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Reuters AZIZ TAHER
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) warned Sunday that half of Lebanon’s population may not be able to meet their basic food needs by the end of the year.
The organization indicated in a new study that this possibility has become possible after the massive explosion that destroyed much of the Port of Beirut, the main port of entry for goods into the country, the collapse of the value of its currency by 78% and the closure measures taken to contain the Covid-19 pandemic and the sharp increase in poverty rates. And unemployment.
According to the study, which was published under the title “Is there a threat to food security in Lebanon?”, The depreciation of the Lebanese pound led to significant inflation, the annual average of which is expected to exceed 50% in 2020, from 2.9% in 2019..
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In July 2020, the average price of food products increased by 141% compared to July 2019. Food prices are expected to increase slightly due to increased import transaction costs following the port explosion, and a lack of confidence in managing their security and availability, which can increase. Panic buying.
The study warned of an increase in the cost of agricultural production by more than 50% for various agricultural systems, which will limit local agricultural production in the short term.
Faced with this reality, ESCWA Executive Secretary Rola Dashti asked the Lebanese government to “prioritize the reconstruction of grain waste in the port of Beirut, as it is essential for national food security, rehabilitating the central warehouse of medicines and ensuring the supply of essential medicines and vaccines to the most vulnerable groups. “
Given Lebanon’s heavy dependence on food imports to meet the needs of its population, Dashti highlighted the importance of strengthening local food systems and replacing some imported agricultural inputs with others that can be produced locally.
He spoke with the international community about the priority of food security programs targeting host communities and refugees to reduce the high levels of vulnerability within these two groups and mitigate potential social tensions.
Source: ESCWA website
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