Dr. Hadi Jaafar, Professor and Chair of the Department of Agriculture and founder of AgHive, conducted an in-depth analysis on the impact of the recent war escalation on Lebanon’s agriculture and environment. Satellite analysis reveals that wildfires in Lebanon’s south have burned over 10,800 hectares in 2024—an area four times larger than Beirut and ten times the annual average. The 2024 Israeli War on Lebanon has inflicted catastrophic damage across the nation’s agricultural sector and environment, exceeding the destruction witnessed in previous wars. The repercussions extend beyond immediate human suffering, posing a severe threat to long-term food security and ecological resilience.
Widespread wildfires, exacerbated by intense air raids and potentially hampered firefighting capabilities, have ravaged swathes of southern Lebanon. Analysis of satellite imagery (Sentinel-2 and MODIS) reveals that over 10,800 hectares have been consumed by flames – an area four times larger than Beirut. This represents a tenfold increase compared to previous years’ fire damage. The southern governorates of Nabatiye and South Lebanon are disproportionately affected, with fires primarily impacting shrubland and grassland while also inflicting extensive damage on forested areas along the 120km southern border, penetrating up to 10km inwards in some areas.
Figure 1: Burnt Areas in South Lebanon (October 2024) – Data Source: European Forest Fire Information System
Beyond the immediate destruction caused by fire, the agricultural sector faces unprecedented challenges. Damage to crops and orchards is compounded by the disruption of critical irrigation infrastructure. Satellite imagery and field reports document widespread damage to polyethylene irrigation pipes, leaving only brass valves intact and rendering vast tracts of farmland unusable.
Figure 2: Impact on Avocado Orchard and Irrigation
The olive harvest, a cornerstone of Lebanon’s agricultural economy (approximately 25% of agricultural land is dedicated to olive groves, primarily in the south), has been severely disrupted. IDF warnings against harvesting, tragically underscored by the reported death of an olive picker in the village of Sinai during an airstrike, have led to the abandonment of many orchards, resulting in significant economic losses. Lebanon exported $30 million USD worth of olive oil in 2016 (EU-funded study), and the southern region is known for producing some of the highest quality olive oil globally.
While current analysis using machine learning, remote sensing, and GIS techniques shows no significant reduction in irrigated agriculture in the Beqaa Valley, the prolonged conflict poses a threat to this crucial agricultural region. Disrupted export routes are already jeopardizing potato harvests (Lebanon exports over $20 million USD worth annually, mainly from the Beqaa), impacting both farmers’ livelihoods and market stability. The potential inability to plant winter cereals raises concerns about future food production and potential knock-on effects, including increased food prices and reliance on imports. The Beqaa valley is crucial for cereal production, with over 10,000 ha planted annually, producing more than 40,000 tons of wheat and reducing reliance on imports.
Figure 3: Changes in Agricultural Fields in the Beqaa Valley
The scale of environmental destruction and agricultural disruption requires urgent international attention and intervention. Long-term recovery necessitates substantial investment extending beyond immediate humanitarian aid. A comprehensive strategy is needed to address infrastructure rebuilding, provide farmers with financial and technical support, and foster ecological rehabilitation. The lasting impact on Lebanon’s food security and environmental sustainability is significant and requires sustained international cooperation and support. Failure to act decisively risks condemning Lebanon to prolonged hardship and instability.