- Implementation Support Agency (ISA): World Bank
- Total project financing: $150 million
- Funding from GCFF: $15 million
- GCFF Financing Approval Date: 04/15/2022
- Project Closing Date: 06/30/2023
- % Disbursed: 41.5%
- Status: Under implementation
About the project
The war in Ukraine has delivered a major shock to global commodity markets. Lebanon is heavily dependent on wheat imports, most of which came from Ukraine and Russia before the crisis. The conflict comes at a time when Lebanon has been grappling with the direst of shocks, starting with the acute economic and financial crises, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, and finally the Port of Beirut explosion. Refugees and their host communities are among the most affected by these crises. The food security situation continues to deteriorate in Lebanon and has reached alarming levels for some population groups, particularly refugees.
The project aligns with the Helping Countries Transition out of Fragility pillar of the Strategy for Fragility, Conflict, and Violence 2020–2025, by ensuring wheat availability to foster social contract between citizens and the state and a healthy local private sector. It would also contribute to the delivery of the World Bank Group Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for the Lebanese Republic for the Period FY17-FY22 by renewing the social contract contributing to strengthening the relationship between the state and its citizens, a critical ingredient for peace and stability. The project will specifically respond to the unprecedented humanitarian needs for the Lebanese people, the size and scale of which are rapidly increasing.
Project Development Objective (PDO)
To ensure the availability of wheat in Lebanon, in response to the global commodity market disruptions, and to maintain access to affordable bread by poor and vulnerable households.
Project Implementation Status
(As of December 31, 2022)
After being declared effective as of August 19, 2022, the Project is progressing towards implementation readiness and disbursement. One of the disbursement conditions regarding Component 1, the completion and disclosure of the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), has already been met, while the other disbursement condition, signing of Framework Agreements with the eligible wheat importers, continues to move forward and is close to being completed. On October 18, 2021, the Lebanese Parliament adopted the law regarding the reflection of Project activities in the Lebanese public accounting system and changes to the private sector contribution, as well as on the completion of the Project financial management system.
Relevant Documents: