Appendix_1_USAID_Lebanon_RFI_ARE.docx

Appendix 1 USAID/Lebanon/Economic Growth (EG) Request for Information (RFI) Response Template

The total length of the RFI submission cannot exceed five (5) pages and must be submitted using 12 point Arial font, 8.5 x 11-inch paper (letter-sized), single-spaced, with one-inch margins, no graphics, with each page numbered consecutively. If the submitter has produced relevant reports, those reports may be included, but only as embedded links.

Name:

Title:

Organization:

Email:

A. USAID/Lebanon is interested in responses to the following specific questions. (Respondents are encouraged to review the questions and include responses to the most relevant questions in their submissions. Respondents do not need to respond to all the questions listed below.)

1. USAID/Lebanon has been supporting Lebanese rural communities for more than a decade, during which Lebanon supported a thriving private. However, starting in 2018, the country is in the midst of an ongoing economic recession and faced with international concern over public reforms needed to boost the economy. Taking into account the current political and economic situation of the country, over the next five years, how can USAID strategically move forward to involve private sector partners and support rural economic actors to create productive employment and income generating interventions?

2. Based on the outcomes of recent Lebanese Government initiatives to support productive sectors, several developmental challenges remain in the agricultural and industrial sectors. How do you think USAID should strategize and prioritize its upcoming activities to support Lebanon’s productive sectors?

3. Taking into account current market and economic conditions, on which sectors should USAID focus its interventions in order to create the biggest impact in terms of job creation, income generation, livelihoods improvement and private sector competitiveness in rural areas? Where are the key entry points and sectoral opportunities USAID should consider for the most impact? Please provide your summary analysis of the local market in Lebanon and a strategic vision of how USAID can apply a market- and export-led approach to economic growth. Relatedly, do you think USAID should consider supporting specific Lebanese commodities? If yes, which ones?

4. Taking into account the current recession in Lebanon do you think USAID should promote financial inclusion in rural communities and unlock private sector investment? If yes, why and how would you propose doing that?

5. In your opinion and based on your answers to question 3 above, how would you recommend USAID introduce innovative gender and youth integration activities while simultaneously improving the business enabling environment in specified sectors? Furthermore, who are the key local partners to be considered? What roles would you suggest they play? And how can USAID incentivize them to participate in future programming?

B. In addition to the specific questions, requested above, please outline below any general program recommendations, relevant context, existing capacities, or other information pertinent to the design of future USAID/Lebanon rural development programming relevant to its objectives and programming areas as noted in the RFI that you would like to share here.

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