Lebanon’s agrifood sector is a prime example of resiliency. As the backbone of the country’s food system, farms, businesses, and local communities have continuously adjusted to economic instability, political turbulence, and environmental pressures. However, now coming out of a uniquely challenging 2024, accumulated critical challenges call for strategic thinking and innovative, practical solutions.
Understanding the Food System Challenge (FSC)
The Food System Challenge (FSC) is a collaborative initiative by the World Food Programme (WFP) and Berytech, supported by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It aims to bolster Lebanese Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the agriculture and agrifood sectors by addressing core challenges within the food system.
A Closer Look at Pressing Challenges
Food Systems Advisor Bashar Berro explains that food security revolves around four key pillars: availability, accessibility, utility, and sustainability within the food or food value chain. “Lebanon faces disruptions in all four of these areas, which keeps our communities insecure,” he says.
Lebanon’s agricultural systems face growing pressures that call for careful examination and immediate action, particularly regarding resource management and operational practices. Agricultural productivity is significantly threatened by outdated water infrastructure and unpredictable rainfall patterns due to climate change. “Climate change is severely impacting Lebanese Agriculture and Food Systems. Unfortunately, there is a very limited understanding about the expected impact and adaptation measures to keep systems in Lebanon resilient,” Berro adds.
Additionally, food waste has increased because of production inefficiencies, severely impacting sectors such as dairy, meat, and vegetables. The significant dependence on imported food staples emphasizes the pressing need for sustainable substitutes to improve food security and economic stability.
The recent conflict has further strained Lebanon’s agrifood sector, particularly in rural areas like southern Lebanon and the Bekaa region. Farmers have suffered significant losses, with harvests abandoned, orchards damaged, and livestock production severely impacted. The disruption of export routes has added another layer of difficulty, particularly for staple crops such as potatoes, affecting both local livelihoods and market stability.
Exploring Practical Strategies
This series of articles will offer a practical roadmap tailored specifically for Lebanon’s agrifood stakeholders, closely matching programs such as Berytech’s Food System Challenge. It aims to provide agribusinesses and entrepreneurs with useful knowledge and hands-on insights.
- The first article will outline sustainable and practical solutions to increase water and energy access, essential for farming operations and business continuity. Effective strategies will be highlighted, including the use of renewable energy such as solar-powered irrigation, drip irrigation, and rainwater harvesting.
- The second piece will focus on local import substitution strategies, intended to boost local economies and lessen reliance on outside food sources. Real-life examples will illustrate successful models that Lebanese agribusinesses can recreate.
- The third article will then shift towards optimizing production efficiency. Practical case studies and proven methods will demonstrate how operational improvements can boost productivity, minimize losses, and ensure greater profitability and sustainability.
- Lastly, the critical issue of food loss reduction will be addressed by introducing innovative circular economy practices. Lebanese agribusinesses and producers will benefit from insights on how to turn waste into useful resources, improving sustainability and resilience.
A Collective Path Forward
As Lebanon faces this pivotal moment, cross-collaboration between farmers, businesses, thinkers, and policymakers is essential to creating a robust and sustainable agrifood sector. Stakeholders can work together to create a prosperous and sustainable future by encouraging creative and useful collaborations.
Join us as we explore the pathways toward turning challenges into opportunities, ensuring lasting food security, economic stability, and enduring prosperity for Lebanon.
- United Nations Food Systems Hub. (2024, March 1). National Pathway: Lebanon. UN Food Systems Hub. Retrieved mid-February 2025.
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2024). Lebanon’s Food Security Situation: Dependency on Imports and Future Risks. Open Knowledge FAO. Retrieved mid-February 2025.
- Jaafar, H. (2024, November 3). The 2024 Israeli War on Lebanon: A Devastating Blow to Agriculture and the Environment. Retrieved mid-February 2025.
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2024). Assessment of the Impact of the Conflict on Lebanon’s Agricultural Sector. Open Knowledge FAO. Retrieved mid-February 2025.
