Lebanon: Food Insecurity ‘Set to Worsen’ Amid Deadly Strikes
- November 11, 2024 *
Beirut, Lebanon – Lebanon’s food security situation is set to worsen in the coming months amid ongoing deadly strikes by public sector workers, experts have warned.
The strikes, which began in September, have paralyzed key sectors of the economy, including the transport of food and other essential goods. This has led to shortages of food and other basic necessities, and has pushed up prices.
According to a recent report by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the number of people in Lebanon who are food insecure has increased by 40% since the start of the strikes. The report also found that the number of people who are severely food insecure has increased by 20%.
“The situation in Lebanon is extremely concerning,” said WFP Regional Director Corinne Fleischer. “The ongoing strikes are disrupting the food supply chain and making it difficult for people to access food. This is having a devastating impact on the most vulnerable people in the country.”
The strikes have also had a major impact on the economy. The Lebanese pound has lost more than half of its value since the start of the strikes, and inflation has soared. This has made it even more difficult for people to afford food.
“The combination of the strikes and the economic crisis is creating a perfect storm for food insecurity in Lebanon,” said Rami Zurayk, a professor of agricultural economics at the American University of Beirut. “We are seeing a sharp increase in the number of people who are struggling to put food on the table.”
The Lebanese government has called on the strikers to return to work, but they have so far refused. The strikers are demanding higher wages and better working conditions.
In the meantime, the United Nations and other international organizations are providing food assistance to the most vulnerable people in Lebanon. However, experts warn that this is only a temporary solution.
“The only way to address the food insecurity crisis in Lebanon is to resolve the underlying political and economic problems,” said Zurayk. “The government needs to take urgent action to address the concerns of the strikers and to stabilize the economy.”
Lebanon: food insecurity ‘set to worsen’ amid deadly strikes
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