Source: UN News: Monday, 04 May 2026 00:02 AM
The recent surge in violent conflict in Lebanon has deeply undermined progress on food security, and about 25 percent of the country’s population could face a deep hunger crisis in the coming months. In a new analysis, UN agencies have emphasized on providing emergency support for agriculture, providing timely humanitarian relief to vulnerable populations, and providing livelihood assistance, so that this huge challenge can be avoided. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a new analysis that tracks food insecurity, 1.24 million people, or a quarter of the country’s population, could be forced to face crisis level (Phase 3) or worse food insecurity between April and August 2026. Lebanon’s Agriculture Ministry told the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (F.A.O.), world food program (WFP) has shared the results of this analysis. In IPC analysis, food insecurity is divided into five stages. Tweet URL
Phase 1, where there is no pressure on food securityPhase 2, when people are struggling to find foodPhase 3, a situation of food crisisPhase 4, an emergencyPhase 5, catastrophic conditions or famineThe findings of the study show a worsening situation compared to the period from November 2025 to March 2026. At that time 8.74 lakh people (17 percent of the total population) were struggling with food insecurity. Following the outbreak of hostilities between Iran and the US and Israel on February 28, violent clashes broke out in Lebanon between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, although a fragile ceasefire remains in place. The situation is worsening due to violent conflicts, displacement and economic pressures. Agriculture, an important source of food and income in Lebanon, has been adversely affected by violent conflicts. This sector has not yet fully recovered from the effects of the war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2024. Farms have been damaged in the shelling, families dependent on farming have been displaced, the cost of agricultural inputs is increasing and food production is being affected due to widespread insecurity. This crisis affects all Lebanese households and population groups. Lebanon is facing problems on many fronts, which have worsened the situation. Insecurity and displacement have disrupted livelihoods and income opportunities, put pressure on supply chains, and led to unequal access to markets in areas affected by violent conflict. At the same time, inflation and rising food prices have affected people’s ability to purchase goods, their purchasing power, the level of humanitarian assistance has decreased and it is becoming difficult for families to survive due to lack of funds. The complex circumstances in the Middle East region are making this crisis more serious. The situation has worsened due to disruption in trade routes and increase in fuel and transportation prices. The challenge of not getting enough food: The situation is especially bad for displaced people and populations already living in vulnerable conditions. 3.62 lakh Syrian refugees and approximately 1 lakh Palestinian refugees may be facing crisis or worse levels of food insecurity. Under the current circumstances, households are unable to meet their basic food needs and are forced to reduce the quality and quantity of food or not eat food at all. Some people are taking out loans or selling basic necessities. Alison Oman Lawi, WFP Representative and Country Director in Lebanon, expressed concern that past IPC analyzes had warned of a fragile situation and, unfortunately, this appears to be true. “The improvements achieved with great difficulty are rapidly changing direction. Families who were barely surviving are now being plunged into crisis due to the combination of violent conflict, displacement and rising prices. It has become increasingly difficult to manage food.” A critical situation for agricultureThe Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says that the situation in rural areas and agri-food systems in Lebanon is critical. Agricultural livelihoods and food security have been affected due to deeper shocks. The study makes it clear that the current situation is very sensitive to any kind of shock. Without humanitarian assistance, better access to those in need, and stability in the security and economic environment, food insecurity is likely to worsen in the coming months. Food experts warn that the risks are increasing as the days to the spring planting season draw closer. Without the support farmers need, agricultural production is likely to decline, food insecurity will deepen, and humanitarian aid needs will surge. This analysis reflects the immediate aftermath of the recent violent conflict, and it may take some more time to understand its broader implications for the Middle East region. That is, due to increased pressure, the situation may worsen or continue for a longer period than previously estimated. In view of this, the UN agency has urged to provide emergency agricultural support to farmers, so that the situation can be prevented from worsening. Additionally, providing timely humanitarian relief and livelihood support to protect the most vulnerable populations will be important, so that a deep food security crisis can be avoided.