Food insecurity in Lebanon returns to near pre-conflict levels - but gains remain fragile, new report shows

Link to latest report

BEIRUT – Under the patronage and in the presence of Lebanese Minister of Agriculture Dr. Nizar Hani, and with the participation of WFP Representative and Country Director in Lebanon Mr. Matthew Hollingworth, Acting FAO Representative in Lebanon Ms. Veronica Quattrola and a number of experts and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Lebanon: Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report for the period of April to October 2025 was launched at the Ministry’s headquarters in Beirut.

The report shows that one in five people in Lebanon – around 1.17 million individuals – are facing crisis or emergency levels of acute food insecurity between April and June 2025. While this figure reflects gradual recovery compared to figures from earlier this year, when 1.65 million people were affected following the conflict, gains remain fragile without sustained support.

This gradual recovery in food security levels is attributed mainly to the ceasefire agreement, a short-term increase in food assistance, and relative recovery in some local markets. However, the country continues to grapple with major challenges including the deterioration of agricultural infrastructure, rising inflation rates, economic stagnation, and concerning funding gaps in humanitarian programmes.

The report highlights that the recent conflict caused significant damage to agricultural assets, especially in southern Lebanon, leading to a decline in production and disruption of food sources for many households. Damaged infrastructure – estimated to cost billions of dollars – remains unrepaired, and local economies are recovering at a slow pace. The number of internally displaced persons is estimated at around 100,000 people.

“What the numbers are telling us is that while immediate and widespread humanitarian support before and throughout the ceasefire have eased pressures, the situation remains precarious,” said Matthew Hollingworth, WFP Lebanon Representative and Country Director. “Many families are one setback away from slipping back into crisis. Predictable, sustained assistance will be crucial to ensure these improvements hold.”

According to FAO Representative in Lebanon a.i, Veronica Quattrola: “Escalating hostilities and mass displacement have severely disrupted agrifood systems, threatening food security. Agriculture is a vital pillar for resilience and recovery, making urgent, targeted support essential to restore production, stabilize food access, and build long-term resilience in affected communities.”

The report identifies the highest levels of food insecurity in the governorates of Baalbek-Hermel, Baabda, Bint Jbeil, Marjayoun, Nabatieh, Tyre, and Akkar. According to the data:

• Around 591,000 Lebanese (15% of Lebanese households),
• Approximately 515,000 Syrian refugees (37% of Syrian refugees),
• Nearly 67,000 Palestinian refugees (30% of Palestinian refugees),

are currently living under crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity and are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

IPC projections estimate that the number of affected individuals will rise to 1.24 million people – about 23% of the population analysed – between July and October 2025, due to seasonal factors, continued economic contraction (with GDP still 34% below 2019 levels), and a likely decline in humanitarian aid funding.

During the report launch, Minister of Agriculture Dr. Nizar Hani stressed that Lebanon continues to suffer from the cumulative effects of financial, economic, and social crises since 2019, which have severely impacted living conditions and increased food insecurity. He said:

“As part of its national responsibilities, the Ministry of Agriculture placed food security at the core of its strategy and requested to join the IPC initiative in 2022 to establish an accurate scientific basis for guiding policy.”

He highlighted that the analysis results confirmed the urgent need for swift interventions, particularly in areas heavily affected by the hostilities, such as Akkar, Baalbek, Hermel, Bint Jbeil, and Marjayoun.

The Minister added: “We need to strengthen national partnerships and expand coordination among relevant ministries – including Economy, Health, Environment, Social Affairs, Education, and Energy – to build an integrated national response that supports social safety nets, nutrition, education, and agriculture.” 

He stressed that boosting sound agricultural production is a key entry point to achieving sustainable food security and noted several ministry initiatives in this regard, including the launch of a “Food Contaminant Observatory” and the reactivation of central laboratories in Kfarshima to ensure food safety and quality.

In conclusion, Minister Hani thanked the Ministry’s partners – WFP, FAO, the American University of Beirut, the Central Administration of Statistics, and NGOs – for their efforts, stating:

“Food security is a national responsibility that requires inclusive cooperation and continuous coordination among all stakeholders to build a more resilient society and ensure a fairer, more stable citizenship for everyone living in Lebanon.”

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About the World Food Programme (WFP)

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

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About the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 members - 194 countries and the European Union, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

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