NNA - The Lebanese government and the United Nations have launched an EU-funded programme to support farmers affected by conflict and protect agricultural livelihoods across the country.

The multi-year initiative is led by the Agriculture Ministry and jointly implemented with the World Food Programme and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, in coordination with the Social Affairs Ministry’s national Shock-Responsive Safety Net.

The programme’s initial phase will provide cash assistance to 2,000 conflict-affected farming households to help them meet immediate needs and preserve their livelihoods.

According to the organisers, around 46,500 hectares of agricultural land have been affected by the conflict, while 1.24 million people in Lebanon are facing acute food insecurity.

The initiative will use government databases, including the national Farmers’ Registry and conflict-related agricultural assessments, to identify vulnerable households and deliver assistance through national systems.

Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani said the programme would support agricultural resilience, national food security and rural economies. Social Affairs Minister Haneen Sayed said linking the assistance to the national safety net would help ensure transparent and effective delivery.

EU Ambassador Sandra De Waele said the programme combined emergency assistance with efforts to strengthen Lebanon’s institutions and preparedness for future shocks.