Agroecology in the Context of Lebanon’s Economic, Destructive Wars, and Neoliberal Policies

Founded in 2017, JIBAL is an organization dedicated to environmental and social justice through the promotion of collective organization, accessible and open knowledge, and regenerative principles. This includes initiatives aimed at advancing food sovereignty and agro ecological practices in Lebanon. JIBAL has been doing this work while Lebanon was reeling one of the most severe global economic crises in history, contributing to increased impoverishment levels, high inflation, food insecurity, unemployment, and the erosion of local agricultural systems.

In November 2022, JIBAL released a report titled "Agroecology in Lebanon: Analyzing the Current Scene and Exploring Upscaling Potentials"1 which seeks to better understand the local agricultural landscape and identify ways to support its agroecological progression. The report explores how existing agroecological efforts can be "upscaled"—transforming isolated initiatives into more connected ones—and how these efforts can influence agricultural practices and policies in Lebanon.

Sustainable Solutions for Lebanon’s Environmental and Economic Challenges

Agroecology can address environmental challenges, including soil erosion, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss, all of which came about because of industrial agricultural, privatization, and market oriented policies; agroecology helps improve soil health, reduce water consumption, and protect the local ecology. The report outlines its potential to support small-scale farmers, particularly in the face of economic and political instability in Lebanon: agroecology offers an alternative to industrial farming by reducing dependence on expensive inputs, improving resilience to climate change, and supporting the economic viability of small-scale farms. 

Additionally, agroecology can strengthen Lebanon’s food security by promoting local food production and crop diversification, reducing reliance on imports, and ensuring access to fresh, healthy food even during economic and political crises. The report highlights how agroecology plays a vital role in mitigating the worst effects of economic turmoil. It offers solutions to reduce dependence on costly inputs, boosts local food production, supports rural economies, and fosters long-term sustainability, all of which help alleviate Lebanon’s economic challenges.

Agroecology can strengthen Lebanon’s food security by promoting local food production and crop diversification, reducing reliance on imports, and ensuring access to fresh, healthy food even during economic and political crises. 

In fact, some farmers have transitioned to agroecology out of personal concern for the agricultural sector, their own well-being, and in response to the worst impacts of the economic crisis. They recognized the harm that conventional agriculture causes to both farmers, the ecosystem, and the quality of food produced. In short, agroecology serves as the foundation for a more equitable food system and these practices can help build stronger, more self-sufficient communities across the country. 

While agroecology is still in its early stages in Lebanon, the potential for expanding these practices could benefit the entire agricultural sector. Stronger policy support, farmer networks, and market access for their products can all help. 

And how does it tie to the current moment? 

In parallel to the war in Gaza, which has claimed close to 50,000 Palestinian lives to date, Lebanon has become an extended battlefield for Israel. Since the report’s publication, the economic crisis has deepened and in large part due to Israeli aggression on Lebanon in the past year. Across the country, an estimated 1.4 million people, including 420,000 children, were displaced during the war, some multiple times. As of early December, 4,047 people are estimated to have been killed, with 16,638 injured, including the last sheperd in Nabatieh. The estimated economic damage is around 12 billion dollars, not to mention the profound social, ecological, and spiritual toll. In the hardest-hit areas, the combination of the economic crisis and the war has pushed 94 percent of people in the Nabatieh district and 87 percent of the Southern Lebanon governorate into multidimensional poverty.

Israel also targeted agricultural intensive lands, including areas that grow citrus, tobacco, and olives. This has significant socioeconomic repercussions when an approximate 80 percent of the local GDP in Lebanon’s South, Northern Bekaa, and Akkar comes from agriculture. Fires, which in turn burned agriculture lands and ecological reserves, also increased as a result of these bombardments and heavy raids. At least 10,800 hectares have been consumed by flames, which is ten times more than the national average. Israel also targeted the water infrastructure in these regions. 

Israel also targeted agricultural intensive lands, including areas that grow citrus, tobacco, and olives.

For whatever farmers that were still able to get their produce from their lands, due to the suspended flights and Israel’s blockage of two land crossings with Syria, exports have also been dealt a difficult blow. Israel’s army has also been using white phosphorus (at least 195 incidents have been reported and geolocated), by insuring farmers are badly impacted even after the war, by burning the land and making them barren through soil contamination, sickening them and their livestock, while also severing people’s connection to the land. Land all across Lebanon has been attacked by the different weapons that Israel used.

In short, the war caused widespread displacement among farmers and seasonal workers, preventing them from harvesting their land. The southern and borderland areas of Lebanon have been disproportionately affected, including in its forested regions, agricultural land, and nature reserves. 

Where does agroecology fall in the context of all this destruction? 

As outlined, Lebanon’s food system is already compromised due to its already fragile food system. Agroecology in its different forms comes in as a solid alternative that replaces industrial agriculture while also fostering a better, most sustainable food system. For example, agroecology practices include resource efficiency, minimizing reliance on imports, and diversified crops, all of which may possibly ease the worst impacts of war. 

Agroecology also has a significant role in what happens “the day after”, when reconstruction begins. One example is bioremediation for soil after the use of chemical weapons and general destruction of the land; agroecological practices supports with improving soil health. Given its sustainable practices, agroecology can catalyze with sustainable long-term recovery and mitigating pollution.

Agroecology and its principles fall in to support where possible, but the land and its caretakers will always be vulnerable against the worst forms of destruction due to colonial violence, forever wars, and inflated military budgets. The obliteration of militarized impunity is a non-negotiable in order for agroecology to flourish. 

Ways to Support: 

In October, Jibal established a solidarity fund to uphold the right to food for individuals displaced by the ongoing Israeli aggression. They supported ten kitchens and now they continue to assist two community kitchens and three central kitchens by providing both fresh and dry produce, as many displaced people are still unable to return home. Although most displaced individuals have returned to their villages, JIBAL is still seeking donations. 

They will allocate part of the funds to soil remediation to support farmers in recovering from the violence on their lands and crops. JIBAL plans to collaborate with other organizations and grassroots initiatives to address soil remediation.