LEBANON - A new Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), shows a sharp deterioration in conditions.

The report says 1.24 million people are expected to face Crisis or worse levels of food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above) between April and August 2026. This is almost one in four people in the population analysed. This is a rise from 874,000 people, or 17 percent, recorded between November 2025 and March 2026.

WFP officials said families who were previously coping are now falling back into crisis. They said rising costs and ongoing conflict are making food less affordable every day.

FAO said farming systems are also under pressure. It reported damage to farmland, limited access to rural areas, and higher costs for farmers. These problems are reducing food production and harming rural incomes.

The Lebanese Minister of Agriculture said food security is now a national priority. He called for stronger investment in agriculture and better coordination with international partners.

The worst impacts are seen in southern districts such as Bent Jbeil, Marjeyoun, Sour, and Nabatiyeh, as well as Baalbeck El Hermel. These areas have seen heavy displacement and market disruption.

The report also says many households are reducing meal size and quality, skipping meals, or taking on debt to survive. It warns that if support does not increase soon, the situation will continue to worsen in the coming months.