The threat of war to Lebanon is now in the midst of a realisation. The southern part of Lebanon as well as its capital Beirut is the site of a frenzied battle and bombing. Hania Chahal, a Lebanese economist who specializes in agriculture she has collected the testimony from exporters and growers as well as explains how the war impacts Lebanese agriculture, land and the farmers.
Hania moved out of her home to seek refuge in the safety of a place that’s not going out of the country. She says: “People leave the areas which are bombarded constantly however, we cannot go out of the country because of being stranded outside and unable to come back. Bombings are very frequent within the nation’s agricultural regions, like the southern region and Bekaa. The effects on a variety of varieties of crops, including tables grapes, avocados and table grapes as well as citrus fruits, olives and even vegetables has been devastating. Farmers are attempting to collect all they can as fast as they can. However, it’s a challenge.”
The economist adds: “In the south, roads are shut off and it’s extremely difficult as well as dangerous to transport and reap. Whole areas are lost in the aftermath of bombs. Greenhouses, for instance, were also damaged. There’s a deficiency of labour due to population displacement. It is important to note that white phosphorus is utilized in certain regions of South Lebanon. It’s a banned weapon worldwide and has a negative impact on the soil, the surface as well as groundwater. The impact isn’t on all plants but avocado and other vegetables buyers needn’t worry regarding the issue. It will be difficult to deal with the effects for a long duration. The southern part of Lebanon is where the bulk of the production of various different crops. This isn’t just the this season which is at risk however, the entire agricultural industry.”
Hania Chahal, Lebanese economist
“Growers are working hard to reap their crops quickly.” adds Hania: “For some companies who don’t heavily rely on workers, for instance onions, technology makes it possible to pick and then supply local markets. This is essential to ensure the security of food in the country. The prices in the market remain under control but it’s not yet time to fully understand and determine the dangers on the market. In the meantime, similar to avocados or table grapes farmers are working hard to get the most they can, and then export as soon as possible.”
Export flows have increased in complexity, but remains unaffected as per Hania. Her explanation is “Beirut International Airport is still functioning. International airlines have halted their flights, however the local operator remains in operation. Seaports also operate and the lines connecting to a few European countries continue to operate, but do not operate as frequently like they used to be. The crossings of roads and land generally are a challenge. Transportation costs are increasing, and insurance companies aren’t offering coverage to goods during the military. In spite of this, the farmers in the south have managed to export their produce. For those in the Bekaa and northern regions have also managed to export, despite the difficulties in logistics.”
In the wake of these circumstances in the face of these conditions, a number of Lebanese exporters have decided to cancel their participation at The Fruit Attraction exhibition in Madrid according to Hania. As per her report, the whole Lebanese pavilion won’t exhibit, even though it was supposed to be home to 11 exporters. This is also true for attendees and walkers to the exhibition who are from Lebanon. Hania says: “The first reason is that people are worried that they’ll get more desperate and leave them stranded and away from their home as well as their family members. Additionally, businesses are in crisis which makes it very hard for them to create or even commit to any program currently. ”
“It’s an unfortunate situation, given that the date,” continues Hania. “The Lebanese pavilion is a unique feature in international events as we’ve put in much effort in identifying the right markets for Lebanese fresh products over the past two years as well as our partners who have put in a lot of effort.” Hania refers to her involvement in the CBI (Centre on the Promotion of Exports From emerging countries, Dutch government) program which just concluded with the result that Lebanese exporters had been expected to export their products to Europe in the beginning of in this year. Hania continues “There are various programs that support exports of agricultural products that were recently launched, for instance the “sadder” program, which is financed by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands and implemented by RMF however it’s still not yet clear the outcome .”
Hania is working to open the international market for Lebanese exporters of agricultural products, and she predicts that export marketing is going to be a major hit due to the conflict over the next few months: “I hope it will end by the beginning of February next year, in order to protect contracts and be to talk with importers. In my own way I’ll continue to keep my dedication to the firms as well as the entire sector of Lebanon as I expand beyond Lebanon to new markets. I think the experiences gained by working with various international organisations for development, including CBI and also the network I have built, is transferable to companies operating within the new sector.”
“Lebanon has seen more than it should have. The conflict can’t be solved through constant bombardment,” adds Hania.
She ends by asking clients to demonstrate flexibility: “I call on customers to keep in contact with their crop growers and inquire about what they can do to ensure that business continues. Right now, we’re witnessing customers being patient in accepting the crops early when they are able to be harvested and continue to purchase their food from Lebanon as this is what responsible business is all about.”
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Hania Chahal
Tel: +961 30 428 72
Email: [email protected]