War inflicts losses on Lebanon’s olive sector

Farmers across Lebanon are facing worsening working conditions as access to land becomes more restricted, particularly in the south of the country where agriculture is a key source of income. Many producers have been forced to abandon their fields due to insecurity and economic pressure, putting olive harvests and rural livelihoods at direct risk.

The crisis is compounded by rising food insecurity and large-scale displacement. International assessments suggest that over one million people in Lebanon may face acute food shortages, with southern agricultural regions among the most affected. These areas are also central to the country’s olive production, meaning the disruption has wider consequences for national food supply.

At the same time, Lebanon’s agricultural infrastructure is suffering significant damage. Irrigation systems, farms, and perennial crops have been affected, with losses estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Farmers also face rising energy costs and unreliable water supplies, making production increasingly difficult even in relatively stable areas.

Despite these challenges, some producers remain cautiously hopeful about the sector’s future, pointing to the potential of ecosystem restoration and more sustainable farming practices. They argue that the recovery of Lebanon’s olive industry will depend not only on the end of conflict, but also on long-term investment in land protection, water management, and agricultural resilience.