Food Security in Southern Lebanon Severely Threatened by Ongoing Conflict repercussions

BRATISLAVA, November 10 (IPS) – Food security and livelihoods in southern Lebanon are under severe threat as the repercussions of Israeli bombing continue to be felt across the region, a report released today (NOV 10) has warned.

Almost a year sence a ceasefire was agreed, many farmers in Southern Lebanon are still denied access to their land due to displacement, ongoing Israeli attacks, and soil contamination, a joint report from Action Against Hunger, Oxfam and Insecurity Insight has found.

the impacts of the war, coupled with regular Israeli attacks and occupation, have wiped out farmland and destroyed crops and essential food infrastructure, threatening food security and livelihoods in some of the country’s most fertile and productive areas, according to the report.

“Food insecurity is a huge concern in Lebanon, affecting around a fifth of its population, and this report shows how damage and displacement are devastating production in some of its most fertile lands. As winter approaches, more and more families face hunger and poverty,” Suzanne Takkenberg, Action against Hunger Country Director, told IPS.

The report,“‘We Lost Everything’: The Impact of Conflict on Farmers and food Security in lebanon,” lays bare the effects of repeated and ongoing attacks by Israeli forces on Lebanese agricultural land and food production.

It highlights the lasting disruption to the agricultural sector and damage to the rural economy as seeds, fuel and other items necessary to plant and harvest, such as fertilizer and fuel, fodder, workers, and equipment, have become harder to obtain, while damaged roads mean transporting goods can sometimes be impractical.

Displacement and continued lack of access to land are among the major problems farmers are facing.

Almost half of the farmers interviewed for the report had been internally displaced and nearly a year on since the ceasefire was agreed, approximately 82,000 people remain unable to go home due to ongoing Israeli occupation and armed violence.

The ongoing presence of Israeli troops in southern Lebanon, despite a February 2025 deadline for their withdrawal, is also preventing people from accessing land to farm.

“Agricultural losses are not only caused by shelling or burning. When farmers cannot reach their land because of displacement or military presence, the outcome is the same: fields go unplanted, and food disappears,” Christina Wille, Director of Insecurity Insight, told IPS.

But farmers have also complained of another serious effect of the bombings – contamination with/from explosive remnants of war (ERW) and white phosphorus.

White phosphorus can have detrimental effects on soil fertility and plant growth,which affects farmers’ ability to grow and harvest crops – with a knock-on effect for food security.

“ERW also poses a serious risk, as not only can these weapons degrade over time and contaminate water and soil, but they c

Displaced Farmers in Southern Lebanon Still Denied Access to Land

2025/11/10 10:57:57

The Ongoing Crisis

Displaced farmers in southern Lebanon continue to face significant obstacles in regaining access to their land, hindering their ability to rebuild livelihoods and contribute to the region’s recovery. Months after the cessation of hostilities, many agricultural lands remain inaccessible due to security concerns, landmines, and ongoing restrictions.

Impact on Livelihoods

The inability to farm has devastating consequences for these communities. Agriculture is a primary source of income and food security in southern Lebanon. Without access to their land, farmers are left reliant on humanitarian aid and face long-term economic hardship. This situation exacerbates existing vulnerabilities and hinders the region’s overall stability.

Challenges to Re-entry

• Landmines and Unexploded Ordnance: A significant portion of agricultural land is contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance, posing a serious threat to farmers attempting to return.
• Security Concerns: Ongoing security concerns and the presence of armed groups in some areas prevent farmers from safely accessing their fields.
• Restrictions on Movement: Restrictions on movement imposed by various actors further limit access to agricultural land.

Humanitarian Response and Recovery Efforts

Despite the challenges, humanitarian organizations are working to support displaced farmers and facilitate their return. These efforts include:

• Greenhouse Reconstruction: Rebuilding greenhouses destroyed during the conflict to enable farmers to resume production.
• Road restoration: Repairing roads to improve access to agricultural areas.
• Cash Assistance: Providing cash assistance to help farmers meet their immediate needs.
• Agricultural Inputs: Distributing essential agricultural inputs, such as seeds and fertilizers.

Collaboration with local Communities

Humanitarian organizations are collaborating closely with local authorities and communities to ensure that assistance is delivered effectively and sustainably. This collaborative approach is crucial for addressing the specific needs of each community and fostering long-term recovery.

The Need for Lasting Peace

As stated by a representative from a leading humanitarian institution, “Teams are operating in this highly volatile surroundings to support those in need – rebuilding greenhouses, restoring roads, distributing cash and providing essential agricultural inputs. Working side by side with local authorities and communities, we are doing what we can to repair livelihoods and create space for renewal. but ultimately, this won’t be possible until we have lasting peace.”

Key Takeaways

• Displaced farmers in southern Lebanon are still largely denied access to their land.
• This lack of access severely impacts livelihoods and food security.
• Landmines, security concerns, and movement restrictions are major obstacles.
• Humanitarian organizations are providing support, but lasting peace is essential for lasting recovery.