Lebanon's Southern Agriculture Faces Catastrophic Losses

More than 18,559 hectares of agricultural land in southern Lebanon have sustained direct damage, representing 22.5% of all farmland within conflict zones, according to the fifth weekly report from the national response plan led by the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture. The report, dated May 4, 2026, reveals a total of 56,264 hectares affected nationwide, with damage recorded across 64 southern towns. The destruction has targeted not only crops but also irrigation networks, production infrastructure, and facilities tied to agricultural and food value chains.

Small-scale farmers have been hit hardest, as they account for roughly 80% of all agricultural holdings in the south. This concentration of damage directly threatens the livelihoods and local economies of rural families. The report highlights that citrus, banana, and olive trees top the list of most-affected crops. Fruit tree damage spans approximately 11,075 hectares, followed by olive trees on about 6,600 hectares—a severe long-term blow to perennial crops and strategic production in the region.

Farmer Displacement and Infrastructure Damage

Data from the ministry's platform shows 23,611 registered farmers, with 5,803 newly registered in the past week alone. However, 77.9% of southern farmers remain displaced from their towns, while only 22.1% have been able to stay in their areas. The report also documents extensive damage to agricultural infrastructure, including 4,269 hectares of farmland, 1,617 farms, and 793 plastic greenhouses. Additional losses have hit food processing centers, olive and carob presses, and facilities for packaging, cooling, and aggregating agricultural products.

Livestock losses are staggering, with 1,848,856 head of poultry, sheep, goats, and cattle reported dead. The beekeeping and fish farming sectors have also suffered heavily: over 29,000 beehives have been lost, and approximately 2,030 tons of fish have perished.

Urgent Needs and Emergency Response

Farmers' most pressing needs currently include agricultural medicines, fuel for irrigation, water, and production inputs for both crops and livestock. Veterinary care, livestock vaccination, and transport of produce to safer areas are also critical. The districts of Bint Jbeil, Marjayoun, and Tyre recorded the highest rates of emergency agricultural requirements.

Alongside assessment and monitoring, the Ministry of Agriculture is executing a comprehensive national response plan focused on protecting crop and livestock production, ensuring food supply chain continuity, stabilizing markets, and delivering emergency aid to farmers. This effort involves coordination with relevant ministries, local authorities, international organizations, and donor partners.

The ministry has stated it is taking exceptional measures to facilitate imports of essential agricultural products and speed up cargo entry through ports and crossings, while intensifying market and price monitoring in cooperation with food security and consumer protection bodies.

Financial Aid and International Support

Under support programs, the ministry—in collaboration with partners and donors—aims to provide cash assistance exceeding $1.65 million to about 4,840 farmers. In-kind aid, including agricultural inputs, animal feed, solar-powered pumps, and rehabilitation of agricultural infrastructure, is expected to benefit an additional 1,850 farmers. Supporting and implementing entities include the World Food Programme, the European Union, United Nations agencies, and various international and local organizations specializing in agricultural development and community empowerment.

The report comes amid growing warnings about the severe impact of agricultural damage on national food security. Southern Lebanon is a key production region for olives, citrus, and fruits, underscoring the urgent need to accelerate response and support for farmers to sustain agricultural output, bolster rural community resilience, and prevent further deterioration of the national agricultural economy.