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Lebanon Faces Worsening Food Insecurity Post-Conflict, Report Warns
A report jointly developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and Lebanon’s Ministry of Agriculture highlights the growing food insecurity crisis in Lebanon following the recent conflict. The findings suggest that the conflict’s impact on agriculture and the economy will significantly hinder recovery efforts.
Alarming Hunger Levels
An estimated 1.65 million people in Lebanon are currently experiencing crisis or emergency levels of hunger, with an additional 400,000 people falling into acute food insecurity compared to early 2024. Among those affected, over 200,000 are in emergency conditions—a figure that has doubled since the escalation of hostilities late last year between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants.
A fragile ceasefire agreement, signed in late November, has held for the most part, enabling the withdrawal of Israeli troops and militants from the southern region. Lebanese Government forces have redeployed to maintain peace, supported by UN peacekeepers.
“Lebanon’s worsening food security comes as no surprise,” said Matthew Hollingworth, WFP Representative in Lebanon. “Sixty-six days of war, preceded by months of conflict, have devastated lives and livelihoods,” he noted.
Refugee Populations Hit Hard
Lebanon’s refugee communities are bearing a heavy burden from the food insecurity crisis. Approximately 40% of Syrian and Palestinian refugees in the country face crisis-level hunger.
“While some refugees may return home under the ceasefire, many are confronted with the heartbreaking reality of having no homes to go back to,” said Hollingworth, emphasizing the urgent need to rebuild food systems and restore livelihoods.
Economic Devastation
Lebanon’s economy has contracted by 34% since 2019, with key sectors—including agriculture, tourism, and trade—suffering significant damage. The recent conflict saw the destruction of agricultural land and assets, with an estimated 12,000 hectares of farmland burned, resulting in losses exceeding $1 billion in the agricultural sector alone.
“The escalation of hostilities has severely disrupted farmers’ livelihoods and destroyed agricultural infrastructure, exacerbating food insecurity and jeopardizing the sustainability of farming activities,” said Veronica Quattrola, FAO Representative in Lebanon.
Inflation and the removal of wheat subsidies have further strained household budgets, leaving many vulnerable families unable to afford basic food staples. Soaring food prices have forced families to adopt coping mechanisms such as skipping meals or consuming less nutritious food.
Vulnerable Populations at Greater Risk
Malnutrition remains a major concern, particularly for women and children. According to a recent survey, three in four children under five are consuming diets with limited diversity, putting them at risk of stunted growth and underweight conditions. Syrian refugee children are disproportionately affected, with stunting rates significantly above the national average.
Humanitarian Response
In response to the deepening crisis, the WFP provided food assistance to 750,000 vulnerable individuals in 2024 and aims to reach 2.5 million people in 2025, including nearly 900,000 Syrian refugees. However, funding inadequacies and logistical challenges have hindered the delivery of aid to conflict-affected regions.
The FAO remains committed to helping farmers recover and supporting communities in rebuilding their resilience. “We are steadfast in our mission to assist farmers in restarting agricultural production and to strengthen the resilience of affected communities,” stated Quattrola.
Lebanon’s Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Abbas Al-Hajj Hassan, called for increased international support to rebuild the agricultural sector and compensate farmers for their losses. “Sustained collaboration is essential to achieving long-term development for Lebanon’s agricultural industry,” he emphasized.
The Road Ahead
Despite the November 2024 ceasefire, Lebanon’s recovery remains uncertain. The report predicts that food insecurity will persist over the next three months, with little prospect of returning to pre-crisis conditions in the short term.
“At this critical juncture, our mission is clear: to help the Government and the people of Lebanon rebuild their lives and restore the country’s food systems,” said Hollingworth.
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