Food Insecurity Deepens in Lebanon Following Conflict, New Report Shows
Thirty percent of population faces acute hunger as 2025 begins, malnutrition risk remains.
BEIRUT – Nearly a third of Lebanon’s population is facing acute food insecurity following the escalation of conflict in late 2024, and the impact of hostilities on agriculture and the economy mean recovery is likely to be slow, according to a new food security assessment. Click here to download the full study
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis on Lebanon, developed by FAO, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Ministry of Agriculture, shows that some 1.65 million people in Lebanon are now facing crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above), up from 1.26 million before the escalation. Meanwhile, 201,000 people are grappling with emergency levels (IPC Phase 4), twice the number before.
“Lebanon’s worsening food security is no surprise,” said Matthew Hollingworth, U.N. World Food Programme Representative in Lebanon. “Sixty-six days of war, preceded by months of conflict, have shattered lives and livelihoods. While some can return home after the ceasefire, others face the harsh reality of having no home left to return to. At this critical moment, our mission is clear: to support the government and the people in rebuilding their lives and food systems.”
The report projects that food insecurity is expected to persist over the next three months, with no short-term return to pre-crisis conditions. With challenges ahead, ongoing humanitarian efforts in supporting recovery will be critical.
“The escalation of hostilities has severely impacted farmers’ livelihoods, as well as agricultural assets and infrastructure, leading to heightened food insecurity and threatening the sustainability of farming activities,” said Veronica Quattrola, FAO Representative in Lebanon. She added, “FAO is steadfast in its commitment to helping farmers resume production and supporting communities in rebuilding and enhancing their resilience.”
Lebanon’s refugee populations are particularly at risk, the report noted. Some 594,000 Syrian refugees (40% of the Syrian refugee population) and 89,000 Palestinian refugees (40% of the Palestinian refugee population) are classified as facing IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) or above. Some 970,000 Lebanese residents (25% of the population) are in the same bracket.
The conflict has severely disrupted economic activity and livelihoods across all sectors, the report said, noting that markets were still struggling to get back on their feet despite the November ceasefire. The sharp downturn deepens what was already a protracted economic crisis. The Lebanese economy has contracted by 34% in real GDP since 2019, with investments stagnating.
Malnutrition continues to pose a significant risk in Lebanon, particularly among children, adolescents, and women. A recent study revealed that 3 in 4 children under the age of 5 are eating diets with very little diversity, leaving them vulnerable to stunting and wasting.
In 2024, the U.N. World Food Programme provided food assistance to 750,000 people displaced by fighting, supplying hot meals, food supplies, and cash assistance to people in shelters and communities across Lebanon. This year, it plans to assist 2.5 million people, including almost 900,000 Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
The caretaker Minister of Agriculture Dr. Abbas Al-Hajj Hassan emphasized the importance of sustainability, transparency, and trust in agricultural projects, highlighting the meeting as a result of extensive efforts and strong partnerships among stakeholders. He stated, “These partnerships strengthen our nation, which needs support from international bodies and local partners. Sustained cooperation is key to achieving sustainable development for Lebanon’s agricultural sector.” Dr. Al-Hajj Hassan underscored the national significance of assessing damages caused by the Israel war with Lebanon, noting: “This process began on day one of this war, resulting in joint technical committees with international organizations and local partners, enabling effective assessments.” He affirmed the project’s goal of compensating affected farmers: “Our priority is securing funding for damages, and we will work tirelessly to achieve this.” He concluded by reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to sustainable agricultural development and collaboration with all partners to address Lebanon’s challenges.
Prior to the intensification of the conflict, 23% of the population (Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian refugees) was already classified as IPC Phase 3 or above (April–September 2024), totaling 1.26 million acutely food insecure.
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About the World Food Programme (WFP)
The United Nations World Food Programme is the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and the world’s leading 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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