Today's Edition
AHMED SHAABAN (CAIRO, BEIRUT)
The extreme consequences of climate change in Lebanon have led to substantial losses for farmers, diminishing agricultural output, thereby impacting food security. The destruction wrought by these natural disasters, coupled with the fallout from the Gaza conflict, has also taken a toll on southern Lebanon.
Political analyst Abdullah Al Nimah highlighted that climate change has severely impacted Lebanon’s agricultural sector, particularly in the northern Akkar governorate, where lands have been ravaged by floods and torrents. This has placed an additional financial strain on farmers who are struggling to repair the flood-damaged lands.
Al Nimah told Aletihad that the recent cold snaps and polar storms have obliterated crops, significantly undermining agricultural productivity and inflicting major losses on many residents amid an already grim economic climate and the Lebanese government’s limited capacity to address the aftermath of climate change.
Furthermore, Al Nimah pointed out that the Gaza war has further deteriorated the economic situation, as the use of white phosphorus bombs in southern regions has critically damaged agricultural fields.
This situation is likely to exacerbate the economic and political challenges in the near future, particularly given the absence of a president and a functioning government.
Ibrahim Al Tarshishi, president of the Bekaa Farmers Association, observed that Lebanon, like other countries, suffers from the effects of climate variability, especially during winter.
He noted that unusually low temperatures destroy fruits and flowers, while heavy rainfall adversely affects crops.
Al Tarshishi has called for the creation of a compensation fund for climate change, overseen by the United Nations and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), to support those impacted by climate change.
He also warned of the increasing unpredictability of climate conditions and their impact on agricultural seasons, as evidenced last year.
Lebanon has experienced rainfall exceeding normal levels, with 100 to 200 millimetres falling within 24 hours, overwhelming agricultural lands, rivers, and waterways.
According to the World Bank, Lebanon is among the top ten countries most affected by food inflation globally, with the food security crisis now at a critical juncture, potentially affecting over two million people.
Economic expert Dr. Anis Abu Ziab underscored that climate change and security issues have extensively damaged agricultural lands and olive groves, noting that agriculture’s contribution to the GDP now stands at 3.5%.
He advocated for the development of infrastructure, such as dams and rainwater harvesting systems, and revitalising the sector to secure future agricultural production.
Abu Ziab emphasised to Aletihad the heightened vulnerability of agricultural regions in the south due to conflicts in Gaza and southern Lebanon, stressing that the declining agricultural yields, whether from conflict or climatic shifts, have profound implications on the GDP and sector workers.
