Exploring the perceptions and experiences of Syrian refugees towards the food and basic needs assistance modalities in Tyre, Lebanon : a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Into its ninth year, the Syrian crisis remains one of the largest humanitarian disasters that have serious repercussions on the food and nutrition security of displaced individuals in Syria and neighboring countries, including Lebanon. To address these challenges, the humanitarian community in Lebanon has increasingly been assisting refugees through cash-based interventions. Two main cash-based assistance modalities are currently implemented in Lebanon, namely the restricted food transfers (e-card) and the multi-purpose cash (MPC) assistance. However, limited studies have explored the perceptions and experiences of Syrian refugees towards these cash-based modalities. In addition, research on how cash transfer programs achieve their nutrition and health outcomes is rather still limited in similar protracted refugee crises. Study aim and objectives: The present study aimed to examine the food purchasing behaviors of Syrian refugees and to explore their perceptions and experiences towards the cash assistance modalities currently implemented in Lebanon. The perspectives of key informants and stakeholders were also evaluated to further identify the main facilitators and barriers that refugees faced with the food assistance modalities. Methods: A qualitative descriptive exploratory approach was adopted to fulfill the purpose of the study. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with Syrian refugee (SR) beneficiaries of both assistance modalities (e-card and MPC). Inclusion criteria included SRs, who have been living in Tyre for the past three months or longer, and have been receiving one of the cash transfer assistance modalities. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants and stakeholders, including shop owners and representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working closely with refugees in the area of Tyre. Results: Four FGDs were conducted with SRs and four interviews with supermarket owners and NGO representatives. A total of 11 themes and 9 subthemes emer