Background:

This project was initiated against the backdrop of the protracted Syrian crisis, which had entered its fifth year. With more than four million Syrian refugees seeking refuge in neighboring countries, Lebanon, home to 4.5 million people, had shouldered a significant burden by hosting 1.2 million Syrian refugees. This influx created immense pressure on public infrastructure, services, and resources. As the crisis evolved into a protracted situation, the impact on host communities became increasingly pronounced, leading to declining living standards, heightened competition for livelihood opportunities, and limited access to basic services. Market systems in the region, once integrated, adapted but left gaps in trade and livelihoods, particularly affecting vulnerable households and communities. The project aimed to address these challenges, specifically focusing on enhancing economic self-reliance and resilience among displacement-affected populations in the Bekaa Governorate, aligning with priorities outlined in the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP).

Triangle’s Assessment:

• Inception and Literature Review: In the initial phases, the consultancy team conducted a comprehensive literature review, which evolved into an adaptive process aimed at gathering insights from the field to inform subsequent activities. This phase included a kick-off meeting to establish protocols and build an understanding of the project’s context. Additionally, the team worked on reconstructing the project’s theory of change, providing a foundation for the evaluation’s activities.
• Field Research and Data Collection: The project entered its field research phase, where the consultancy team engaged in qualitative research activities, such as conducting semi-structured Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with internal and external stakeholders. Approximately 20 KIIs were conducted, covering a diverse range of perspectives, including project staff, donor representatives, consortium management, and local stakeholders. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were also organized with beneficiaries in specific districts, notably Zahle and Baalbek, to gather valuable insights from the ground.
• Analysis and Reporting: Following data collection, the team embarked on data cleaning and analysis, involving both qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative data, including KIIs and FGDs, underwent analysis using the grounded theory method. Quantitative data were processed using research and data processing software, and cross-tabulations were used for comparisons. The findings from these analyses formed the basis for preliminary findings presentations, draft reports, and, ultimately, the Final Evaluation Report (FER). This comprehensive assessment aimed to evaluate the project’s performance, implementation, coordination, and added value, providing valuable lessons learned and recommendations for future actions.