Lebanons farmers still suffer

25 April 2000



Lebanon’s farmers still suffer

AGRICULTURAL output in Lebanon remains well below the levels seen before the civil war which ended 10 years ago, reports the Financial Times.

The situation appears to be exacerbated because land suitable for agriculture is in short supply in what is a hilly country, says the paper.

Much food-growing land was severely damaged and agriculture was devastated by the 17-year civil war, which ended in 1990, it adds.

The FT says that, 10 years after the end of the war, agricultural output is still only 20% of its pre-war level, 27 years ago.

Input prices are high, storage facilities for harvested crops are low and a lack of credit has drastically reduced investment opportunities, it adds.

• Financial Times, 25/04/00, page 42