Impact Evaluation Report: Lebanon Host Communities Support Project

The Lebanon Host Communities Support Project (LHSP) is a multi donor programme aimed at increasing stability and building the capacity of communities affected by the Syrian crisis to address tensions, prevent conflict and ensure peaceful co-existence. This research aims to establish whether improved service delivery in communities under pressure from the influx of Syrian refugees can affect the level of tension between Syrian refugees and residents in Lebanese host communities. The primary purposes of this report are to, 1) identify changes in patterns through data collected in the three new municipalities following the implementation of selected DFID-funded projects, 2) follow up on identified changes in patterns in the three initial municipalities displayed in the LHSP. Changes in patterns will be used to ascertain whether the LHSP Theory of Change holds true and examine in further detail, 1) whether the projects have changed perceptions on quality of services and access to services in the municipalities, 2) whether changes associated with the projects have contributed to sustainable change in the level of social tension, 3) to whom these changes are attributed and whether they have affected the long-term perceptions of the capability and responsiveness of municipalities; and 4) what influence or impact these changes have on social stability and the propensity for conflict in the municipalities.
Results from the research indicate that service delivery continues to be a central issue in people’s lives. Municipalities are increasingly viewed as both trusted to take the right action and able to do so. This is likely a result of the implementation of a number of service projects, including through LHSP. As a result, improved communication and increased participation in the decision-making process is a growing priority for people across municipalities. Communication between the municipality and residents plays a vital role in increasing acceptance of projects and perceptions of their outcomes as positive. The data shows saw a heavy emphasis on jobs/employment as a growing concern among Lebanese; the majority of the stories linked to refugees continue to be primarily about employment. The lack of stories reflecting cooperation between refugees and host communities when it comes to service delivery may also signal an isolation of refugees within each municipality. This is further reinforced by the growing number of people who reported avoidance instead of cooperation within the municipalities, and reported a feeling of powerlessness, particularly regarding their economic situation

Publisher: 
Aktis Lebanon S.A.R.L.
تاريخ النشر: 
الجمعة, 1 يناير 2016
نوع المورد: 
Studies and Reports
حلة: 
Refugees, Development Financing & Resources