Lebanon is grappling with a severe food security crisis, fueled by a confluence of economic instability, escalating conflict, and systemic weaknesses in its agricultural and market systems. A joint report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), titled "Special Report 2024: FAO/WFP Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission to the Lebanese Republic", highlights the magnitude of this crisis, which has left nearly a quarter of the population in acute food insecurity. 

Economic Collapse Deepens the Crisis

According to the report, the economic crisis, which began in 2019, remains a central driver of food insecurity in Lebanon. The collapse of the financial system and sharp depreciation of the Lebanese pound have drastically eroded household purchasing power. By July 2024, the survival minimum expenditure basket (SMEB) for a family of five had surged to USD 450—an astonishing 190% increase compared to March 2021. The removal of subsidies on essential goods, coupled with inflation and rising global food prices, has compounded the crisis. As of mid-2024, 1.26 million people (23% of the population) were experiencing acute food insecurity, a number projected to worsen before the mid-November ceasefire announcement.

Reliance on Imports Exacerbates Vulnerability

Lebanon’s dependence on food imports, which constitute about 50% of the country’s supply, heightens its vulnerability to global market fluctuations. For the 2024/25 marketing year, FAO estimated wheat import needs at 664,000 tonnes, with total cereal and potato imports covering over 88% of national utilization requirements. However, escalating freight costs and conflict-related disruptions have raised concerns about critical shortages, putting additional strain on Lebanon's fragile food system.

Agricultural Sector Struggles to Meet Demand

The domestic agricultural sector, contributing less than 6% to the GDP, has failed to meet national food needs. In 2024, unfavorable weather, labor shortages, and conflict-related disruptions led to a 40% drop in staple cereal production, totaling just 113,700 tonnes. Potato production also fell by 8%, while pulse output stagnated at 4,900 tonnes. Overuse of agrochemicals has further degraded soil quality and water resources, hampering efforts to increase agricultural productivity.

Households Turn to Coping Mechanisms

Lebanese households have been forced to adopt coping mechanisms to survive. According to the FAO, 76% of households reported relying on medium to high food-related strategies, such as reducing meal portions or opting for lower-quality food. Low-income families have resorted to selling productive assets and taking on debt to meet basic needs, further undermining their resilience.

Conflict Intensifies Market Disruptions

The Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which escalated starting September 2024, has severely disrupted market functionality, particularly in southern and eastern regions. By mid-October, the WFP reported that 44% of shops in South Lebanon, 69% in the southern suburbs of Beirut, and 82% in Nabatieh were non-operational. These disruptions have triggered localized food shortages and price surges, with the cost of food baskets increasing by 4.5% within weeks. Although supply chains in less affected areas have remained operational, they are under significant strain.

Pathways to Addressing the Crisis

The report stressed that addressing Lebanon’s food security crisis requires immediate and long-term measures. In the short term, stabilizing food markets, maintaining functional supply chains, and expanding humanitarian aid are critical priorities. Over the long term, investments in agriculture, such as improving irrigation systems, subsidizing inputs, and promoting sustainable farming practices, are essential. Strengthening social safety nets and tackling income inequality will also be crucial in building resilience against future shocks.