to sharing its achievements and values with countries and people beyond its borders.
