1. Refugees, Displaced, and Migrants
• How Firms Hire Low Skilled Workers, IDRC, 2020
• Survey of Syrian Refugees and Host Communities in Lebanon, The World Bank, 2015
• Survey of Syrian Refugees and Host Communities in Lebanon, The World Bank, 2015
In view of understanding the short and long term implications of the Syrian crisis for Syrian refugees as well as host communities in Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon, the World Bank intends to conduct a multi-contry survey. The survey will allow the comparison of the socio-economic and living conditions of Syrian refugees and host communities in those three countries. This impact assessment will help the World Bank identify mean to support the affected population and eventually putting in place a comprehensive strategy to mitigate identified impacts. The Consultation and Research Institute undertakes the data collection in Lebanon under the supervision of the World Bank team.
• Informal Sector Work in Lebanon, The World Bank, 2015
The World Bank comissioned the CRI to to conduct a study on Informal Sector Work in Lebanon in view of examining the measures that can improve the institutional environment in a way to entice the largest number of enterprises into formality and also to encourage small enterprises which remain informal to improve their productivity and increase job creation.
• Impact of Humanitarian Aid on the Lebanese Economy, UNDP and UNHCR, 2014-2015
The UNDP and the UNHCR have commissioned a study to assess the impact on the Lebanese economy of the UN and International Humanitarian Aid provided to the Syrian Refugees in Lebanon.
The study adopts two measures to reflect the direct and indirect impact of humanitarian funds: 1) a fiscal multiplier exercise which calculates the total effect of humanitarian expenditures on the aggregate demand and GDP of the pre-crisis Lebanese economy, disregarding all other economic and fiscal factors; 2) a general equilibrium exercise which incorporates the various sources of production & consumption and the potential substitution among the various factors of production.
• School-to-Work Transition for Young People in Lebanon, International Labour Organisation (ILO), 2014, 2015
The ILO developed the school-to-work transition survey (SWTS) in order to address a significant information gap pertaining to the work transition process of young people. The survey aims to generate data on the characteristics of youth in their transition to work and to highlight the main disadvantages of youth in the labour market. This data is essential for the design adequate response policies in view of addressing the negative factors that affect the transition to decent work.
In the case of Lebanon, the last labour force survey goes back to 1997 and national surveys are in fact inconsistent in timeline. The labour market information system is still in the process of being developed and therefore reliable data pertaining to the school-to-work transitions of young people is scanty. The 2015 SWTS in Lebanon should fill this information gap, generate reliable data, and directly influence policy-making and program development.
• Characteristics and Structure of the Union Movement in Lebanon, International Labour Organisation/Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, 2015
The period preceding the onset of the civil war in Lebanon in 1975 saw the publication of numerous studies and dissertations on the evolution of the working class and the Lebanese union movement. Such efforts largely dwindled – almost grinding to a halt – during the years of civil war as economic activities and wage-earners relocated, scattering across the Beirut metropolitan area and other governorates, due to heightened military action, proliferation of demarcation lines between and within areas, and massive internal and external migration of the population. When the war ended, a considerable number of specialized and robust studies were conducted on many fundamental social issues (e.g. poverty, local development, the labor market, gender and other issues) but the subject of the working class and the union movement was not sufficiently addressed.
Against this background, ILO and FES commissioned CRI to conduct a study as a meaningful contribution to narrowing the gap in knowledge about the transformations taking place in the situation of the working class and union activity in Lebanon, while striving to draw essential lessons and conclusions from the experience of the Union Coordination Committee. Report available online: www.ilo.org/beirut
• Provision of Professional Services for the Support of the Agriculture Sector in West Bekaa – Kefraya
One of the UNDP projects is to trigger the functioning of an already established Technical Service Centre in West Bekaa. UNDP commissioned CRI to conduct a market study and a feasibility model in order to identify the best use of the Service Centre in order to provide the farmers in the West Bekaa the services they need the most.
• Setting Baseline and Measuring Change (Wave Two), UNDP, 2015
With the outbreak of the Syrian crisis in March 2011, Syrian nationals were displaced and the number of Syrian refugees swelled in Lebanon. The Syrian crisis is ongoing and the estimates of the UNHCR indicate that Lebanon is currently hosing 1,176,971Syrian refugees as of August 29, 2014.
In view of increasing livelihood activities and municipal services in host communities, UNDP is planning to implement 49 projects in 19 selected areas in the Bekaa, South and North of Lebanon.
Prior to the takeoff of this set of projects, UNDP aims at designing a perception study to be conducted in three waves throughout the projects implementations. The objective of the perception study is to identify the change of the level of tension between refugees and host communities engendered by the implemented set of projects in the 19 targeted areas.
• Socio-Economic Dialogue Forum – Second Cycle, The Socio-economic Impact of the Syrian Refugee Crisis in Lebanon, Common Space Initiative, 2015
CRI provides a set of support tasks within the Second Cycle of the Socio-Economic Dialogue Forum organized by the Common Space Initiative.
The Common Space Initiative (CSI) is planning to launch the Second Cycle of the Socio-Economic Dialogue Forum which consists of various dialogue cycles organized around national priorities. The key objectives of the Forum include: (1) provide a permanent space for dialogue, knowledge sharing and production, (2) support the development of common understanding and policy options, (3) prevent emerging conflicts to develop on national level, and (4) provide a potential support to the reactivation of the Socio-economic Council.
The First Cycle of the Socio-Economic Dialogue Form studied the existing Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The dialogue focused on the mission and vision of the ESC, its trajectory, the rethinking of its structure and role amidst the current political and socio- economic situation. This first cycle was completed on December 17, 2014 with the publication of the main results and findings of a four month period of dialogue among the key stakeholders.
The Second Cycle of the Forum aims at underlining the socio-economic impact of the Syrian refugee influx in Lebanon. The Second Cycle will bring together main stakeholders and key informants to the existing assessments and recommendations pertaining to the crisis of Syrian refugees in Lebanon and design together the framework of a national strategy.
With the outbreak of the Syrian conflict in March 2011, Syrian nationals were displaced and the number of Syrian refugees swelled in neighboring countries including Iraq, Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon. While the Syrian crisis is on-going for more three years, the number of refugees’ arrival to Lebanon is continuously on the rise. According to estimates of the United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) the number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon is 1,144,706 in December 2014 of whom 1,133,118 are registered.
•Rapid Livelihoods Assessment for Lebanese Returnees, International Organization for Migration (IOM), 2014
The International Organization for Migration commissioned CRI to conduct a rapid livelihoods assessment for Lebanese returnees from Syria to Lebanon due to the Syrian crisis. The study aims at assessing the livelihoods needs of this particular categories of displaced by the Syrian crisis in order to be able to better contribute to early recovery and promote stability in the context of a prolonged conflict in Syria.
•Market Assessment Study for the Project: Mitigating the Socioeconomic Impact of Syrian Displacement, Danish Refugee Council (DRC), 2014
Prior to the launching of the MISD project, DRC is interested in conducting a market assessment of the informal labour sector in North Lebanon and the Bekaa governorate. The assessment aims at studying the current labour supply and demand situation in the study region as well as the markets dynamics in place. The overall objective the market assessment is to identify the possible job and income opportunities for vulnerable host communities and Syrian refugees. In light of the market assessment findings, DRC will seek to design the MISD project in the most relevant, efficient, effective and sustainable form.
•Social Development Centers – Human Resources Study, Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA) , 2014
The overall objective of the SDCs Human Resources’ Study is to assess the current capacity of human resources of MOSA SDCs and regional offices and to suggest a modified profile for specialized SDCs in view of optimizing the available resources.
•Opinion Poll for The Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections (LADE), 2014
The Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections (LADE) is commissioned CRI to conduct an opinion poll in order to detect the knowledge and perceptions of the constituency in respect to the electoral process in Lebanon. The opinion poll aims at investigating issues mainly pertaining to the electoral system in place, suggested reforms, elections postponement as well as perceptions of state institutions, political elites, and other issues such as security and political issues and socioeconomic conditions.
http://www.lade.org.lb/getattachment/4e4b6963-a440-4edb-8610-d4b0a8f2e177/Opinion-Poll-on-the-Electoral-Issues-in-Lebanon-%281.aspx
•Household Survey for a Choice Experiment. Water Supply Augmentation for Beirut – The World Bank, 2014
In view of the financing of the proposed Bisri dam as part of the Water Supply Augmentation Project (WSAP), the World Bank intends to conduct a household survey to assess the potential benefits of improved water supply services stemming from the WSAP and identify the factors that determine behavior and choices of consumers. The collected data will be analyzed aiming at understanding different aspects including the socio-cultural aspects of households, their willingness to pay, as well as distributional issues pertaining to pro-poor areas.
•Elaboration of Strategic Sustainable Regional Development Plan for the Caza of Tyre- CDR/AFD, 2014
The project targets three main objectives that will guide the elaboration of the strategic development plan:
Promote economic and social development through the rationalization of sectoral policies and their integration in development, because the quality of development is also a necessary condition for development.
Protect the urban and natural environment to improve the living conditions and enhance the value of natural resources and heritage;
Move from the centralized planning that has resolutely failed in the radically liberal context of the country to participatory planning governed by the need to balance benefits and costs for the government, communities, owners, and users, with the effective participation of civil society. This means that the didactic dimension of our action is essential and should be a major concern at each step of the planning process.
•The Syrian Crisis: Implications for Development Indicators and Development Planning in Lebanon, UNDP, 2013
The study articulates around two major axes: 1)The impacts on development – at the national and local levels – with special focus on host communities with the highest concentration of refugees, and 2) the analysis of the implemented national and international response to the crisis. These two axes shape the research in a direction of comprehensive and long-term development response. Finally, this report is prepared based on the combined analysis of the following inputs: 1)The literature review (consolidated bibliography and CRI database); 2)The regional working groups (minutes of meeting and quantitative questionnaires); and 3) The assessment of the macroeconomic chapter included in the ESIA.
http://www.lb.undp.org/content/dam/lebanon/docs/Poverty/Publications/THE%20SERIAN%20CRISIS%20report.pdf
•Baseline Survey for Community Policing Pilot – NiCO, 2014
The baseline survey aims at investigating issues mainly pertaining to the current perception of the community of the ISF in general and the Hbeish police station in particular. It attempts to investigate the perception of the community of its own security; identify the needs and problems of the community in terms of policing services; assessing the satisfaction level of the community with the current policing services; identifying the perception of the role of women officers; etc.
•Impact of Post-conflict International Aid and Poverty in Lebanon, Christian Aid, 2010
The focal concern of the study on the ‘Impact of Post-Conflict International Aid and Debt on Poverty in Lebanon’ is whether the process of international assistance for reconstruction and reform enables Lebanon to provide aid for poverty alleviation effectively in the short term, and in ways that contribute to the improvement of the macroeconomic stability of Lebanon. Phase I of the study consists of a preliminary survey and assessment of publicly available data on donor commitments to the “International Conference for Support to Lebanon – Paris III”. The final output or deliverable of Phase I consisted of a description and analysis of the usage of funds under Paris III. The aim of Phase II is the tracking of fund disbursements and the chains of implementing agencies. More precisely, Phase II of the study aims at shedding light on the actual benefits from foreign aid especially those accruing to poor households. Based on the findings of Phase I and after consulting with its partners, Christian Aid selected two projects as case studies intended to describe the typical path of aid from funding agencies, to implementing agencies, and wherever possible to beneficiaries. The case studies are supposed to demonstrate and analyse the process and rationale behind the assignment of the fund and project design, the execution process of the project, the extent of objectives achievement and the assessment of results and project sustainability. As a result, lessons learned and recommendations were suggested.
• Technical Assistance and Support to Municipalities in Fields of Local Development (Consortium with ICON Institute – GmbH & Co (Germany) and AHT Group AG), OMSAR – EU, 2008 (English)
The overall objective of the project was to assist local Lebanese institutions to better meet citizen’s expectations, to contribute to economic development and social stability and to increase the impact of local communities’ actions on a balanced regional development. The process consisted of the following steps:
• Awareness and training: conducting training sessions on the participatory approach and the use of municipal planning techniques, for municipal board members and employees, civil society, and youth from all the mouhafazat.
• Establishment of new municipal unions/clusters: the implementation of local development strategies in four new municipal clusters.
• Technical support: providing technical assistance to the local development offices with the help of qualified experts.
• Local Development in Town of Adchit, Municipality of Adchit – ESFD, 2008 (Arabic)
The project consisted of designing a development strategy for the town of Adchit. Adchit is a town that relies almost exclusively on Tobacco for the livelihood of its residents. One of the main objectives behind the study was to propose a substitute that allows the town to gradually phase-out Tobacco which is a heavily subsidized crop that cannot be relied on for long-term financial security and is a time-consuming year-round effort for all the members of a family thereby preventing them from seeking higher education or other ways to make a living.
• Roundtables and Working Sessions on Development, DPNA, 2007(Arabic)
• Monitoring and Evaluation of the Community Development Project, CDR – WB, 2007 (English)
The main objective of the Community Development Project (CDP) was to “establish an effective and sustainable instrument to improve the living conditions and the economic status of disadvantaged communities”, through the implementation of various local-scale projects addressing different issues that serve the main purpose. Funded by the World Bank, CDP was launched in 2002 under the umbrella of the Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR). Since that date, around 320 projects were implemented in Lebanon.
The CDP has funded projects that address the following issues:
- i) Regional inequity in the provision of basic infrastructure, through improving the access of the poor to social services and basic infrastructure;
- ii) Disparities in income levels, through supporting the promotion of self-employment opportunities These projects are being accomplished through a participatory, community-driven approach involving the NGO sector, in coordination with beneficiary communities, local government, local private organizations and concerned ministries.
The detailed objectives of the CDP are described as follows:
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1. Improve access to basic social and economic infrastructure by funding small well-targeted community-based initiatives to improve the quality and accessibility of the poor to education, health, and physical environment services
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2. Improve the economic status of poor and more vulnerable households by stimulating local incomes and productivity and reducing exposure to risk, through basic skills training, and capacity building to supplement micro-credit initiatives
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3. Develop special social programs that target the needs of specific vulnerable groups, especially women, children and disabled
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4. Document the experience obtained through this project and derive lessons learned
5. The Project Management Team (PMT) requested the presence of a Consultant (CRI) to develop and undertake the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (M&E) of the CDP.
• Macro-economy and Development of the Local Community: Limits and Potential, Albany University, 2006 (Arabic) Development Program Horizon 2006-2009 (Consortium with Dar al-Handasah), CDR, 2005 (English)
Based on the material and concepts arising from the “National Physical Plan, CDR 2004”, the study aimed at providing added value that will enable placing an emphasis on planning and managing outputs through the efficient and rational implementation of prioritized individual projects and groups of projects to support the Development Vision for Lebanon.
The study also aimed at establishing a rational and practical approach for the screening and measurement of projects performance in each sector, and within an overall development framework.
The study proposed a detailed Public Investment Program for the following sectors:
- • Water supply
- • Waste water
- • Solid waste
- • Health
- • Education
- • Transport
- • Power
- • Telecommunications
• Lands for building City Development Strategy, MoIM – WB, 2005 (English)
Promoting Local Economic Development (LED) and employment creation in particular, using cities as a platform or engine for growth, was identified as a priority in First Municipal Infrastructure Project (FMIP). As a result, the Capacity Building Component will be deployed to initiate a process of identifying potential growth pole cities in different regions and to support these cities in elaborating LED-focus City Development Strategies (CDS). The Local Economic Development (LED) initiative seeks to build municipal capacity to improve local economies and generate an enabling environment for employment generation.
• Summary of MDG Lebanon Report, ESC, 2005 (English)
• Mapping of Gender and Development Initiatives in Lebanon, UNDP, 2005 (English)
The issue of gender has become a point of interest to various governmental and non-governmental organizations. Many interventions, aiming mainly at improving women’s conditions and empowering their roles, has covered different aspects of gender equality promotion including access to education, employment opportunities in terms and quality and quantity, income generation, and political participation. The main objective of this study was to conduct a mapping of gender and development initiative in Lebanon. The Consultation and Research Institute (CRI) was commissioned by UNDP to undertake this study that would act as a basis for any interventions to be undertaken by UNDP on the issue of gender.
• Preparation for the Terms of Reference (ToR) for Conducting Social Development Strategy in Lebanon, ESFD, 2003 (English)
• Participation in Rapid Rural Development Needs Assessment, CDR – UNDP, 2002 (English)
The Council for Development and Reconstruction commissioned the Consultation and Research Institute to carry out a rapid rural needs assessment in selected Lebanese districts. The results of the study aimed at contributing to improving the socio-economic opportunities in targeted rural areas and to increasing the income of the rural population in the poorest areas of Lebanon by supporting productive investment with a special focus on sustainable natural resource management.
More specifically, the objectives of the assessment were:
- • Assess how local communities participate in small-scale rural development projects and their interest in, and capacity for greater participation;
- • Assess how local governments or other agencies have participated in projects;
- • Examine the sustainability of rural projects as well as determine the profile of beneficiaries and how these later benefited from the project;
- • Define the nature, type and scope of main rural development needs that could be addressed by additional investments of a small, local demand-driven nature.
• Municipal Development: Demographic and Socio-economic Census of Ex-occupied Villages, CDR – UNDP, 2002 (English)
CRI was commissioned by UNDP-Beirut to undertake a census of the ex-occupied villages in south Lebanon in order to produce a database of demographic and socio-economic characteristics of liberated villages. This step was taken by the UNDP in the concept of municipal development to help and support the municipalities of these villages in their socio-economic development, especially after the withdrawal of the Israeli army in 2000.
• Social and Municipal Development: Poverty Targeting System, ESFD, 2002, (English)
The study was a part of the overall support to the elaboration of the ESFD policies, including social development strategy, needs assessment, and targeting of the ESFD development activities.The objective of the study was to provide a sound operational definition of poverty in the Lebanese context. More specifically, the study, based on available statistics, developed criteria for targeting geographical areas. Defining poverty in the Lebanese context, based on income indicators and non-income proxy poverty indicators, such as those of health and education, economic and demographic; and development of criteria, targeting mechanism and recommendations. The study evaluated the lower poverty line, poverty headcount and poverty gap on Caza basis and then ranked the Caza using a poverty scaling indicator that took into consideration the unsatisfied Basic Needs per Caza.
• Post-conflict Socio-economic Rehabilitation Program for South Lebanon, CDR – UNDP, 2002 (English)
• Post-conflict Socio-economic Development Program for South Lebanon (Consortium with IAURIF (France) – TEAM International (Lebanon) – ECODIT (Washington) – PRDU (University of York)), HRC – UNDP, 1998. (English)
The study evaluated the socio-economic conditions of the occupied territories, as well as the infrastructure, basic services and natural resources in order to estimate the cost of integrating the south into the whole country’s development process. Data collection addressing 2,718 enterprises and 32,239 workers.
• Socio-economic Spot Survey to Evaluate the Integrated Rural Development Program for Balbeck-Hermel Region, UNDP – UNOPS, 1995 (French)
• The Rapid Needs Assessment and Capacity Assessment Study (Phase 1 and 2), Community Development Fund Project – HRC – WB, 1993 (English)
• Projet de développement du Sud Liban: Saida-Nabatieh, Mouvement Social Libanais, 1993 (French) Socio-economic Spot Survey in the Bekaa Valley, IFAD, 1991 (English)
• Water Resources in the Middle East, Middle East Research Institute (University of Pennsylvania), 1985 (English)
2. MACROECONOMIC AND SECTORAL STUDIES
• Employer-Employee Survey for the Formal and Informal Sectors in Lebanon – The World Bank, 2011
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As part of the MILES program implemented by the World Bank in cooperation with the Lebanese Government, the Human Development Group in the MENA region (MNSHD) is conducting a survey on informal and formal workers in Lebanon with the main aim of analyzing the dynamics of the labor market in the country. The MILES program is highly concerned with issues pertaining to the labor market. Its main goal is to create a framework for understanding the main obstacles facing economic growth and employment creation as well as identifying relevant policies that are to stimulate the development of the economy and its labor market.
The employer – employee survey will be used to better understand:
– Individual and structural factors that affect informality in Lebanon
– Transitions between employment, unemployment and inactivity
– Labor productivity and earnings in both the formal and informal sector
– Job creation and destruction rates
– Demand for different types of technical and non-technical skills
– The main constraints in the process of hiring and dismissing workers
– The relationship between employment offices and training institutions
• Municipal Finance Studies Program, Ministry of Interior and Municipalities, 2010 (English-Arabic)
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The purpose of the Municipal Finance Studies Program (MFSP) is to provide a roadmap to policy makers on how to strengthen and modernize municipal finance in Lebanon. Stronger municipal governments are ones that deliver their assigned services in a manner that is more responsive to the expressed interests and needs of their community. It takes financial resources to deliver local services. So, municipal finance is the lifeblood of municipal services.
The Municipal Finance Studies Program is composed of three studies:
1. Strengthening the municipal finance framework whose specific objectives are to: a) increase the transparency of municipal financial operations; b) increase the accountability of municipalities to the community and to the central government; and c) increase the efficiency of financial operations.
2. Improving the independent municipal fund whose specific objectives are to: a) restructure the Independent Municipal Fund to be more independent and self-sustaining; b) enhance the revenues and ensure the financial stability of the IMF; and c) make the amount paid to each municipality more equitable, predictable, reliable and timely from one year to the next.
3. Modernizing the municipal property tax whose specific objectives are to: a) enhance the financial autonomy of municipalities through increased own-source revenue generation; b) improve the efficiency of revenue mobilization from municipal rental value based fees; c) encourage the most equitable possible approach to municipal property fees.
• Book Industry and Readership in Lebanon (in the context of Beirut World Book Capital for 2009), Ministry of Culture, 2009 (Arabic)
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The study aims at identifying the operations of books publication in Lebanon and the characteristics of readers. Knowing that relevant statistical information is unavailable, the project comprises two field surveys about book industry and readership in Lebanon. The study led to the publication of a report presenting the most significant results related to the book industry in Lebanon and suggesting a series of recommendations.
• Business Opportunities and Consumer Behavior Study, ABC Group, 2009 (English)
• MENA Commercial Law Strengthening Project, ACRLI – MEPI, 2009 (English – Arabic)
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With the support of the Middle East Partnership Initiatives (MEPI), the Arab Center for the Rule of Law and Integrity (ACRLI) has implemented the MENA Commercial Law Strengthening Project in four MENA project countries (Lebanon, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen) during the period 2008 – 2010.
The field survey took place from July till September 2009 in four pilot countries (Lebanon, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen) and covered 165 stakeholders in each country chosen by design and divided into three groups: Private sector (45 respondents), Public sector (40 respondents), and Legal sector (80 respondents).
The aim of the opinion survey and the ensuing report was to gather useful data to help the national teams in each of the pilot countries to develop their National Thematic Report.
A specific theme was selected for each pilot country:
- • Intellectual Property Rights for Lebanon
- • Competition Law for Tunisia
- • Real estate law for UAE
- • Contract enforcement and debt recovery for Yemen
The main objective of the opinion survey was to gather useful data to help the national teams in each of the pilot countries to develop their National Thematic Report. In addition, the survey would generate an overall picture of the different respondents’ points of view and identify trends that may be of interest to the client.
• Poverty and Social Impact Assessment: Lebanon Energy and Water Sectors, WB, 2008 (English)
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The water and energy sectors in Lebanon suffer from major structural problems and the situation has been gradually worsening with supply constraints and financial pressures that have created an urgent need for reform. As part of the Paris III program, the government is considering several reform options for the water and energy sectors and the World Bank was asked to carry out a Poverty and Social Impact Assessment (PSIA) to gauge the social and poverty impacts of these reform options. In the energy sector, reforms include restructuring and unbundling of energy services (production, transmission, and distribution), improved service quality, network access, tariff changes. In the water sector, they include increasing supply and tying payment to consumption. For this study, the information was collected using a survey that would measure consumption of energy and water for various regions, household sizes, poverty levels, and other variables of interest. The data was then analyzed to inform recommendations or social safety net measures. Based on the results, safety nets were designed to shield the poor and vulnerable populations from the negative social and economic consequences of reform
• Towards a Financial Equilibrium in the Sickness and Maternity Branch of the National Social Security Fund: Short and Medium Term Suggestions for the Achievement of Financial Sustainability, WB, 2008 (English)
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The Sickness and Maternity Fund (SMF) of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) suffers from a structural imbalance between its revenues and expenditures. The resulting financial gap will keep widening unless a serious reform effort is undertaken. The policy paper submitted by CRI discusses some of the policies that the Board of the NSSF could consider to ensure that the system converges to financial equilibrium by the year 2010, putting an end to the accumulation of arrears and streamlining the process to clear current accounts due and accounts receivable.
• Competitiveness Indices for Lebanon, MoET – EU, 2007 (English)
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Consultations and Research Institute (CRI) was approached by the SME unit at the Ministry of Economy and Trade (MoET) to undertake a study on building a model for measuring (or benchmarking) the competitiveness situation in Lebanon. In this respect, performance indicators were selected and a general structure of the competitiveness model was developed.
• SMEs Business and Market Review MoET – EU, 2006-2007 (English)
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The project was composed of three field surveys. The first wave was conducted beginning 2006, while the second was conducted at the end of 2006 (rapid post-war impact assessment following the July-August war on Lebanon), and the third was conducted at the end of 2007. The selected sample includes SMEs in “high potential” sectors, in terms of competitiveness (mainly export oriented).
The agro-food sector was one of the selected sectors to be studied. The main objective of the study was to:
- – Assess the current situation of the selected SMEs,
- – Provide quantitative data for policy formulation within the Ministry of Economy and Trade,
- – Identify major constraints that face these sectors.
• Policy Paper on Health in Lebanon, ESCWA, 2006 (English)
• Car Image Study in Algeria, ARA Research and Consultancy, 2006 (French)
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The objective of the field survey consisted of studying the major image factors of car brands in Algeria. The targeted population was owners of new cars bought for personal use between 2000 and 2004.
• Costing of the Implementation of Millennium Goals for Lebanon, UNDP, 2005 (English)
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The objective of this study was the costing of efforts required for Lebanon to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) by 2015. The aim was to build the costing of each of the goals, taking into account the existing projects and the ones to be implemented for the achievement of the MDG.
• Micro and Small Enterprises Research Project, ERF, 2004 (English)
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The Micro and Small Enterprise Research project was part of a comparative regional effort targeting Morocco, Egypt, Turkey and Lebanon in order to build a profile of Micro and Small enterprises in the region, determine the institutional impediments they face, calculate the value added produced by these enterprises, ascertain the more competitive and employment generating sectors from less successful ones, and finally establish a better understanding of these establishments in order to allow for their enhancement.
• Macro-economic Information, British American Tobacco, 2004 (English) The Supply and Demand Trends in the Micro-Credit Market in Lebanon, El-Majmoua, 2003 (English)
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This study analyzed the available supply of credit to micro-enterprises in Lebanon. Institutional financial support is currently being offered on two levels: formal and informal. The supply of micro credit in Lebanon is difficult to estimate due to the nature of the players involved. Within the formal sector, banks, especially those operating in concert with some NGOs are the most important players. Some government support institutions and programs also exist but most are geared towards the small business market and not to micro enterprises. The informal sector consists of NGOs, moneylenders and suppliers on credit. The study focused on evaluating the amount of credit given by the formal and informal sectors in order to estimate the total available supply of micro credit.
• The social Impact of Globalization on the Arab Region, ILO, 2003 (English – Arabic)
• Competition in the Lebanese Economy: A Background for a Competition Law in Lebanon (in collaboration with Toufic Gaspard), MoET – UNDP, 2002 (English)
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Size of the Public Sector in Lebanon (in collaboration with Marwan Iskandar & Associates), OMSAR, 2002 (English) The council of ministers, through OMSAR, commissioned CRI to evaluate the size of the public expenditures, measure the waste of resources, and provide suggestions for cutting down expenses.
The assignment consisted of reviewing, analyzing and updating existing data and studies, and producing a comprehensive report addressing and developing primary solutions, mainly as to:
- – Defining the core functions and services of each Ministry/agency and their present scope of activity
- – Describing existing patterns of financing for the different functions and services
- – Giving an overview of costs and the allocation of those costs to the identified core functions and services
- – Establishing possible criteria for defining core functions to be looked after by other than governmental institutions
- – Identifying indications of financial demands towards Government with regard to specific core functions to be possibly kept by the government
- – Making concrete recommendations for reduction of the public related cost.
• Stakeholder Mapping and Classification Report, British American Tobacco, 2001 (English)
• State of the Environment Report, ECODIT, 2001 (English)
• Assessment of Managerial and Entrepreneurship Training Provision for SME’s in Lebanon, European Training Foundation, 2001 (English)
• Directory of Micro-finance Institutions in Lebanon, UNIFEM, 2001 (English)
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Increased access to financial services has been advocated as an effective tool for poverty reduction. Several civil society organizations, finance institutions, donor programs, banks and development agencies have initiated micro- finance programs as an effective way to improving access of the poor to assets and resources. However, because there is still insufficient public knowledge about such services, the Ministry of Social Affairs and UNIFEM/EU have published the first Micro-Lending Directory as part of their project entitled “Women’s Economic Empowerment and Reproductive Health”. CRI conducted a thorough analysis of this directory and the linkages between programs presented in it. The analysis included information on the geographic distribution of the NGOs offering micro credit services, as well as the loan specifications and conditions. The second part of the study provided an overview of the fiscal situation in Lebanon. The third part sheds light on the particularities of formal financial institutions, and the last part offered recommendations for further action. Linking Economic Growth and Socio-Economic Development, UNDESA, 2000 (English)
• Economic Analysis of Middle East Airlines (MEA) – Labor Retrenchment Program, WB, 2000 (English)
• Public Debt Lebanon, Makhzoumi Foundation for Research – The Middle East for Research & Studies, 1999 (Arabic)
• Statistical Analysis of the Handicrafts Sector in Lebanon, MoSA – UNDP, 1999 (Arabic)
• Analysis of the Tobacco Tax Structure in Lebanon, British American Tobacco, 1999 (English)
• Y2K Survey (national survey among public and private institutions), OMSAR, 1999 (English – Arabic)
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The survey targeted 1,200 private sector institutions and all public sector institutes (around 200) and administrations in order to identify the extent of the Y2K problem and to test the level of awareness and the adopted solutions
• Strategic Options for Lebanon’s Agro-food Industry in a Dynamic Global Environment (Consortium with the LCPS), UNDP, 1998 (English)
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The objective of this report was to examine the competitiveness of the agro-food sector, assess its performance, and examine its prospects.
To this end, the study aimed:
- • To outline the main characteristics of Lebanon’s agricultural and agro-food sectors;
- • To examine the competitiveness and efficiency of the agro—food sector;
- • To identify the products that Lebanon has a comparative advantage in with respect to the countries in the region;
- • To examine the agricultural production and marketing system, with a view to determine the main problems and constraints facing the sector with particular emphasis on the Baalbeck-Hermel region;
- • To identify the main features of the Government policies and programs related to both sectors;
- • To outline the main international developments and changes and assess their implications;
- • To recommend strategic options and policy measures that will foster development in rural areas and promote agro-industrial exports.
• Management of Change in the Lebanese Industry, ESCWA, 1995 (English)
• Cooperatives in Lebanon: Problems and Prospects, Frederecih Herbert Foundation, 1993 (Arabic)
• Sectors in Lebanon, Frederecih Herbert Foundation, 1993 (Arabic)
• Credit Assistance to the Private Sector (Recovery Planning for Lebanon – Phase II), Betchel Reconstruction Study, 1992 (English)
• The Main Social and Economic Indicators for Lebanon, the Italian Embassy in Lebanon, 1992 (English)
• Livestock Models for Small Farmers in the Bekaa valley, IFAD, 1991 (English)
• Extrapolation of the GDP of Lebanon (in collaboration with Dr S. Makdessi), UNDP, 1991 (English)
• Field Survey on the GDP of Lebanon, UNDP, 1988 (English)
• Cost of Liquid Fuel Distribution in Lebanon, MoI, 1986 (Arabic)
• Technical Cost of Butane Gas in Lebanon, MoI, 1986 (Arabic)
• Utilization of the Arab Oil revenues, CGT – CISA, 1981 (French)
3. SOCIAL STUDIES
I. Child-related Issues
• Child Labour in Syria, International Labour Organisation (ILO)
The study of Child Labour in Syria was carried out upon the request of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MOSAL) and in cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF (Syria). The need for such a study stemmed from the awareness of the danger of child labour and its violation to child rights as stipulated in the Syrian constitution and the international agreements and convention ratified by Syria. The lack of new and comprehensive studies tackling child labour has further intensified the need to conduct such this research. Child labour in Syria is studied through a variety of areas leading to short and insufficient abstracts limited to the identification of the size of child labour, but overlooking the details of its causes, characteristics, and impact.
This study has attempted to describe child labour and analyze its main reasons and factors, as well as explore its impact on children and society based on an analytical and participatory comparison including different stakeholders, and working children themselves. It should be mentioned that this study does not replace the urgent need for a comprehensive statistical survey, where both qualitative and quantitative approaches are able to provide better outcomes. The main goals of this study are:
1- To identify the main reasons for child labour in Syria
2- To try to explore the relation between child labour and school drop-out rates
3- To identify conditions of working children according to social variables (male/female)
4- To shed light on the major effects of child labour on children and society
5- To provide recommendations regarding child labour which can then be transformed into action plans by relevant stakeholders
• Situational Analysis Study on Children Deprived of Family Care in Lebanon, MoSA – UNICEF, 2006 (English)
The objective of the study was to draw an evidence-based situation analysis of the status of children in social residential welfare institutions in Lebanon, and alternative care options. The study was to form the basis for drawing a national comprehensive policy for supporting families at risk, in addition to providing adequate alternative care for children deprived of family care in line with international conventions ratified by Lebanon, especially the Convention for the Rights of the Child.
The content of the study includes the following:
- • An introductory section with a historic review of the evolution of institutional care in Lebanon and the legislative framework that regulates the work of institutions;
- • A field survey encompassing all social (residential) welfare institutions, the conditions of these institutions, and the quality of provided services;
- • In-depth interviews and focus group discussions with relevant individuals;
- • An overview of alternative child care experiences available in Lebanon;
- • A comparative costing of family care vs. residential care, based on available statistics and assumptions;
- • Recommendations based on the study findings;
- • Annexes, including statistical tables, methodology, and bibliography.
• Child Labor in Yemen: Present Situation and General Recommendations for Future National Policy, ILO, 2005 (English – Arabic)
The International Labor Office in Beirut has approached the Consultation and Research Institute (CRI) for the development of a time-bound National Policy and Program Framework (NPPF) in Yemen.
The NPPF aimed at eliminating the child labor phenomenon in Yemen via (1) analyzing the current situation in the country and (2) suggesting a work-plan and a general policy framework.
CRI’s mission could be summarized as follows:
- • Presenting a background paper related to the factors affecting child labor;
- • Analyzing the current situation in Yemen;
- • Preparing a work-plan aiming at the elimination of child labor;
- • Organizing several workshops with officials and stakeholders;
- • Contributing to the preparation of an international conference for donors.
• Street Working Children, MoIM – ILO, 2004 (Arabic)
The main objective of the study was to collect data regarding street working children in Lebanon. The field survey collected important information in order to elaborate a descriptive profile of these children. Based on the field survey and the collected data, a descriptive profile of working children was completed. CRI designed a questionnaire and launched a field survey in major Lebanese cities. The sample considered of 200 street working children. The final report, delivered to the Ministry of Interior, analyzed the collected data and provided a socio-economic profile of these children.
• Assessment of Child labor Training Project in Saïda, UNICEF, 2004 (English)
• Child Work and School Attendance and Performance, IPEC (ILO), 2003 (English)
The ILO commissioned the Consultation and Research Institute (CRI) to implement a survey on the potential impact that child light work would have on school. The study was based on the assumptions that child labor and school attendance are interlinked. On the one hand, working while studying could help the student afford schooling, as he/she might have no other alternative source of income; on the other hand, child labor might negatively affect school performance and attendance. The number of working hours could be a determining factor for the scope of linkage between work and school performance. The hypothesis was the possibility of a threshold, in terms of working hours beyond which, work begins to negatively affect school performance. The study undertook the elaboration on empirical evidence justifying/denying the hypothesis.
• Impact of Poverty on Children in the Arab World, ESCWA, 2001 (English)
• Child Labor in Lebanon: Present Situation and General Recommendations for Future National Policy, MoL – ILO, 2001 (English – Arabic)
The objective of this study was to establish an information database on the phenomenon of working children in Lebanon, with an overall aim of formulating a national strategy and a plan of action for eradicating child labor. In addition to the above, the study entailed participation in workshops to present and discuss the policy elements whenever needed.
These workshops gathered national stakeholders, governmental and non-governmental, and presented a forum for discussing child labor and soliciting partnerships for the implementation of the agreed-upon plan of action.
• Cost-benefit Analysis of Establishing a Revolving fund for Leasing Textbooks for Students in Public Education (Basic Education) in Lebanon (within the context of implementing compulsory free education), UNICEF, 2000 (Arabic)
• Underage Smoking Survey (survey among households and points of sale), British American Tobacco, 2000 (English)
• Child Labor in Tobacco Plantation, ILO, 2000 (English)
• Compulsory Free Education (national field survey – Consortium with the Center for Educational Research and Development), MoEHE – WB – UNICEF, 1998 (English – Arabic)
• Situation Analysis of Lebanese Children and Women, UNICEF, 1991 (English)
II. Labor Mapping
• Vocational and Educational Training Providers to Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon, UNRWA, 2009 (English)
• Mapping of Studies on the Employability of Palestinians in Lebanon, ILO, 2007 (English)
Palestinian refugees in Lebanon has awaited a comprehensive and fair solution to their condition that has elicited thousands of publications pertaining to their legal, educational, health, socioeconomic, political, and cultural status in Lebanon.This paper sheds light on exiting studies related to Palestinian refugees’ employment in an attempt to identify key supply characteristics and explore demand opportunities and key sectoral gaps within the Lebanese labor market.
• Workers’ Remittances in Lebanon, ECORYS Research and Consulting, 2005 (English)
• Manpower Survey for Hotels, Restaurants and Travel Agencies (HRT) in Fujairah, ILO – Federation of Chambers of Commerce of UAE, 2003 (English)
• Gap in Supply and Demand for Labor in Lebanon, the Characteristics of Unemployment, and Methods of Combating It, MoI, 2003 (Arabic)
The study aimed at quantifying the unemployment phenomenon in Lebanon and identifying its characteristics in order to find and to suggest new methods and strategies to combat the phenomenon. The study focused, in the beginning, on both the supply and demand sides in order to detect/estimate the gap in the labor market in Lebanon.
The total annual labor supply was estimated through:
• The flow of university graduates from public and private universities in Lebanon.
• The flow of informal VTE scheme.
• The flow of formal VTE scheme.
• The flow of “others”, mainly independent workers.
The demand side was estimated through:
• Declaration of existing establishments with respect to their intention to increase/decrease number of employees.
• Skills Acquisition among the Owners of and Workers in Informal Self-employment, Micro and Small Enterprises, WB – European Training Foundation, 2003 (English)
This paper focused on the informal micro-enterprises (IME) sector in Lebanon and discussed the current state of skills development in this sector in view of the challenges of globalization and trade liberalization. It also sought to identify relevant training programs and providers that could be instrumental in addressing the training needs of IME owners and workers.The paper also assessed existing training programs addressing managers and entrepreneurs in SMEs in Lebanon.
• Assessment of the Impact of Macroeconomic Development Upon Employment in Lebanon, ILO, 2000 (English)
• National Field Survey Conducted on Labor Force in Lebanon, NEO – MoL – UNDP, 1996 (English)
• Wage Evolution 1992-1995 at Mobil Oil, Wardieh Holdings, 1995 (Arabic)
• Labor Supply in Lebanon, Dar al-Handasah – Betchel Reconstruction Study, 1991 (English)
• Labor Trade Union’s Movement in Lebanon, MoL – ALO, 1987 (Arabic)
• A Comparative Study on Prices and Salaries in Lebanon (1974-1984), MoL, 1985 (Arabic)
• Inflation and Cost of Living in Lebanon, Central Political Council of the Lebanese National Movement, 1980 (Arabic) Labor Force in the Lebanese Social Services, UNICEF, 1980 (Arabic)
III. General Social and Socio-economic
• Economy of Culture, MoC, 2010 (Arabic)
• The Economic and Social Situation of the North Bekaa Region: Opportunities and Threats for the Economic Participation of People with Disabilities, Lebanese Physical Handicapped Union, 2009 (English)
People with disabilities (PWD) living in the Baalbeck – Hermel region face many challenges in getting employed or establishing income generating activities. Among the obstacles that they face are the lack of proper training in skills demanded by the market, low levels of education, and discrimination. LPHU has established a training center in Baalbek where PWD are given various types of computer, language, and vocational courses. However, steps need to be taken towards matching the acquired skills with the labor market demands. Therefore, a market study that determines the needs of the market in the North Bekaa region accompanied by an evaluation of the trainings given is essential at this stage. The main aim of this study is to present a detailed evaluation of the market opportunities and challenges in the North Bekaa region and evaluate the viability of creating a job center in the region.
• Socio-economic Assessment in Nahr El Bared & Beddawi Camps, UNRWA, 2008 (English)
As part of its mission of assistance to Palestinian refugees, UNRWA commissioned a socio-economic assessment of livelihood conditions in the camps of Nahr El Bared (NBC) and Beddawi (BC). The purpose of this survey was to constitute a data-set that will act as a basis for the costing, planning, implementation, and monitoring of UNRWA’s livelihood Recovery Program in the two camps. The survey assessed livelihood conditions of NBC and BC’s households prior to and post crisis (the May-2007 conflict) as well as the economic losses incurred by residents of both camps.
• Socio-economic Assessment in Nahr El-Bared Surrounding Areas, ILO – UNDP, 2008 (English)
• The National Human Development Report: Towards a Citizen State – Social Citizenship Chapter, UNDP, 2007 (English – Arabic)
• Towards an Accessible Environment: An Architectural and Budgetary Approach, Lebanese Physical Handicapped Union, 2007 (English)
This study sheds light on the environmental perspective of disability and addresses the fiscal impact of mainstreaming accessibility of PWD in reconstruction efforts. It focuses on the economic benefits of mainstreaming accessibility and more specifically, assesses the costs associated with increasing the accessibility of PWD to public utilities, namely public administrations, schools, municipalities, roads and pavments. The theoretical framework of this desk study examined the national laws and regulations as well as international treaties and charters, and assessed the degree to which they are being abided by in both public and private sectors.The architectural framework of the study entailed a cost implication analysis of transforming structures into barrier-free environments. Two case studies were considered in this respect: (1) erecting new building and structures, and (2) amending existing buildings.
• Rapid Social and Livelihoods Assessment in Lebanon (Impact of July-August 2006 war), WB, 2006 (English)
• Socio-economic Survey on Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon, UNRWA, 2005 (English)
• Evaluation of the Program of Reintegration and Socio-economic Rehabilitation of the Displaced, MoD – UNDP, 2001 (English)
The objective of the evaluation was to review, assess, and analyze the following:
• Extent to which the objectives had been achieved, including relevance and results;
• Impact of activities on poverty alleviation, level of community participation, and financial and technical efficiency of activities;
• Sustainability of activities and achievements;
• Difficulties and constraints during implementation;
• Modality of implementation and adequacy of existing resources and management arrangements;
• Coordination mechanisms and resource mobilization;
• Assessment of the potential of replicating the program elsewhere in the country, within the same or similar conditions.
• The Progress Report for the World Summit for Social Development, UNDP, 1999 (English)
• Assessment of Socio-economic Conditions in Lebanon, WB, 1997 (English)
• The National Report for the World Summit for Social Development of Copenhagen, MoSA, 1994 (English)
• The Lebanese Return Migration from Kuwait, ILO, 1991 (Arabic)
• Field Survey on Displaced Population during the War 1975-1987, USJ – Université Laval, 1991 (French)
• Cost of Living in Lebanon, UNRWA, 1987 (English)
• Data Bank for Social Services in Lebanon, MoSA – Norwegian People’s Relief Association, 1985 (Arabic)
• Social Welfare Services in Lebanon, Norwegian People’s Relief Association, 1985 (English)
• Family Budget Survey in Beirut and Suburbs, Union Nationale des Travailleurs au Liban, 1980 (Arabic)
• Technical File for a Statistical Survey on Socio-economic Conditions of the Palestinians in 13 Arab Countries, ESCWA, 1980 (English)
IV. Health and Education
• Development Assistance Project at the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Consortium with ICON Institute – GmbH), Abu Dhabi Education Council, 2009 (English – Arabic)
• Evaluation of Country Program of Assistance 2002-2009, UNFPA, 2009 (English)
• Organizational Restructuring and Staff Development of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (Consortium with ICON Institute – GmbH & Co (Germany)), MoEHE – WB, 2007 (English – Arabic)
• Vocational and Technical Education in Lebanon and Labor Market Conditions, MoVTE – WB, 1997 (English)
The study addressed the following issues:
1. Brief presentation of available statistics on the existing VTE system in Lebanon
2. Outlining the plans regarding VTE development through the studies conducted for this purpose
3. Providing an analysis of the findings made available by the National Manpower Labor Survey conducted in 1996 that studied the conditions of establishments and the labor force in Lebanon
4. Addressing the unemployment characteristics and the earnings profiles of the employed, based on available data, in addition to the potential impact of VTE reform on both issues
5. Addressing selected economically disadvantaged groups (low-income groups, women, and residents in disadvantaged areas) and the potential impact of VTE on these groups
6. Analyzing the results of the in-depth interviews undertaken with the leading industrialists to identify their future plans and the consequent effects on the labor force.
• Impact of Health Cost on the Right to Health Care in Lebanon, UNICEF, 1999 (English)
• Health Situation in Lebanon, Secours Populaire Libanais, 1993 (Arabic)
V. Poverty
• Preparatory phase for conducting a national household field survey on Food Security in Lebanon, FAO, 2008 (English)
• PAPFAM Poverty Survey – Cross Country Comparison, UNDP, 2007 (English)
• Poverty, Growth, and Inequality in Lebanon, MoSA – UNDP, 2007 (English – Arabic)
The project was the first of its kind in Lebanon. It drew a profile of poverty based on money metric poverty measurements and calculated a national poverty line based on household expenditures. The report was expected to directly contribute to the reform processes launched by the Government of Lebanon at the Paris III donor conference in January 2007. Thus, the Government’s medium-term reform program includes, for the first time, a Social Action Plan that places the objective of poverty reduction, social justice, and equity at the heart of the reform process.
• Rapid Social Assessment – Poverty Mapping in Lebanon, CDR – WB, 2006 (English)
The Community Development Project (CDP) aims at establishing an effective and sustainable instrument for improving the conditions and status of disadvantaged communities and vulnerable groups. The CDP is expected to raise the living standards of target communities as well as improve their access to basic social services and economic infrastructure. In this context, the Regional Poverty Area Program has been designed to achieve the abovementioned objectives. This program concentrates on addressing key shared needs identified by the communities in areas that suffer from severe deprivation.
The Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR), in collaboration with the World Bank and based on different available studies covering poverty issues, selected ten Regional Poverty Areas (RPA), namely: • RPA 1: Greater Beirut
• RPA 2: Akkar
• RPA 3: Tripoli
• RPA 4: Minyeh, Danniyeh and Zgharta
• RPA 5: Nabatiyeh, Marjeyoun, Tyr and Bint-Jbeil
• RPA 6: Saida and Jezzine
• RPA 7: Baalbeck and Hermel
• RPA 8: Jbeil, Batroun and Bcharreh
• RPA 9: Rachaya and Hasbaya
• RPA 10: Chouf and Aley
The main objective of this study was to detect and then analyze, within each RPA, the geographic areas that are considered to be “poor” (i.e. Poverty Clusters). Then, conduct a Rapid Social Assessment study targeting the poorest areas in order to identify their needs and set their priorities.
• Lebanon Poverty Review, WB, 2000 (English)
• Lebanon Social Outlook – National Program for Improving Living Conditions of the Poor, MoSA – UNDP, 1999 (English – Arabic)
• Poverty in the Arab World, ILO – UNDP, 1996 (English)
• External Evaluation of the Humanitarian Assistance program of the YMCA – Lebanon, YMCA (New York), 1995 (English)
VI. Gender Issues
Feasibility study and commercial implications of providing new banking products allowing mothers to open custodial bank accounts under the name of minor children, IPW, 2009 (English)
Allowing mothers in Lebanon to open custodial bank account in the name of their minor children is believed to bring benefits to children, mothers, the banking sector and the economy as a whole. On one hand, the liberal approach relying straightforwardly on various characteristics of household composition and income, has come to the conclusion that around 108,000 potential custodial accounts could be opened should banks offer such products. On the other hand, the conservative approach has calculated the number of prospective custodial accounts at around 96,000, based on the specificities of working mothers such as their marital status, income and the composition of their household. Both methods reached a similar end result of around 100,000 prospective accounts. Moreover, the financial projection of the said 100,000 accounts was calculated through a ten-year scenario, where the cumulated amount of total accounts has reached USD 400 million.
• Rapid Assessment of Economic Empowerment of Women – South, Bekaa & Beirut Southern Suburbs, UNFPA – NCLW, 2007 (English)
Within the context of promoting resolution 1325 on “Women, Security and Peace”, this study aimed at assessing economic empowerment of women through micro-credit projects, based on the points of view of women with loans and stakeholders, in 10 communities In the South, Bekaa and Southern Suburb of Beirut. The study focused on four main issues: the status of women in Lebanon as compared to other countries in the region, the micro-credit lending environment in Lebanon and its impact on empowering women, a synopsis of the Cazas to which the selected communities belong, and poverty and gender in the Lebanese context
• Women Entrepreneurs in the MENA Region: Obstacles, Potentials and Future Prospects – Lebanon, GERPA, 2007 (English)
• Globalization and Gender Segregation of Labor: Case Study of Female Workers in the Textile and IT Sectors in Lebanon and Jordan, ESCWA, 2003 (Arabic)
• The Status of Arab Women, ESCWA, 2003 (English – Arabic)
CRI was commissioned by ESCWA to produce an index dealing specifically with women in the region and covering areas not covered by gender specific international indices. The research was based in the methodology and experience acquired from international indices produced by the UNDP such as the Human Development Index (HDI), the Gender Development Index (GDI) and the Gender Equality Measure (GEM) along with more specific indices produced and used by UNIFEM in Latin America, the Economic Commission for Africa, and ESCWA. The produced SAW index is a composite index made up of three individual indices, an index for the economic, health and educational status of women in Lebanon, a legal index for the level of equality in gender-related laws, and a tradition and customs index that measures, for the first time in Lebanon, qualitative views and transforms them into a score making the measuring of the impact of customs and traditions on the welfare of females in Lebanon possible. The report was presented in a two-day conference held at ESCWA, Beirut, in the presence of national and regional gender representatives, UN statisticians, and government and NGO representatives. A feasibility plan to replicate the work on a regional scope was prepared.
• Men and Women in Lebanon: Statistical Figure, ESCWA, 1999 (Arabic) Poverty and Gender Profile in Baalbeck-Hermel Region, UNDP, 1997 (English)
• Impact of Husband Migration on Wife and Child: Socio-economic Study, ILO, 1996 (English)
• Comprehensive Statistical Survey on Working Women in Lebanon, Institute for Women Studies in the Arab World – LAU, 1996 (English)
• Social and Economic Situation of Women in Bahrain, ESCWA – State of Bahrain, 1984 (Arabic)
• Statistical Social Survey on the Situation of Women and Children in Lebanon, ESCWA, 1980 (Arabic)
4. URBAN PLANNING STUDIES
• Cultural Heritage and Urban Development (CHUD) – Wave One of Impact Assessment: Business Census, CDR – WB, 2008 (English)
Description of project: As part of the national strategy for preserving the cultural heritage of Lebanon and promoting social and economic development, the Cultural Heritage and Urban Development Project (CHUD) has been initiated in five Lebanese cities namely, Baalbek, Byblos, Saida, Tripoli, and Sour. The project carried out a series of interventions whose aim is to protect and rehabilitate the archaeological and historical sites in these cities, as well as promote economic and social development in the areas surrounding the sites. The two key development objectives of the CHUD project were to: (1) create the conditions for increased local economic development and enhanced quality of life in the historic centers of five main secondary cities, and (2) improve the conservation and management of Lebanon’s built cultural heritage. The main purpose behind conducting wave 1 of CHUD impact assessment was to obtain a set of baseline indicators that would serve as measures for the current state of the residents’ living conditions and their expectations of the impact that CHUD would have on their economic activity. In addition, these indicators would reflect the current situation regarding the prices of real estate in the designated cities and the visitors to their historical sites.
• Revising and Updating the Master Plan for the City of Amarah, Iraq, for Year 2030, Dar al-Handasah, 2007 (English – Arabic)
Detailed description of project: The main purpose of the study was to (1) determine the existing demographic situation and (2) develop demographic forecast scenarios
Based on all available studies and data gathering, the Consultation and Research Institute performed analyses of the following themes:
• Demographic characteristics;
• Cultural characteristics;
• Social characteristics;
• Economic characteristics;
• Structure of employment;
• Economic activities;
• Population migration patterns and dynamics.
Based on the data gathered, a forecast model was developed and included the following parameters:
• Natural growth;
• Migration levels;
• Population demographic breakdown;
Other economic variables.
• Revising and Updating the Master Plan for the City of Hilla, Iraq, for Year 2030, Dar al-Handasah, 2006 (English)
Name of client: Dar al-Handasah
Detailed description of project: The main purpose of the study was to (1) determine the existing demographic situation and (2) develop demographic forecast scenarios
Based on all available studies and data gathering, the Consultation and Research Institute performed analyses of the following themes:
• Demographic characteristics;
• Cultural characteristics;
• Social characteristics;
• Economic characteristics;
• Structure of employment;
• Economic activities;
• Population migration patterns and dynamics.
Based on the data gathered, a forecast model was developed and included the following parameters:
• Natural growth;
• Migration levels;
• Population demographic breakdown;
Other economic variables.
• Revising and Updating the Master Plan for the Cities of Hodeidah and Mukalla, Yemen, for Year 2025, Dar al-Handasah, 2005 (English)
• Master Plan of the Lebanese Territories, CDR – Dar al-Handasah – IAURIF, 2002 (French)
• Cultural Heritage and Tourism Project in the Old Town of Tripoli, Tabet & Debs Architectes, 2002 (French)
• Assessment of Socio-economic Conditions for Households Living in Selected Towns in the District of Baabda (within the context of an urban planning project), Tabet & Debs Architectes, 2001 (Arabic)
This report was part of a wider general study, aiming at establishing a Master Plan for a number of towns in the region of South Metn or the district of Baabda. The objective of this study was to evaluate the demographic, economic and social characteristics for these selected towns, in order to provide recommendations helpful for the best use of the territories and for the amelioration of the urban development of the region. The study relied on the major economic and social variations, which constitute important basics for the master plan, especially those related to the residents’ growth, mobility (migration, internal mobility for work, education, and shopping), and to the degree of relation of the region with its environment, and the actual and foreseen level of living, and other variables, in addition to the historical foundation of the selected town, and the state of the infrastructure, the public services and the economic activities of the town.
• Urban Rehabilitation of the Old Town in the City of Tripoli, Tabet & Debs Architectes – CDR, 2000 (French)
• Assessment of Socio-economic Conditions in the Villages Situated on the Northern Lebanese Coastal Line (in the context of a General Master Plan for the area) (Consortium with EUAIDS), Directorate of Urban Planning, 1997 (Arabic)
5. FEASIBILITY AND MARKET STUDIES
I. Agriculture & Industry
• Feasibility Study for a Wine Bottling Plant in Lebanon, 2009 (English)
• Feasibility Study for TechnoPress, TechnoPress, 2005 (English).
• Feasibility Study for a Plastic Factory in Lebanon, UNICAT, 2004 (English)
• Feasibility Study for a Crushing Plant in Abidjan – Ivory coast, 1999 (English)
• Feasibility Study for a Water Filling Plant in Lebanon, 1999 (English)
• Market Study on Shoes Industry in Lebanon Syndicate of Lebanese Shoes Importers, 1997 (Arabic)
• Market and Feasibility Studies of Cultivating and Processing Oily Grains in Lebanon, MoA – Kuwaiti Fund for Economic Development, 1995 (Arabic)
• Market and Feasibility Studies for a PVC Factory in South Lebanon, Asiaplast, 1995 (Arabic)
• Feasibility Study of South Bekaa Irrigation Scheme, CADRES/Consulting Engineers – CDR, 1994 (English)
• Market Study on Iron and Aluminum in Lebanon, SGBL, 1994 (English)
• Market Study on Jeans in Lebanon, SGBL, 1994 (English)
• Market Study on Sanitary Paper in Lebanon, 1993 (English)
• Market Study on Dairy Products, 1992 (English)
• Feasibility Study for a Mineral Water and Distribution Company, 1988 (English)
• Feasibility Study for a Printing House in Lebanon, TechnoPress, 1987 (Arabic)
• Feasibility Study for a Pilot Husbandry and Cheese Factory, 1987 (English)
• Feasibility Study for a Shoes Factory, Secours Populaire Libanais, 1987 (French)
• Feasibility Study for a Dairy Farm, Secours Populaire Libanais, 1987 (French)
• Feasibility Study for a Gas-filling Plant, MoI, 1986 (Arabic)
• Market Study on Petrochemical Products, 1985 (Arabic)
• Feasibility Study for A Wheat Mill, Lebanese-Russian Joint Venture, 1982 (Arabic)
• Feasibility Study for a Water Drilling Company, LAMICO, 1980 (Arabic)
• Feasibility Study for a Drip System Irrigation Enterprise, LAMICO, 1980 (Arabic)
II. Real Estate Development
• Market and Feasibility Studies for Best Property Use in Tayyouneh – Beirut, Ghandour, 1998 (English)
• Market and Feasibility Studies for Best Property Use in Jnah – Beirut, Matar Group, 1997 (English)
• Market and Feasibility Studies of Beirut Sport City Urban Venter, LACECO, 1994 (English) III.
III. Tourism & Trade
• Feasibility Study for Gondoline Sweets Complex, Gondoline Sweets, 2007 (English)
• Market and Feasibility Studies for a Low-fare Air Transport Company, Al-Jaber Group (UAE), 2006 (English)
• Feasibility Study for a Car Rental Agency in Lebanon, 2005 (English)
• Feasibility Study for a Grand Store for Furniture, IKEA, 2004 (English)
• Feasibility Study a Beach Resort in Lebanon, 2004 (English)
• Market and Feasibility Studies for a Five-star Hotel in Downtown – Beirut, 2004 (English)
• Market and Feasibility Studies for a Five-star Hotel in Raoucheh – Beirut, United Real Estate Co., 2004 (English)
• Market and Feasibility Studies for a Furnished Apartment Project in Hamra – Beirut, 2004 (English)
• Feasibility Study for a Lodging Facility in Bhamdoun – Mount Lebanon, 2003 (English)
• Market Study on Existing Retail Business in Aley and Bhamdoun and Feasibility Study for a Five-star Hotel, United Real Estate Co., 2003 (English)
• Field Survey for a Mall in Saida, ABC, 2002 (Arabic)
• Market and Feasibility Studies for Expanding a Supermarket in Saida, Bsat Supermarket, 2001 (Arabic)
• Feasibility for a Camping Place, 2000 (English)
• Feasibility Study for a Hotel in the Bekkaa Valley, 2000 (English)
• Feasibility Study for an Eco-touristic Project in Lebanon, 2000 (English)
• Feasibility Study for a Grand Store for Furniture, IKEA, 1999 (English)
• Feasibility Study for a Village de Vacance in Lebanon, 1998 (English)
• Feasibility Study for a Four-star Hotel Located at Beirut International Airport, Mohammed Abdelmuhsen Al-Khurafi & Sons, 1996 (English)
• Feasibility Study for a Commercial and Cultural Center in Tripoli, Mohammed Abdelmuhsen Al-Khurafi & Sons, 1996 (English)
• Market and Feasibility Study for a Five-star Hotel in Damascus, AGICO – BFO, 1995 (Arabic)
• Feasibility Study for a Cold Stores in Saudi Arabia, El-Malihi Trade Company, 1981 (Arabic)
• Feasibility Study for a Furniture Department Store in Saudi Arabia, El-Malihi Trade Company, 1981 (Arabic)
• Feasibility Study for a Marine Fleet Transport Company in Kuwait, Arab Transport Company, 1981 (Arabic)
• Feasibility Study for an International Five-star Hotel (Aden New Hotel), State of Yemen, 1979 (French)
IV. Other Sectors of Activity
• Lebanese Centre for Psychosocial Support – Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, 2011 (Arabic)
• Market Research on ICT Sector in Gabon (Phase 1), International Telecom Company, 2009 (French)
• Feasibility Study for a Dental Polyclinic in Beirut, Dental Management Group, 2008 (English)
• Feasibility Study for an Aviation Science Academy in Saudi Arabia, Professional Technical Training Institute – Captain Jaazah Ben Ghanem, 2008, (English)
• Feasibility Study for a Software Launching in Lebanon, 2006 (English)
• Market Study for the Establishment of an Islamic Bank in Syria, 2004 (English)
• Market Study for United Press International, UPI, 2004 (English)
• Market Study Stakeholder Mapping and Classification Report in Syria, British American Tobacco, 2004 (English)
• Market and Feasibility Studies for an Aviation Science Academy in Lebanon, 2004 (English)
• Market and Feasibility Studies for a Gym in Ras Beirut – Beirut, 2004 (English)
• Feasibility Study for a Newspaper Operation in Kuwait, 2004 (English)
• Market and Feasibility Studies for a Polyclinic in Lebanon, 2001 (English)
• Market Study Stakeholder Mapping and Classification Report in Lebanon, British American Tobacco, 2001 (English)
• Market Study on the Telecommunications Needs of the Lebanese Private Sector, FTML-CELLIS, 2001 (French)
• Market and Feasibility Study for Martyr’s Square Car Park Mohammed Abdelmuhsen Al-Khurafi & Sons, 1999 (English) • Feasibility Study for a Car Parking Facility at Beirut Arab University, Mohammed Abdelmuhsen Al-Khurafi & Sons, 1997 (English)
• Feasibility Study for a Car Parking Facility at Beirut International Airport, Mohammed Abdelmuhsen Al-Khurafi & Sons, 1996 (English)
• Market Study of the Possibility of Establishing a Media Center in Beirut Central District, 1996 (French)
• Feasibility Study for Two Radio Stations in Lebanon, 1996 (Arabic)
• Feasibility Study for Reorganizing the Postal Services in Lebanon, Deutsch Post Consult GMBH, 1995 (English)
• Market and Feasibility Studies for a Credit Facilities Institute, Kuwaiti Financial Institute, 1995 (Arabic)
• Feasibility Study for a Land Cargo Company, 1983 (Arabic)
6. ADMINISTRATIVE AND ORGANIZATIONAL STUDIES
• Employee Satisfaction Survey, Murex Systems, 2010 (English)
• Salary Scale for Service Contracts – Lot 2, UNDP, 2009 (English)
• Chart of Administrative Organization, Joe Raad Salon de Coiffure, 2006 (Arabic)
• Chart of Administrative Organization, Order of Engineers, 2006 (Arabic)
• “Satisfaction Barometer and Dashboard”, Order of Engineers, 2006 (English)
• New Salary Scale in the Order of Engineers, Order of Engineers, 1996 (Arabic)
• Management and Organization of Nabatieh Hospital, Secours Populaire Libanais, 1985 (Arabic)
7. ONGOING STUDIES
• How Firms Hire Low Skilled Workers, IDRC, 2020
The Substandard Building Rehabilitation Project (SBRP) is to be evaluated for the period 2015-2016 in view of assessing the program in respect to the pillars of evaluation frameworks. The evaluation of the Program will feed into the improvement of UNHCR design of shelter solutions and related sectors in terms of relevance, effectiveness, and impact.
• Feasibility and socio-economic impact studies for infrastructure project in affected villages – Wave II, UNDP, 2020
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) and the World Bank aim to conduct a research program, which will tackle current issues in education and identify potential solutions for the education system improvement within the scope of the “Research for Results (R4R)” program. The study aims primarily at generating new evidence on student and teacher performance across school types, as well as creating policy recommendations to strengthen the efficiency and quality of educational services by public, private and non-state providers. It also aims at including system-level analyses and stakeholder outreach in order to create and share new information about education services for uptake by policy makers .The results of the research will contribute to decision-making in the education sector for years to come, and will look at both service delivery in schools and system-wide dynamics, touching on the impact of the influx of Syrian refugees on the education system.The Consultation and Research Institute and the Lebanese Association for Educational Studies are conducting the initial phase of the R4R program, which comprises the elaboration of a literature review of the existing research on education in Lebanon, a survey of public perception of education and a political economy analysis of the Lebanese education sector. The aims of this study is to better understand the needs for access, quality, system strengthening from the point of view of scholars (the literature review), the general public (Public Perception Study), and governance administration and politicians (political economy study).
• Enhance the Capacity of the Ministry of Agriculture for Evidence-based Planning through pilot tracer studies, ILO, 2020
• Economic Crisis Impact on Microcredit Borrowers, CGAP, 2020
With the outbreak of the Syrian conflict in March 2011, Syrian nationals were displaced and the number of Syrian refugees swelled in neighbouring countries including Iraq, Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon. The number of registered Syrian refugees in Lebanon was 1,055,984 in February 2016 . In this context, the Vulnerability Assessment for Syrian Refugees in Lebanon (VASyR) was conducted in the past three years (2013, 2014, and 2015) jointly by the World Food Program (WFP), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF). In preparation for VASyR 2016, UNHCR is requesting support in the design and implementation of this latest wave of needs assessment. Drawing upon RFP/2016/021, the Consultation and Research Institute presents hereunder its technical proposal for the requested support services for VASyR and VAION 2016. VASyR 2016 is available online: http://data.unhcr.org/syrianrefugees/admin/download.php?id=12482
• Drivers for Family Separation Lebanon, UNICEF, 2020
As part of its commitments under the Paris III donor conference to reduce extreme poverty, the Lebanese government has developed a targeting mechanism to deliver direct cash assistance as well as other services or exemptions to qualifying extremely poor households. This approach aims at reducing inclusion errors and ensuring that scarce resources benefit those who need it most.
In fact, the Government of Lebanon received a grant from the World Bank, CIDA and IMFA to finance the Emergency Social Protection Implementation Support Project (ESPISPII). Within the ESPISPII, the National Poverty Targeting Program (NPTP) chiefly aims at improving living standards of the poor and vulnerable.
At this point, the NPTP is to be evaluated in view of assessing the program in respect to the pillars of evaluation frameworks. The assessment of the Program will feed into the improvement of the project design and the quality and effectiveness of the services. The findings will be shared with the government of Lebanon and donors.