A sharp escalation in violence in Lebanon has reversed recent improvements in food security and pushed the country back into crisis, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis released by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the FAO and WFP. The report estimates that 1.24 million people, nearly one in four of the population analysed, are expected to face acute food insecurity at Crisis level (IPC Phase 3) or worse between April and August 2026, a significant rise from 874,000 people (17%) recorded in the previous period from November 2025 to March 2026.
The worsening situation is being driven by ongoing conflict, displacement, economic instability, rising inflation, and sharply increasing food prices, all of which are reducing household purchasing power. Humanitarian assistance shortfalls and disrupted supply chains are further limiting coping capacity, while agricultural production has been heavily affected by damaged farmland, restricted access to rural areas, and rising input costs. Key farming and livestock systems remain under strain, with missed planting seasons expected to deepen future production losses and food shortages.
The most severe deterioration is concentrated in conflict-affected districts such as Bent Jbeil, Marjeyoun, Sour, and Nabatiyeh, followed by Baalbeck El Hermel, where displacement and market disruptions are most intense. The crisis is affecting all population groups, including Lebanese households, Syrian refugees, Palestinian refugees, and newly arrived populations from Syria, with refugees facing particularly high levels of acute food insecurity. Many households are now reducing food intake, skipping meals, and relying on negative coping strategies such as debt or selling assets.
Officials and humanitarian agencies warn that Lebanon’s food security situation remains highly fragile and could deteriorate further if conflict, economic pressure, and funding gaps persist. They stress that sustained humanitarian assistance and urgent support to agriculture and livelihoods are critical to prevent a deeper and more prolonged food crisis.
