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Summary
South Lebanon is experiencing the combined effects of a prolonged economic crisis and a recent escalation in hostilities, which have led to displacement, service disruptions, and increased pressure on already strained infrastructure. In this context, access to reliable communication and information is critical for affected populations to stay informed, access services, and maintain connections with their communities. This assessment focused on South Lebanon, complemented by contextual insights from Beirut as a key displacement-hosting area.
This rapid assessment was conducted to understand access to connectivity, electricity, and trusted sources of information among affected populations in South Lebanon. The analysis is based on a combination of desk review, partner consultations, and primary data collected through a survey of 309 respondents across seven districts: Bint Jbeil, El Nabatieh, Hasbaya, Jezzine, Marjaayoun, Saida, and Sour.
Findings indicate that while internet access is widely available, with 92 percent of respondents reporting access, connectivity is not evenly distributed across locations. In particular, Bint Jbeil reported lower levels of access, with 25 percent of respondents indicating that they do not have internet access. Electricity access is also generally high (97 percent), but gaps remain in certain areas, including El Nabatieh, where 12 percent of respondents reported not having access.
Access to reliable information remains a key challenge. One-third of respondents (33 percent) reported that they do not have a reliable source of information. While 46 percent identified WhatsApp as a trusted tool for sending and receiving information, reliance on information channels varies across districts, indicating uneven access to trusted information.
Findings from the 2025 Multi-Sector Needs Assessment (MSNA) conducted by REACH provided complementary insights into communication preferences. These suggest that interpersonal communication channels remain important, with 40 percent of respondents preferring phone calls and 31 percent preferring face-to-face communication, compared to 13 percent who preferred WhatsApp. In addition, only 45 percent of respondents reported being aware of how to access community feedback mechanisms, highlighting potential gaps in communication and outreach. MSNA findings also pointed to inclusion-related challenges, including perceptions that communication with aid providers may be more focused on male heads of household.
Overall, the findings highlight that while connectivity infrastructure is present, access to reliable communication is shaped by a combination of factors, including geographic disparities, electricity availability, and differences in access to trusted information sources. The continued importance of interpersonal communication channels, alongside digital platforms, underscores the need for multichannel communication approaches.
Among the key recommendations are:
• the adoption of a multi-channel communication approach that combines digital platforms with interpersonal methods such as phone calls and face-to-face engagement to reflect community preferences and ensure broader reach;
• addressing gaps in access to reliable information by strengthening trusted, locally relevant communication channels and ensuring information is consistent, verified, and regularly updated across districts; and
• the improved inclusion and accessibility of communication efforts, particularly for underserved groups, by tailoring outreach strategies, increasing awareness of feedback mechanisms, and ensuring equitable engagement beyond male heads of household.