By AnjaIi Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis released a new report on Wednesday revealed that a third of Lebanon’s population is facing acute food insecurity following the escalation of hostilities in late 2024.
The report developed by FAO, the WFP and the Ministry of Agriculture reveals that the impact of hostilities on agriculture and the economy will likely slow recovery.
It said that over 1.65 million people are now facing crisis or emergency levels of hunger, with 400,000 additional people classified as acutely food insecure compared to early 2024.
Some 200,000 are in emergency conditions, a figure that has doubled since the conflict’s escalation late last year between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants.
The report noted that a fragile ceasefire agreement signed in late November has largely held, enabled the withdrawal of Israeli troops and militants from the south, while Lebanese Government forces redeploy to guarantee the peace alongside UN peacekeepers.
Matthew Hollingworth, WFP Representative in Lebanon said “Lebanon’s worsening food security is no surprise,”
He added “66 days of war, preceded by months of conflict, have shattered lives and livelihoods”.
Matthew Hollingworth said that the burden of food insecurity weighs heavily on Lebanon’s refugee populations.
He emphasized that 40 per cent of Syrian and Palestinian refugees in the country are facing crisis-level hunger.
“While some can return home after the ceasefire, others face the harsh reality of having no home left to return to,” said Mr. Hollingworth.
He stressed the urgency of rebuilding food systems and livelihoods.
The Lebanese economy has shrunk by 34 per cent since 2019 with key sectors such as agriculture, tourism and trade badly affected, the report stated.
The destruction of agricultural land and assets during the fighting, including the burning of 12,000 hectares of farmland, has caused losses exceeding $1 billion in the sector alone.
Veronica Quattrola, FAO Representative in Lebanon said “The escalation of hostilities has severely impacted farmers’ livelihoods, as well as agricultural assets and infrastructure, leading to heightened food insecurity and threatening the sustainability of farming activities.”
She noted that inflation and the removal of wheat subsidies have further strained household budgets, pushing food prices beyond reach for many vulnerable families.
Major food price increases have left families adopting coping mechanisms such as skipping meals or consuming less nutritious food.
Malnutrition continues to pose a significant risk, particularly to children and women.
A survey revealed that three in four children under five are eating diets with very little diversity, leaving them vulnerable to stunted growth and a low weight for their age.
Syrian refugee children are disproportionately affected, with stunting rates significantly higher than the national average.
WFP provided food assistance to 750,000 people in 2024 and plans to support 2.5 million people in 2025, including nearly 900,000 Syrian refugees.
The funding shortfalls and logistical challenges have hindered efforts to deliver aid to conflict-affected regions.
Ms. Quattrola said that “FAO is steadfast in its commitment to help farmers resume production and supporting communities in rebuilding and enhancing their resilience”.
Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture, led by Abbas Al-Hajj Hassan, emphasized the need for international support to rebuild the country’s agricultural sector and compensate affected farmers.
“Sustained cooperation is key to achieving sustainable development for Lebanon’s agricultural sector,” Dr. Hassan stated.
He called for stronger partnerships.
The report stressed that while a ceasefire was announced in November 2024, recovery remains uncertain.
The report projected that food insecurity is expected to persist over the next three months, with no short-term return to pre-crisis conditions.
“At this critical moment, our mission is clear: to support the Government and the people in rebuilding their lives and food systems” Mr. Hollingworth added.
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