LINQ Y4Q1 Progress Report_Draft 1 - USAID

Lebanon Investment in Quality (LINQ)

Cooperative Agreement No. 72026818LA00001

Quarterly Progress Report October 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021 Submitted to USAID Lebanon By Land O’Lakes Venture37 January 2021

DISCLAIMER The authors’ views expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.

Page | i Lebanon Investment in Quality (LINQ) Quarterly Progress Report – Y4Q1, October 2021-December 2021

Table of Contents

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................................................................ 2

PROJECT OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................................... 3

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................. 4

PROGRESS MADE IMPLEMENTING WORKPLAN ................................................................................ 5

MEETINGS AND COLLABORATIONS ...................................................................................................13

CHALLENGES .................................................................................................................................................14

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION ....................................................................15

ANNEX I INDICATORS PERFORMANCE TRACKING TABLE .......................................................16

ANNEX II LINQ GRANTS TO DATE ......................................................................................................21

ANNEX III LINQ TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO DATE ...................................................................24

ANNEX IV LINQ QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT .......................................................................28

Page | 2 Lebanon Investment in Quality (LINQ) Quarterly Progress Report – Y4Q1, October 2021-December 2021

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

AOR Agreement Officer Representative BAZ Bustan Al Zeitoun CCIAT Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Tripoli COP Chief of Party EG Economic Growth EU European Union F2F Farmer to Farmer FDA Food and Drug Administration FSSC Food Safety Systems Certification GAP Good Agricultural Practices GHP Good Hygiene Practices GMP Good Manufacturing Practices GMEL Global Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning HACCP Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points HQ Headquarters IRAP Institut de Reeducation Audio-Phonetique ISO International Organizations for Standardisation LINQ Lebanon Investment in Quality LVB La Vallée Blanche MEL Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning MoU Memorandum of Understanding MSMES Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises SMEs Small and Medium Enterprises SOW Scope of Work TA Technical Assistance UOB University of Balamand USAID United States Agency for International Development YOH Youth of Hope


YEAR 4 QUARTER 1: October 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Lebanon Investment in Quality (LINQ) activity increases the competitiveness of value-added agribusinesses in Lebanon through access to new markets, productivity and quality improvement and product innovation. LINQ is a 45-month, $5,900,000 cooperative agreement (number 720268l8LA00001) funded as an Associate Award under the Middle East and North Africa Farmer to-Farmer (F2F) Leader with Associates (number AID-OAA-L-13-00008). LINQ provides critical technical assistance (TA) through consultants and volunteers to value-added agribusinesses and their farmer and grower partners, sound management of a grants fund, and communication and outreach of learnings to stakeholders.

LINQ is designed to work with actors along a supply chain with agribusiness partners as the “entry point.” Through grant investments and technical assistance partnerships, the project helps partners improve their production, fosters investments that might not have been made otherwise, and builds linkages upstream to famers and growers and downstream to destination markets. In addition to agribusiness partners, the project benefits supplying farmers and growers and their clients (packers, processors, buyers, and others) with a common objective of improving food quality, safety, and competitiveness.

This first quarterly report for year four documents the project’s activities from October 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. The report describes the progress made in implementing the work plan, explains important challenges encountered during the fourth year, provides an update on program management and administration, and includes annexes to compare performance against the targets for the project’s results indicators.

• Progress Made Implementing the Work Plan section is organized around the three components and the activities completed under each component. In addition, there is a summary of key activities related to Program Management and Administration work planning, recruitment, major procurements, and key deliverables submitted to USAID.

• Challenges section describes the issues that are occurring in the fourth year of project implementation, and the action taken or proposed resolution of the challenge.

• Indicator Performance Tracking Table (IPTT) and Summary Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Table for Year 4 Quarter 1 describing progress against LINQ indicators.


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

During this quarterly reporting period, Lebanon continued to face serious economic and financial market disruptions and political instability. The tenuous socio-economic-political situation was further complicated by the advent of a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although a government was re-formed in September to address the country’s worst financial crisis, the deadlock caused by the dispute over the judge who is investigating the August 4, 2020, blast, has resulted in the cabinet not meeting since as early as October 12. A highly devalued currency and informal capital controls by banks continue to plunge the economy into a crisis.

Within this difficult context, LINQ endeavored to pursue activities and successfully completed and closed two grants, continued the implementation of nine active grants, while providing training and technical assistance to two businesses, one cooperative and one association, reaching 168 individuals. Despite the many challenges encountered, especially at the economic level, LINQ team managed to complete planned activities in a timely manner and initiated adaptive measures, such a moving to online platforms for most of the trainings, especially when the sessions involved US-based consultants and international volunteers. Additionally, one video and three outreach events were conducted in the presence of USAID representatives, as part of LINQ’s communication strategy to highlight the results and impact during the last year of implementation.

While recognizing the challenges noted above, the highlights from Year 4 Quarter 1 include the following results:

1. The value of new private sector investment leveraged in Year 4 Quarter 1, is around $192,732 bringing LINQ overall results to 93% of the LOP target

2. Overall, 168 new individuals benefited from LINQ activities and 92 new farmers and individuals from organizations received training in year 4 quarter 1. This brings LINQ cumulative results to 160% and 143% respectively, higher than the LOP target.

3. The overall proportion of females participating in LINQ activities related to increasing economic resources is 37% compared to a LOP target of 30%.

4. LINQ implemented four outreach and learning events and communication products.


PROGRESS MADE IMPLEMENTING THE WORK PLAN

COMPONENT 1: TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROVISION TO ENHANCE GROWTH OF LEBANESE AGRO-FOOD ENTITIES AND INCREASE COMPETITIVENESS OF VALUE CHAINS

Introduction During this reporting period, LINQ completed three technical assistance assignments that were initiated during year 3 and included one non-profit organization, one institute and one business. In times of unprecedent struggles and upheaval, the LINQ team persisted, completing all activities set for the quarter. The responsiveness of businesses to provide needed information and the difficult access to financial resources within the tough financial context in the country remain the two main challenges at the level of component 1.

LINQ’s technical assistance comes at a very critical time and is helping partners to navigate through the challenges and mitigate the current complex operating environment. With this difficult context, LINQ continued supporting businesses to thrive by adapting planned activities to use telecommunication technology and providing remote technical assistance when possible.

The purpose behind the demand-based TA partnerships, is to support food processors and on-farm producers to acquire advanced skills needed to help improve their production process. This directly reflects on the quality of the end-product while also empowering young Lebanese and providing them with the opportunity to improve their agricultural knowledge. The training delivered this quarter covered many topics, including labeling and packaging design, soil texture and composition for olives and apples, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and traceability.

Since the launch of LINQ in September 2018, 29 TA partnerships focused or grant related partnerships/Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been established in addition to 28 interventions designed to respond to the COVID-19 emergency (refer to Annex III for a list of focused or grant related TAs). To date, 3,161 individuals have benefitted from the TA partnerships, and 51 companies or organizations in the food and agriculture industry have applied new technologies.

Under the TA component, LINQ provided training to a total of 84 (16 new and 68 recurring) beneficiaries during Year 4 Quarter 1 of the project. A summary of the TA partnerships negotiated and initiated, and the specific farmer training activities implemented during the quarter follows below.

Institute de Reeducation Audio-Phonetique (IRAP): During this quarter, LINQ successfully provided TA to IRAP on packaging and labeling for its food products to comply with international markets. A LINQ consultant developed packaging and labeling designs for 25 items that were packaged and distributed to the market before the end of 2021. LINQ has also provided IRAP with technical support to increase the shelf-life of the cookies produced at the center. The proposed solutions included controlling the ingredients, adjusting the recipes, or changing the type of packages utilized. IRAP will determine which option will suit them best.

Located in Ayn Aar, Mount Lebanon, IRAP supports deaf children and adolescents through rehabilitation and social reinsertion. With the support provided by LINQ, IRAP will now be able to export its products to new markets, including the Gulf countries and Europe, increasing its sales, and benefiting its members and employees.

Picture 1: IRAP product packaging and labeling


Youth of Hope (YOH): As part of LINQ’s continuous coordination with other USAID-funded activities LINQ completed trainings sessions for YOH that were planned in coordination with Baladi Program, implemented by Caritas. In Q1Y4, five additional on-site sessions tackled “Soil texture and composition/Good Agriculture Practices (GAP)” for olives and apples. LINQ consultants delivered the sessions in different Lebanese regions and a total of 61 individuals attended. During these series of on-site sessions, the attendees were able to put their acquired knowledge into practice and conduct pruning techniques following the consultants’ recommendations. YOH is a non-profit organization that aims to cooperate and coordinate with church pastoral youth committees and apostolic youth groups to enhance the role of young people in the community spiritually, morally, psychologically, intellectually, academically, socially, and economically.

Since the start of this TA partnership, LINQ has organized 52 training sessions for YOH focusing on apples and olives, including 13 onsite sessions, totaling 210 people reached. The topics covered Good Agriculture Practices, soil texture and composition, as well as irrigation and fertilization. These training courses were designed to help young people build resilience, perseverance, and the ability to adapt during these difficult times, while remaining rooted in their villages and helping local communities.

Green Pure / Bustan Al Zeitoun (BAZ): Two F2F US-based volunteer experts delivered an extensive training on Good Manufacturing Practices and traceability over the period of 5-months. LINQ then conducted a follow up session on traceability during the month of November 2021. During the meeting, the international expert examined the data of the mock recall documents prepared by the BAZ team and accordingly provided feedback and recommendations. This intervention resulted in improvements in BAZ operations that now comply with the requirements of export markets to the USA and Canada. They also received assistance to register their company and its products with the US-FDA.

On-going partnerships from Year 3

Table 1: Status Updates of On-going TA Partnerships

TA Partner Brief Updates

Le Bon Lait (LBL)

- LINQ completed one training tackling “Food Processing Techniques Bulghari and Feta Cheese”, to help LBL acquire the knowledge and skills needed to introduce new types of foreign cheese products. The new products will contribute to import substitution goals within the dire economic situation in the country at prices affordable to local consumers.

- LINQ is scheduling an upcoming training session on “Food Processing Techniques on Goat Cheese and Mozzarella” beginning in 2022.

- No. of beneficiaries: 14

Tanmiya wa Tahseen Association

- LINQ conducted a training on “Good Manufacturing Practices”, “Good Hygiene Practices” and “Compliance Regulations” for the processing of pomegranate molasses.

- LINQ will be delivering a training on “Food Safety and Quality” and “Processing of different types of Jams” beginning in 2022.

- No. of beneficiaries: 20

Picture 2: YOH trainings sessions


COMPONENT 2: FACILITATE TECHNOLOGY UPGRADING THROUGH INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS AND GRANTS

Introduction During Year 4 Quarter 1, LINQ continued the implementation of nine approved grants and completed and closed two grants. Within the current context in the country, where a severe and prolonged economic depression is impacting all sectors, this support comes as essential to give hope to the selected agri-businesses and their farmer’s suppliers.

Through equipment delivery and technical assistance to date, LINQ has supported a total of 27 agri-businesses in expanding and modernizing their manufacturing processes and has helped increase operational efficiency, production capacity and product quality.

The value of the budgeted LINQ contribution for the nine active in-kind grants is $459,524, while $385,286 (or 46%) is the value of grantee budgeted cost-share contribution (out of which $262,100 is in capital cost share).

Progress updates of the active grants Torzaya Cooperative: During this quarter, Torzaya Coop launched production at their premises in Torzaya, Jbeil, Mount Lebanon using the kitchen equipment and tools delivered under both LINQ and partner cost-share. Additionally, LINQ delivered two training sessions on “Improved Food Processing Techniques” to 19 women of Torzaya and the neighboring villages. The training aimed to improve the women’s skills on producing high-quality vegetable and fruit-based products such as pickles and jam. Additional training sessions to the same group are anticipated at the beginning of the year 2022. As part of its co-investment partnership with the LINQ project, Torzaya Cooperative invested in the rehabilitation of the facility to comply with the recommendations provided by the Food Safety LINQ consultant and adhere to GMP requirements. This partnership will enable Torzaya to purchase around 12,500kg of raw materials (fruits and vegetables) from at least 15 farmers during the first year of the grant.

Olive Trade: During the month of December, a LINQ consultant delivered a training session on “Pruning and Grafting of Olive Trees” to Olive Trade related farmers. 18 farmers attended the session which included a thorough explanation of the importance of sterilizing equipment used during pruning, especially when the orchard is diseased. Olive Trade is working on rehabilitating the facility to accommodate the newly acquired olive oil filling line that is expected to be delivered during the month of January 2022.

University of Balamand (UOB): LINQ has successfully finalized the installation of the high-tech nursery at the University of Balamand premises in Beino, Akkar. Additionally, six training sessions on “Good Agricultural Practices and Integrated Pest management for vegetables” were delivered by UOB as part of its cost share to 50 farmers who will later benefit from the nursery’s services. Following the theoretical sessions, participants were able to visit the high-tech nursery and learn about the services provided and how they could benefit from them. UOB started planting and operating the nursery in December 2021.Through this partnership with LINQ, UOB is now able to produce yearly up to 620,000 disease-free seedlings that will be sold to farmers at lower prices, hence supporting the local communities in

Picture 3: High-Tech nursery at UOB campus


their struggle to face the multiple financial and social challenges. In addition, UOB students are now able to use the nursery to expand their knowledge and put it into practice. CCIAT: LINQ delivered a dried fruits filling machine and a tea bag filling machine to CCIAT premises as per the approved grant budget. They were immediately put into operation. The intervention was completed by two training sessions on “Good Agriculture Practices and Post-Harvest Techniques on Fruit Trees” and “Fruits and Vegetables Dehydration Techniques”. The sessions benefited a total of 74 producers and individuals. In addition, CCIAT developed nutrition facts for 23 products of 7 beneficiaries using the software that was provided under the LINQ contribution. This is part of CCIAT cost share as described in the approved budget. LINQ partnered with CCIAT to upgrade its pilot plant for the agro-food sector that serves stakeholders, entrepreneurs, food establishment owners, farmers, and trainees. The partnership is expected to result in an increased purchase of raw materials from at least 50 new farmers and will introduce new innovative fruit- and herb-based products to the local market to promote import substitution with local Lebanese products. Royal Organics (RO): During this reporting period, Royal Organics finalized its marketing campaign under its cost-share and launched production at their premises in Rashaya Al Wadi, Bekaa once installation of all equipment and finalization of the cooling unit at the partner’s facility was complete. Through the partnership with LINQ, Royal Organics received equipment and targeted technical assistance to upgrade its granola bars processing line and improve the quality of the end-product. This intervention has created four additional permanent positions at the facility. Additionally, 48 farmers and employees at the facility have already benefited from training sessions on “Pruning of Grapes” and “Orchards Establishment and Grafting of Grapes” to help them improve the quality of grapes that will be used by RO to produce molasses as a healthy ingredient for its granola bars.

Farm Hill: Through the LINQ partnership with Farm Hill, a family-owned dairy production company located in Lehfed – Jbeil, new equipment for improving processed cheeses and butter was delivered during Y4Q1 following the installation of the wastewater treatment system to comply with environmental good practices. TA on butter processing was provided by a Land O’Lakes Inc. volunteer expert to help Farm Hill advance its butter production and be able to compete in the local market. Until this date, this co-investment grant has benefited 17 individuals and resulted in the creation of three new job opportunities at the facility.

Picture 4: Royal Organics production launching

Picture 5: Cheese at Farm Hill facility

Farm Hill is ISO certified! Following USAID support under the LINQ project, Farm Hill has been able to earn the ISO 22000 certification under its cost-share. Farm Hill has completed and submitted all necessary documents, and is now following the requirements, specifications and guidelines set forth to ensure that they will consistently deliver products that meet international food safety standards.


La Vallee Blanche (LVB): During this quarter, LVB worked extensively on the rehabilitation of a new facility space that will host all the manufacturing operations and ensure a food safe environment for the production of high-quality dairy products. In parallel, LINQ procured and delivered all equipment as per planned and approved budget. In addition, through a budget modification approved by the AOR, LINQ was able to transfer to LVB a mozzarella molding machine that was originally procured under the terminated Eco Land grant. The mozzarella molding machine will allow LVB to introduce a new type of cheese that will increase its competitiveness in the Lebanese market through import substitution of international cheeses. La Vallee Blanche has already benefited 22 people from training session on “Animal Nutrition and Healthcare”, five from improved income and one from the new job created at the facility.

JADE LIFE: LINQ delivered a mobile cooling unit with isolation and other equipment to the JADE LIFE facility that is currently undergoing rehabilitation work to comply with GMP standards. JADE LIFE, a dairy processor located in Ghouma, Batroun, North of Lebanon, specializes in the processing, packing, and distribution of traditional Lebanese dairy products, mainly Shanklish balls and dried labneh in oil. Following the support from LINQ, JADE LIFE will be shifting its ingredients from powdered to fresh milk which will add value to its processed products while benefiting local dairy farmers directly. To optimize the relationship with farmers and ensure high-quality milk, LINQ organized two one-on-one training sessions on “Animal Nutrition and Healthcare” to seven JADE LIFE related dairy farmers.

Eco-Tech: During this quarter, the Eco-Tech acquired several pieces of equipment through both LINQ and the partner’s cost-share and completed rehabilitation of the facility. In addition, Eco-Tech received training on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) delivered by a LINQ consultant. In addition, LINQ has collaborated with the USAID-funded F2F-FSQ and is providing Eco-Tech with TA on Labeling and Nutrition Facts. This will help the product’s label comply with US and EU regulations which can open new export markets to the business. The following two graphs depict the progress against the main project indicators and the contribution of the current active grants to these results:

Picture 7: “Animal Nutrition & Healthcare” under JADE LIFE grant

Picture 6: Mozzarella molding machine delivery to LVB


Graph 1: ProgressProgress to date on main indicators

Graph 2: Contribution of active grants to Y4Q1 main results

Table 2: Status Updates of Closed Partnerships

Grantee Brief Updates

Al Dayaa - Grant closed at the end of October - USAID visit on November 12, - Jobs created: 6.03 FTEs generated by 4 new employees

Total number of beneficiaries: 41

Rim Mills

- Grant closed at the end of October. - USAID visit on October 7, 2021 - A series of technical visits to 44 farmers under the Rim Mills grant were performed

and completed during the months of September and October - Total number of beneficiaries: 68


Grants Modifications & Extensions. During this reporting period, LINQ successfully completed and closed 2 grants and continued the implementation of nine active grants. However, due to delays caused by the difficult context in the country, LINQ executed no-cost extensions to the remaining nine grants and are as follows: Al Dayaa and Rim Mills (October 31, 2021), Balamand (January 31, 2022), Farm Hill (February 3, 2022), La Vallée Blanche (February 18, 2022) and Olive Trade, Torzaya, Royal Organics and CCIAT (March 31, 2022). This step is crucial to ensure proper implementation of the interventions under the grants and complete the data collection process.

Coming close to the end of the project, the remaining pieces of equipment procured under the terminated Eco Land grant needed to be re-allocated as necessary. LINQ team identified needs at the level of several current partners and was able to redistribute these items following approval of the AOR with budget modifications as follows:

- Farm Hill received (1) an autoclave that complements the existing lab equipment to sterilize tools and waste, (2) a one-ton cooling tank to store smaller quantities of milk received from small farmers, which will contribute to preserving the quality and safety of the raw ingredients.

- La Vallee Blanche acquired a mozzarella molding machine that will contribute to increasing LVB’s competitiveness in the Lebanese market through import substitution of international cheeses.

- JADE LIFE received a milk fat separator with a big capacity replacing the semi-automatic cream separator originally planned in the budget, which will give the business the opportunity to expand its production in the long term.

Access to Finance

After Lebanon’s Central Bank had originally set the rate of 3,900 Lebanese pounds to the U.S. dollar for cash withdrawals from banks of deposits in dollars, the rate increased to 8,000 (representing an increase of around 70%) during this reporting period. A withdrawal ceiling was set at $3,000 equivalent in LBP, per month, with accountholders still unable to freely access their savings. In addition, with all bank loans still frozen, access to funding remained impossible for any business who only rely on cash savings if available.

The LINQ team has continued monitoring the situation and orienting its partners to available funding from other projects that could be offered. This has been part of LINQ’s coordination with other USAID and other funded activities (such as the USAID-funded Agriculture and Rural Empowerment ARE program).

COMPONENT 3: COMMUNICATE RESULTS THROUGH OUTREACH AND SHARE ACTIVITY KNOWLEDGE WITH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning In coordination with the Venture37 Global Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (GMEL) team, the LINQ team led the implementation of the MEL plan, supervised data collection from farmers and businesses, and conducted data analysis, ensuring reporting requirements were met in a timely manner. Moreover, in response to the COVID-I9 outbreak, and the deteriorating economic situation in the country, the MEL team took necessary measures to adapt and customize the data collection processes, demonstrating the ability of the team to learn and adapt. The MEL team collaborated with Venture37 GMEL to continue data entry into Impacts, the electronic data collection and management system.


During the month of November, LINQ Senior MEL Specialist resigned from her position and handed over the work to the LINQ MEL Officer. Venture37 recruited a MEL consultant to complement and support in all remaining work until the project closeout.

Field Visits and Remote Data Collection: Due to restrictions on movement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and all precautionary measures, MEL continued relying mostly on remote data collection. The team used a variety of online platforms such as Google Meets and Microsoft Teams to conduct meetings. Phone calls and WhatsApp were also used to contact various beneficiaries and collect data remotely. Accordingly, all Y4Q1 data was validated, documented, and consolidated for the quarterly reporting. Field monitoring visits will be pushed to Y4Q2 in line with the close out of several grants.

Sales Analysis: As a result of the Collaboration, Learning and Adapting (CLA) sessions conducted by USAID MEL contractor and the Economic Growth (EG) Implementing Partners, the LINQ MEL team conducted a review of the reported sales applying the hyperinflation analysis recommended by Social Impact. This activity was initiated in September and continued till October 2021. A deep dive analysis was carried out using the guidance received and the inflation rates applicable for each grantee and for the relevant attributable months. Each adjustment was calculated separately and then re-integrated into the sales database to get compounded for the sales indicator reporting. This has resulted in a re-adjusted sales value compared to a re-adjusted baseline, enabling the LINQ MEL team to assess incremental sales in light of the hyperinflation and currency devaluation affecting the country.

Data Review: The MEL consultant in collaboration with LINQ MEL Officer initiated an internal data review as a key task to support the close out process. A series of meetings were conducted with the technical and finance team to validate all data reported so far and to consolidate various databases. This exercise will be carried over to Y4Q2 and its result will be documented in the next progress report.

Collaboration, Learning and Adapting: As part of its Collaboration, Learning and Adapting strategy, and as anticipated in the Y4 work plan, LINQ is designing a Scope of Work (SOW) for conducting an economic impact assessment on eight of its awarded interventions. Accordingly, LINQ will be able to assess the current status of the interventions and their forecasted direct and indirect impact on the business operations and its supply chain.

Communications and Outreach During Y4Q1, LINQ communication specialist developed one video and conducted three outreach events. LINQ continued using social media and online platforms to promote the project’s work, and to engage with other development stakeholders. This ensured proper promotion of the project and generated great engagement from the online community on USAID Lebanon, USAID Middle East, Venture37, and LINQ’s social media platforms with the number of likes and followers significantly increasing.

LINQ has prepared a communication plan that covers all the activities that should be implemented during the last months of the project according to priority and deadlines.

Audio-Visual Activities

University of Balamand Video: LINQ developed a video depicting the different stages of the grant’s implementation, focusing on the importance of establishing the high-tech nursery to support vulnerable farmers in remote areas and provide learning opportunities to young students. The video also highlighted the results achieved following this intervention and touched on the future plans of the university following the establishment of this state-of-the-art nursery. The video was showcased to invitees during the inauguration event that took place at the university campus and it was later posted on LINQ and USAID Lebanon Facebook pages and was uploaded to Venture37’s YouTube channel.


Outreach Events

During this reporting period, two visits and one launch event with LINQ partners were organized for USAID representatives, as described in detail in the following section.

Al Dayaa: During the month of November, a delegation from USAID accompanied by the LINQ team, visited the Al Dayaa premises, a food processing facility located in Kfaraaka, Koura, North Lebanon. USAID representatives met with the owners and heard about the importance of the equipment upgrade completed through LINQ. Following that discussion, they toured the facility, witnessed the production line in operation and had a tasting session of Al Dayaa’s freshly produces olives and pickles.

Rim Mills: USAID representatives visited LINQ partner Rim Mills facility, a wheat processor located in Kaa El Rim, Bekaa. USAID representatives met with the owners and farmer beneficiaries and toured the facility to observe the equipment procured from Turkey, a state-of-the-art unique fully automatic processing line.

University of Balamand Launching Event: In collaboration with the University of Balamand, USAID inaugurated a high-tech nursery that was established at the university campus located in Beino – Akkar. The event was attended by USAID representatives, UOB President and faculty members, as well as main stakeholders in the sector. During the event, the video prepared by LINQ team was broadcast and a power-point presentation about the intervention was given, followed by a visit to the new nursery.

Partners Media coverage

University of Balamand: UOB shared the news of the Inauguration event hosted at the University Campus in the presence of USAID representatives on the National News Agency (NNA) and the Lebanese local channel Tele Liban, as per the following links.

NNA: click here Tele Liban: click here for video

MEETINGS AND COLLABORATIONS As part of its continuous collaboration with other stakeholders and USAID-funded projects, the LINQ team attended “Meet the YCC - Youth Conservation Corps Program” Open Day at Arz Ehmej, organized by the Lebanon Reforestation Initiative (LRI) project. During the event, the LINQ project was introduced to the attendees and possible collaboration opportunities for the future were discussed with the young people participating in the program.

Picture 9: USAID visit to Rim Mills facility Picture 8: USAID visit to Al Dayaa facility

https://www.nna-leb.gov.lb/ar/%D9%85%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%B1%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AA/509558/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82-%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%AA%D8%AA%D8%AD-%D9%88%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D9%88-%D9%88%D9%85%D9%84%D9%83%D9%8A-%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%B6%D9%86%D8%A9-%D8%B4%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%84-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%84

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=399255691948170&extid=NS-UNK-UNK-UNK-IOS_GK0T-GK1C&ref=sharing


CHALLENGES Economic and Financial Crises: During this reporting period, the country continued lurching from one crisis to another throughout a historically difficult year. The Lebanese pound dropped against the dollar to reach 27,000 at the end of December 2021, from a peg of 1,500 pounds to 1 USD in 2019. There has been little progress since the new government was formed in September 2021 after more than a year of political deadlock that compounded the crisis. Subsidies have been cut back on almost all goods including fuel and medicine, pushing up prices of basic services such as the health care sector. Lebanon's central bank has set a new rate of 8,000 Lebanese pounds to the U.S. dollar for withdrawals from bank deposits denominated in dollars, but which can now only be accessed in the local currency. This new rate represents a haircut of around 70%. The central bank also set a withdrawal ceiling of $3,000 per month equivalent in Lebanese pounds for accountholders, who have been unable to freely access their savings since the collapse of the financial sector in 2019.

According to the United Nations in an article published on October 1, 2021, a staggering 78 per cent of Lebanon’s population, or three million people, are estimated to be living below the poverty line, while extreme poverty has reached as high as 36 per cent. Starvation has become “a growing reality” for thousands of families, and acute malnutrition rates have increased substantially among children under five.

COVID-19 Pandemic and Healthcare System: Lebanon’s economic crisis has left the country less prepared for the Omicron variant of COVID-19 than it was for previous mutations of the virus. The departure of many doctors and nurses from Lebanon, and soaring prices of medicines have left the country vulnerable to the latest variant, and has prompted several countries to reintroduce restrictive measures including travel bans. Additionally, prices for life-saving medication skyrocketed in Lebanon after the Ministry of Public Health began lifting most drug subsidies, which the cash-strapped state can no longer afford.

Electricity, fuel, internet, and water supply shortage: This quarter, Lebanon’s aging electricity power plants came to a complete halt as a result of a shortage of fuel. In addition, the absence of funds to carry out maintenance work threatens the durability of these stations. Furthermore, the telecommunications sector was declared at risk of collapsing because of the fuel shortage, lack of credit, as well as poor service for users.

These challenges have been impacting the LINQ project activity implementation, partners and suppliers as follows:

• At LINQ level: LINQ team resumed working from the office when possible and organized on-site trainings and field visits to monitor equipment delivery and accompany LINQ consultants during their visits to partners facilities, taking all necessary precautions. Equipment procurement continues to face delays and complications due to restrictive measures put by the banks and difficult transportation logistics.

• At partner level: Partners continued facing the hurdles of the economic collapse with their incapacity to access their money from the banks. This has caused some delays in meeting their cost-share but so far, no partners have been unable to meet their commitments. The economic collapse has also required partners to plan for and accommodate additional time for equipment delivery. With the cost of fuel continuously leaping and reaching new peaks, businesses continue to encounter new difficulties in operating at full production capacity.

• At supplier level: The transportation costs which are required to be included in the cost of all equipment and services, have been rapidly increasing which caused the suppliers to refrain from committing to any charge included in the quotes. LINQ had to re-negotiate the logistics and come up with alternate arrangements on a few occasions which caused delays in delivery. The financial constraints imposed by banks continued to affect LINQ suppliers' ability to respond rapidly to procurement and paperwork requests.

https://www.thenationalnews.com/coronavirus/2021/11/28/what-is-omicron-and-how-worrying-is-this-new-covid-variant/

https://www.thenationalnews.com/travel/2021/11/27/omicron-variant-which-countries-are-restricting-travel-to-african-nations/


PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

Mobilization of Staff: During this reporting period, the MEL Manager and Technical Senior Specialist resigned to join new USAID-funded projects. Vacancy for a MEL consultant was posted publicly on recruiting platforms (Daleel Madani website & LINQ Facebook page). A candidate for the MEL consultant position was identified and recruited immediately during the month of December 2021. Regarding the Technical position, LINQ’s current Field Coordinator will be taking over responsibilities for the sound completion of all activities.

Continuous Coordination with USAID: Beside submitting the weekly report, LINQ has continued holding regular meetings and phone calls with the AOR to keep him abreast of progress and challenges, ensure proper coordination and get necessary guidance when needed.

Annual Progress Report: On October 28, 2021, LINQ team received the approval of the AOR on the Y3 Annual Progress Report.

Security Plan update: Land O’Lakes Global Security Director visited Lebanon during the month of November to re-assess the situation with the local team based on the evolving political and economic situation. Based on his visit, Venture37 updated the Lebanon Security Plan and guidance for local and foreign travelers.

Project’s Close-out: As part of V37’s internal procedures, LINQ team has begun preparing for project close-out by regularly updating records according to a pre-set close-out check list. Periodic meetings with HQ have also been conducted as LINQ prepares to submit the required Close-out plan by January 31, 2022.


ANNEX I INDICATORS PERFORMANCE TRACKING TABLE

Refer to the separate Excel file sent as an attachment.


Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning – Year 4 Quarter I Summary Table

#

Indicator Name

Year 4 Q1 (Oct 2021-Dec 2021)

Target

Year 4 Q1 (Oct 2021-Dec

2021)

Actual

Notes LOP target LOP result

Justification

1

Value of new private sector investment leveraged by USG assistance

$423,679 $ 192,732

Quarterly Result is

lower than target.

$ 3,000,000

$ 2,788,720.5

The contextual operating environment is still causing challenges in closing out the interventions and installing needed equipment, including reporting on the expected investment to be leveraged by the partners. Although the quarterly result is less than the target, overall, the total amount reached to date is 93% of the LOP target. LINQ expects to achieve the LOP target by the end of the project.

2

Number of individuals benefiting from the activity 0 168 LOP Target

exceeded 3,500 5,605

The most recent target revisions do not account for a higher target set for FY2022. This indicator reflects LINQ’s various activities which include new employees recruited by partner organizations, new training attendees, in addition to new farmers who benefitted from selling their products to partner organizations.

3 Number of people with improved income as a result of USG assistance

201 41 Quarterly Target not

met 1,850 1,664

LINQ hasn’t met its quarterly target but reached 90% of its LOP target. Year 4 targets were revised to account for the deviation that occurred over the past years. In fact, the Q1 targets account for the last round of farmers survey which is actually scheduled Q2FY2022; it will ultimately serve in reaching the 260 target set for FY2022.

LINQ, through USG assistance, has successfully resulted in improving income for 41 people this quarter. The Q1FY4 results include 31 new suppliers for Hajjar Food, Farm Hill, La Vallee Blanche, Rim Mills, Royal Organics and CIDRA grantees; in addition to 2 new Lebanese employees from Hajjar foods, 2 employees from Farm Hill and Eco-Tech, and 5 new employees from Torzaya Coop.

4

Proportion of female participants in USG-assisted programs designated to increase access to productive economic resources

30% 8% Target exceeded 30% 36.6%

Overall LINQ has managed to exceed its LOP targets for this indicator. The negative deviation for this quarter is mostly due to the type/topic of trainings that were conducted this quarter. Most attendees were male except for the assistance provided to Torzaya Cooperative.

5 Number of full-time equivalent jobs created as a result of USG assistance

5.5 7.02 Target exceeded 48 49

LINQ has met this quarter its FTE target for job creation. The positive deviation this quarter is due to the fact that several initiatives became operational or eligible to be counted toward this indicator such as Torzaya Coop, Eco-Tech, Farmhill. More FTEs from Eco Tec and UOB will be included in Q2Y2022.

6 Macro-Economic / Financial situation development in Lebanon conducive for investment

N/A N/A Context Indicator N/A N/A N/A


#

Indicator Name

Year 4 Q1 (Oct 2021-Dec 2021)

Target


2021)

Actual


Justification

7

Value of incremental sales (domestic and export) collected at firm level for enterprises as a result of USG Assistance (annual)

N/A N/A - 20% 63.00% Sales are scheduled to be reported next quarter.

8

Value of incremental sales (domestic and export) collected at the farm level for small holder producers as a result of USG assistance (annual)

N/A

N/A

- 20% 33.00% Sales are scheduled to be reported next quarter.

9

Number of MSMEs, including farmers, and other organizations receiving business development services from USG assisted sources

0

119

LOP Target exceeded

2,800

4,463

LINQ has already exceeded its LOP target. No targets were set for FY2022 since LINQ overachieved the LOP target. However, some newly operational grants contributed to this indicator. Q1FY2022 results include farmers trained as part of Jade Life, UOB, Torzaya Coop and olive trade grants. Additionally, these results include micro producers assisted through TA with Youth of hope. In fact, a total 157 micro and small enterprises received BDS support, however reported results do not account for enterprises (36) that received BDS assistance in previous quarters, and this is ensure that enterprise are not double counted, and the reporting is in line with the indicator definition.

10

Number of individuals who have received USG- supported short-term agricultural sector productivity or food security training

0

92

LOP Target exceeded

2,200

3,145

LINQ has already exceeded its LOP target. No targets were set for FY2022.

The quarterly results, include people and individual producers who attended diverse trainings such as GAP, GMP, IPM and US export labeling compliance as part of UOB, Jade Life, Olive trade, Torzaya Coop grants and Two TA mechanisms with Youth of Hope and Green & Pure.

11

Number of for-profit enterprises, producer organizations, water user associations, women’s groups, trade and business associations and community-based organizations (CBOs) that applied improved organization-level technologies or management practices because of USG assistance

4

3

LOP Target exceeded

70

71

LINQ has exceeded its LOP target this quarter. The three Organizations reported in Q1FY2022 are IRAP, Green and Pure, and JAZ.


#

Indicator Name

Year 4 Q1 (Oct 2021-Dec 2021)

Target


2021)

Actual


Justification

12

Number of farmers or microenterprises who have applied new technologies or management practices as a result of USG assistance

101 0 Target exceeded 1,050 1,171

Results are generated from the farmers survey that is planned to be conducted in February/March 2022, as such relevant results will be reported next quarter.

13

Number of MSMEs including farmers and other organizations, benefitting from new horizontal and vertical market linkages

0

56

Target exceeded

430

746

LINQ has exceeded its LOP target and there were no targets set for FY2022.

The 56 linkages are generated from new buyers for CIDRA, Farm Hill and Royal organics, EM EL Khayrat, upgraded services for CCIAT, and new suppliers for Reem mills, Hajjar Food, CIDRA, La Vallee Blanche, Farmhill and Royal Organics.

14

Number of enterprises that have successfully accessed loans, private equity, or both as a result of USAID assistance

0 0 Result is

lower than target

20

0

Given the current deteriorating economic situation in Lebanon, banks and MFIs are not granting any loans to enterprises and farmers.

LINQ is continuously trying to assist partners in accessing finance and will report any progress in the future.

15

Total value of commercial loans accessed as a result of USG assistance

$ - $ -

Result is lower than

target

$500,000 $ -

16 Subsidized Loans accessed through banks and financial institutions N/A N/A Context

Indicator N/A N/A

17 Number of learning and outreach events conducted, and materials developed by the activity

3 4 Target exceeded 32 55

LINQ has successfully met its quarterly target and exceeded its annual target and reached its LOP target.


#

Indicator Name

Year 4 Q1 (Oct 2021-Dec 2021)

Target


2021)

Actual


Justification

18 Percent of USG-assisted organizations with improved performance (annual)

N/A N/A Target Met 80% 77.50% Results are reported annually for this indicator.

19

Percentage of Youth participants in USG-assisted programs designed to increase access to productive economic resources (semi-annual)

15% 17% Target exceeded 15% 28.6%

LINQ has exceeded its targets for this indicator. The youth counted under Q1, have benefitted from online or onsite trainings to boost their capacities, and enable them to grow economically and generate an income. Furthermore, the results include three new employees under the following grants: Hajjar Food, Farm Hill and Torzaya Coop.


ANNEX II LINQ GRANTS TO DATE

Grant # Activity Grantee Sector Start Date

End Date

LINQ Contribution

Grantee Cost Share

Total Grant

Budget

LINQ Contribution

to-date

Grantee Contribution

to-date

Number of Beneficiaries1

19-LINQ-A-G-0958

Applesauce Production Line

Les Vergers Des Cedres

Food Processing 15-Mar-19 Closed $12,765 $20,360 $33,125 $12,764 $29,939.43 47

19-LINQ-A-G-0963

Carob Molasses Production Line

Agro Cedrus SARL

Food Processing 1-Apr-19 Closed $78,073 $91,060 $169,133 $78,057 $133,490.01 156

19-LINQ-A-G-1018

Facility upgrading

Eco Land SARL Dairy 14-May-19 Terminated $5,645 $69,170 $74,815 $2,399 $19,800.00 -

19-LINQ-A-G-1045

Facility upgrading

ABS Group SARL

Food Processing 24-Jun-19 Closed $25,360 $31,299 $56,659 $25,027 $48,692.36 57

19-LINQ-A-G-1066

Facility upgrading

Antoine Halim Al Lakkis Est.

Food processing 27-Jun-19 Closed $83,000 $114,350 $197,350 $77,600 $1,124,046.00 105

19-LINQ-A-G-1090

Facility upgrading

Hajjar Foods SAL Dairy 22-Jul-19 Closed $99,100 $86,500 $185,600 $99,101 $156,979.29 34

19-LINQ-A-G-1100

Adaptive Management

Bazoun Cooperative

Fresh Fruits 18-Sep-19 Closed $20,925 $6,000 $26,925 $18,745 $9,333.00 30

19-LINQ-A-G-1110

Facility upgrading Batrouniyat Food

Processing 18-Sep-19 Closed $39,500 $41,875 $81,375 $37,516 $37,560.00 48

19-LINQ-A-G-1111

Facility upgrading

Manara Dairy Products

Dairy 18-Sep-19 Closed $114,200 $141,500 $255,700 $108,265 $185,941.67 25

1 The total number of beneficiaries per grant cannot be summed up in this table as it includes duplications between grantees beneficiaries. All beneficiaries per grant are reported in this table (trainees, employees, firms board members and suppliers)



End Date

LINQ Contribution

Grantee Cost Share

Total Grant

Budget

LINQ Contribution

to-date


to-date


19-LINQ-A-G-1115

Adaptive Management

Assoun Cooperative


19-LINQ-A-G-1121

Adaptive Management

Akkar Atika Cooperative


19-LINQ-A-G-1123

Adaptive Management

Hasroun Cooperative


19-LINQ-A-G-1127

Adaptive Management Cedrine SAL Fresh

Fruits 18-Sep-19 Closed $22,800 $8,700 $31,500 $22,737 $8,684.00 23

19-LINQ-A-G-1199

Adaptive Management

Agripharm SARL

Fresh Fruits 13-Dec-19 Closed $14,290 $14,400 $28,690 $13,193 $14,400.00 214

19-LINQ-A-G-1209

Non-alcoholic Sparkling Apple Juice Production Line

CIDRA SAL Food Processing 13-Dec-19 Closed $46,596 $31,250 $77,846 $46,597 $73,319.25 18

19-LINQ-A-G-1224

Facility upgrading

Al Dayaa Products SARL

Food Processing 16-Jan-20 Closed $97,450 $90,300 $187,750 $96,899 $163,828.75 41

20-LINQ-A-G-1250

Facility upgrading Bon Choix Food

Processing 26-Feb-20 Closed $83,000 $84,000 $167,000 $76,467 $120,755.52 80

20-LINQ-A-G-1281

Facility upgrading

Rim Mills Najib Saliba Sons LLC - Kaa El Rim

Food Processing 30-Mar-20 Closed $129,200 $145,000 $274,200 $127,297 $283,394.18 68

20-LINQ-A-G-1289

Facility upgrading

Emm El Khayrat SARL

Dairy 27-Mar-20 Closed $47,003 $35,800 $82,803 $44,890 $52,426.59 31

20-LINQ-A-G-1435

Facility upgrading

Torzaya cooperative

Food Processing 12-Oct-20 31-Mar-22 $20,100 $19,383 $39,483 $17,078 $3,950.00 13



End Date

LINQ Contribution

Grantee Cost Share

Total Grant

Budget

LINQ Contribution

to-date


to-date


20-LINQ-A-G-1452

Facility upgrading

Olive Trade SAL

Food Processing 9-Oct-20 31-Mar-22 $108,050 $61,850 $169,900 $92,101 $25,000.00 19

20-LINQ-A-G-1461

Adaptive Management

University of Balamand

Fresh Fruits 15-Oct-20 31-Jan-22 $48,025 $15,413 $63,438 $43,398 $15,939.71 55

20-LINQ-A-G-1515

Adaptive Management CCIAT Food

Processing 19-Jan-21 31-Mar-22 $32,629 $11,516 $44,145 $28,696 $7,918.00 33

20-LINQ-A-G-1533

Facility upgrading

Royal Organics

Food Processing 15-Jan-21 31-Mar-22 $63,070 $84,488 $147,558 $49,549 $66,453.52 66

20-LINQ-A-G-1607

Facility upgrading Farm Hill Dairy 8-Feb-21 3-Feb-22 $55,974 $35,941 $91,915 $48,242 $66,728.25 20

21-LINQ-A-G-1613

Facility upgrading

La Vallee Blanche Dairy 23-Feb-21 18-Feb-22 $65,877 $81,562 $147,439 $50,371 $76,012.89 27

21-LINQ-A-G-1654

Facility upgrading Jade Life Dairy 13-Apr-21 13-Apr-22 $45,732 $34,102 $79,834 $24,318 $12,432.00 8

21-LINQ-A-G-1655

Facility upgrading Eco-Tech Food

Processing 28-Apr-21 28-Apr-22 $20,067 $41,031 $61,098 $12,000 $33,896.09 4

27 TOTAL $1,443,736 $1,412,650 $2,856,386 $1,312,715 $2,788,720.51 1524


ANNEX III LINQ TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO DATE

TA# Activity Partner Sector Start Date End Date LINQ Contribution


Status

MOU-LINQ-001

Training on Food Safety

Fnaydek Cooperative Food Processing 18-Jun-19 21-Sept-20 $1,455 11 Assistance

completed.

MOU-LINQ-002


Ainata Cooperative Food Processing 19-Jun-19 21-Sept-20 $750 25 Assistance

completed.

MOU-LINQ-003


Mejdel Cooperative Food Processing 22-Jul-19 21-Sept-20 $1,500 41 Assistance

completed.

MOU-LINQ-004


Torzaya Cooperative Food Processing 22-Aug-19 22-Aug-20 $1,500 23 Assistance

completed.

MOU-LINQ-005

Product Development, Trade Marketing

Lebanese Mezze Food processing 5-Jul-19 21-Sept-20 $8,693 1 Assistance completed.

MOU-LINQ-006

Cost Management, Business Development

Olea Cooperative Food Processing 30-Jul-19 21-Sept-20 $900 1 Assistance completed.

MOU-LINQ-007


Mristi Cooperative Food Processing 1-Oct-19 1-Oct-20 $1,500 53 Assistance

completed.

MOU-LINQ-008

Web Development, Design of

Adonis Valley Food Processing 27-Sep-19 27-Sep-20 $2,900 2 Assistance completed.

2 The total number of beneficiaries per TA cannot be summed up in this table as it includes duplications between TAs beneficiaries. All beneficiaries per TA are reported in this table, these include trainees, employees, suppliers and partners board members, while some TAs include farmers as well reached through the COVID-19 interventions. Results by TA are currently being revised to account for the exact number of beneficiaries.




Status

Promotional Material

MOU-LINQ-009

Sales to Schools, Social Media La Vallee Blanche Dairy 30-Sep-19 30-Sep-20 $2,700 2 Assistance

completed.

MOU-LINQ-010

Training on Pruning Techniques

Bchaale Cooperative Fresh Fruits 10-Nov-19 10-Nov-20 F2F FSQ

volunteer 1 Assistance completed.

MOU-LINQ-011


Green Orient Association Food Processing 15-Nov-19 31-Jul-2020 $1,500 343 Assistance

completed.

MOU-LINQ-012

Training on pruning, GAP, food safety

LOST Association Fresh Fruits and Food Processing 20-Nov-19 20-Nov-20 $5,350 643 Assistance

completed.

MOU-LINQ-013

Training and TA on Food Safety and Quality

The Good Thymes Food Processing 1-Sep-19 30-Nov-20 $5,400 20 Assistance

completed.

MOU-LINQ-014

Training on Marketing and Sales Strategy

Agreen SAL Food Processing 30-Jan-20 31-Jan-21 $1,215 2 Assistance completed.

MOU-LINQ-015

Training on Export Compliance and Product Quality

Jade Life Dairy 30-Jan-20 31-Jan-21 $3,600 2 Assistance completed.

MOU-LINQ-016

Training on Fertilization, IPM and Harvesting Techniques

Zanoubia Food Processing 21-Feb-20 21-Feb-21 -

Cancelled due to COVID-19 outbreak and confinement

MOU-LINQ-017

TA on Export Requirements Jibal Loubnan Food Processing 28-Feb-20 28-Feb-21 -

Cancelled because applying for a co-investment grant under the Royal




Status

Organics brand

MOU-LINQ-035

TA on Food Safety and quality and kitchen improvement

Risalat Salam Association (Message de Paix)

Food Processing 6-May-20 21-Sep-20 $750 37 Assistance completed.

MOU-LINQ-046

TA on packaging and label upgrade IRAP Food Processing 7-Oct-20 7-Oct-21 $5,802 1

Assistance completed.

Continued Data Collection.

MOU-LINQ-047

TA on Olive harvesting / Pruning Techniques and IPM

Abou El Ezz General Trading Fresh Fruit 7-Oct-20 7-Oct-21 $600 9

Assistance completed.

MOU-LINQ-048

TA on Food Safety and quality

Societe Saint Vincent De Paul (SSVP)

Food Processing 23-Feb-21 23-Feb-22 $750 15 Assistance completed.

MOU-LINQ-049

Training on IPM and Organic Farming / Good Seedlings and Crops Production / High Tech Nursery

Cooperation Without Borders for Tailored Development (CWB)/CSP

Fresh Fruits 24-Feb-21 24-Feb-22 $1,100 37 Assistance completed.

MOU-LINQ-050

TA on Olive harvesting / Pruning Techniques

Youth Of Hope Association / Caritas / Baladi

Fresh Fruit 19-Mar-21 19-Mar-22 $8,250 210 Assistance completed.




Status

MOU-LINQ-051

TA on label upgrade

Green & Pure / Bustan Al Zaytoun

Food processing 19-Mar-21 19-Mar-22 F2F FSQ volunteer 4

Assistance on-going-Continued Data Collection

MOU-LINQ-052

TA on GMP and food processing

Tanmiya wa Tahseen Association

Food Processing 24-Mar-21

24-Mar-22

$675 20

Assistance on-going-Continued Data Collection.

MOU-LINQ-053

Product Development, Trade Marketing

Jezzine And Zahrani Development SAL (JAZ)

Food processing 31-Mar-21 31-Mar-22 $600 11 Assistance completed.

MOU-LINQ-054

TA on dairy-based products processing

Le Bon Lait Dairy products 15-Jun-21 30-May-22 $1050 14

Assistance on-going-Continued Data Collection.

MOU-LINQ-055


Women Association in Badghan

Dairy products 25-May-21 25-May-22 $700 26 Assistance completed.

MOU-LINQ-056


Women Association in Khraybeh

Dairy products 25-May-21 25-May-22 $700 32 Assistance completed.

29 TOTAL $59,940 1,586


ANNEX IV LINQ QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT As per the requirements of the LINQ Cooperative Agreement modification 007, this quarterly report presents quarterly financial information including spending by agreement line item for the current period expenditures (October-December2021), cumulative spending to date, and remaining available funding for the remainder of the activity. The contractual spending reached the target during this quarter. With the ease of the lockdown, business operated normally, and procurement and delivery of equipment progressed to the extent possible to meet deadlines. This has reflected on a higher total direct spending. International travel is still prohibited and thus spending is minimal for this budget line item.

Current Period Spending (USD)

Cumulative Spending (USD)

Budget Balance Remaining (USD)

Direct Costs

LABOR 171,499.39 2,102,454.63 204,793.37

TRAVEL 5,585.83 69,635.49 11,498.51

SUPPLIES 4,768.87 86,581.13 5,293.87

OTHER DIRECT COSTS 10,457.35 435,342.78 83,910.22

TRAINING 95.12 22,377.56 8,523.44

EQUIPMENT - 250.81 0.19

CONTRACTUAL (SUB AWARDS) 134,801.31 1,301,340.53 98,659.47

Total Direct Cost 327,207.87 4,017,982.93 412,679.07

NICRA INDIRECT 115,921.23 1,293,251.41 176,086.59

Grand Total 443,129.10 5,311,234.34 588,765.66

LINQ Y4Q1 Progress Report_Draft 1 - USAID

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