Government of Lebanon and UN launch EU-funded programme for conflict-affected farmers

Led by the Ministry of Agriculture in close alignment with the Ministry of Social Affairs’ national Shock-Responsive Safety Net, the initiative comes as conflict and displacement continue to disrupt agricultural production and rural livelihoods. To date, 46,500 hectares of agricultural land have been affected, while many families have lost income, productive assets and their ability to sustain farming activities. At the same time, food insecurity is worsening across Lebanon, with 1.24 million people facing acute food insecurity.

Through the programme, vulnerable farming families will receive support to meet their immediate needs, cope with growing challenges and protect their livelihoods from further deterioration. In its initial phase, the programme aims to support 2,000 conflict-affected households through cash-based assistance.

The programme builds on existing government systems to help ensure that assistance reaches farmers quickly and effectively. It draws on Ministry of Agriculture data, including the national Farmers’ Registry supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), as well as the conflict-related agricultural registration launched at the onset of the war. The initiative is also aligned with national social protection systems to support transparent and efficient delivery of assistance.

"This program reflects Lebanon’s commitment to placing agricultural resilience at the center of national recovery. By integrating the National Farmers’ Registry, conflict-impact assessments, geospatial data and shock-responsive social protection mechanisms, we are establishing a science-based and evidence-driven framework that enables transparent, efficient and equitable targeting of the most vulnerable farming households.

“Protecting farmers’ livelihoods is not only an emergency response; it is a strategic investment in safeguarding national food security, preserving rural economies and strengthening the resilience of Lebanon’s agrifood systems against future crises. This integrated approach reinforces national institutions, enhances coordination across government and development partners, and creates a scalable model for delivering timely agricultural assistance through national systems.

“We deeply value the European Union’s continued support and the strong partnership with WFP and FAO. Together, we are not only addressing the immediate consequences of conflict, but also laying the foundations for a more resilient, sustainable and inclusive agricultural sector capable of supporting Lebanon’s long-term recovery and development,” said H.E. Dr. Nizar Hani, Minister of Agriculture in Lebanon.

“The impact of conflict extends far beyond the immediate loss of income, it affects people’s dignity, resilience and ability to recover. By linking agricultural assistance to Lebanon’s national Shock-Responsive Safety Net, we are ensuring that support reaches the most vulnerable farming families through transparent, government-led systems. 

“This partnership demonstrates how stronger national institutions can deliver more effective assistance in times of crisis while laying the foundation for a more resilient and inclusive social protection system. 

“We thank the European Union, WFP and FAO for their continued partnership in supporting Lebanon’s recovery and strengthening the capacity of our national institutions,” said H.E. Haneen Sayed, Minister of Social Affairs in Lebanon. 

The programme brings together government institutions and partners to deliver a coordinated response that supports vulnerable farming families while strengthening national systems.

“The European Union is proud to support Lebanon in protecting those whose livelihoods have been most affected by the conflict. By linking agricultural support with Lebanon's national social protection system, this programme demonstrates that emergency assistance can also strengthen national institutions and lay the foundations for a more resilient and inclusive recovery. Together with the Ministries of Agriculture and Social Affairs, WFP and FAO, we are investing in solutions that help vulnerable farming families recover today while improving the country's preparedness for future shocks,” said H.E. Sandra De Waele, Ambassador of the European Union to Lebanon.

WFP is supporting this government-led initiative by providing technical and operational assistance to deliver support to vulnerable farming families and strengthen Lebanon’s capacity to respond to future crises.

“Lebanon’s farmers are at the heart of the country’s food security. When conflict disrupts agricultural livelihoods, the consequences extend beyond individual households and affect entire communities and food systems,” said Anne Valand, WFP Lebanon Deputy Country Director. “This initiative provides immediate support to vulnerable farming families while strengthening Lebanon’s ability to respond to future shocks.”

As needs continue to grow, the Government of Lebanon, the European Union and WFP remain committed to supporting vulnerable communities, protecting livelihoods and helping rural families recover and rebuild.

Notes to Editors

• This support is led by the Ministry of Agriculture in close coordination with the Ministry of Social Affairs and the national emergency response.
• Funding is provided by the European Union.
• WFP provides technical assistance and operational support in support of government-led implementation.
• Assistance is informed by Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) data, including the national Farmers’ Registry, and coordinated with national social protection systems.
• The programme combines emergency livelihood protection with efforts to strengthen Lebanon’s capacity to deliver shock-responsive agricultural assistance through national systems.

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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.