Farmers initially believed that "Adam" was a winter storm, only to realize that it was merely a symbol of their growing disillusionment with climate change. February, known for its unpredictability according to popular sayings, has once again defied expectations: rainfall has been far below the forecasts.

An Alarming Water Deficit

The numbers confirm an unusual drought. In the Tel Amara region of the Bekaa Valley, total precipitation as of February 25, 2025, did not exceed 200 mm, compared to 600 mm for the same period last year. The annual average stands at 470 mm, meaning this year’s rainfall is 42% below the norm.

Massive Losses for Farmers

Such a significant drop in rainfall at the height of winter is far from trivial for the agricultural sector. While some farmers joke about a conspiracy between nature and the authorities to ruin them, they are well aware of the scale of the disaster. "What has happened, and what is yet to come, feels like punishment," warns Ibrahim Tarshishi, president of the Beqaa Farmers’ Association.

Low rainfall, combined with nighttime temperatures dropping below -5°C, hinders the growth of winter crops and depletes groundwater reserves. "The artesian wells typically used for irrigation have not filled this year, and the output from newer wells has dropped to just a few hundred cubic meters of water," explains Tarshishi. The result: soaring production costs, reduced cultivated land, and inevitably, rising prices. Given the declining purchasing power of Lebanese citizens, the stagnation of exports, and increasing competition from imported and smuggled goods from Turkey and Syria, Lebanese farmers face potentially devastating financial losses.

Empty Promises of Compensation

Year after year, farmers endure cycles of drought and extreme weather, and year after year, promises of support go unfulfilled. "For thirty years, we have heard about plans to combat climate change," laments Imran Fakhri, a member of the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council. "Official and international delegations come to assess the damage, take photos, make promises... but nothing ever changes on the ground."

Due to a lack of funding, adaptation measures—such as diversifying crops and relocating farms to more suitable areas—remain merely theoretical. Meanwhile, cultivated land continues to shrink, forcing more farmers to abandon their profession. To make matters worse, "the compensation promised after the major storm of 2020 has still not been paid by the Higher Relief Commission," Fakhri points out.

Solutions Exist, but Political Will Is Lacking

According to Antoine Howayek, president of the Lebanese Farmers’ Association, Lebanon's climate crisis stems from two main factors:

- Rising temperatures, with an average increase of 2.5°C compared to the 1950s.

- Declining rainfall, coupled with excessive water consumption, which has dried up natural water sources and depleted groundwater reserves.

Today, extracting water in the Bekaa requires drilling up to 200 meters deep, whereas half a century ago, just a few meters sufficed. Yet, solutions exist. "Instead of wasting surface water by letting it flow directly into the sea, we should drill ‘descending’ wells along rivers to replenish groundwater reserves," Howayek suggests. This approach is far more effective and cost-efficient than dams, which are often vulnerable to drought and evaporation. "But since such projects offer no financial incentives for decision-makers, their implementation is impossible," he regrets.

IDAL: A Support System That No Longer Works

In the past, the Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL) played a crucial role in supporting agricultural exports. Before the economic collapse, it subsidized up to 120,000 L.L. per ton of exported potatoes, citrus fruits, apples, and other Lebanese agricultural products, allowing farmers to offset some production costs and access international markets.

However, with the depreciation of the Lebanese pound, this subsidy now amounts to only $2, compared to $60 in the past. "Reevaluating these subsidies would help farmers better withstand crises and gradually adapt to new climate conditions," argues Fakhri. Additionally, investing in the agricultural sector is essential to help farmers transition to crops better suited to the changing climate.

Reopening Export Markets: A Vital Hope

One of the most significant solutions to easing the agricultural crisis would be to reopen export markets, particularly Saudi Arabia, which has banned Lebanese products since April 27, 2022. "The Saudi market is crucial for our agriculture, both in terms of volume and revenue," emphasizes Tarshishi. "It is also a key transit route for land transport to other Arab countries."

As the Lebanese President prepares for an official visit to Saudi Arabia, farmers hope that he will address this issue and reassure Saudi authorities that the reasons for the export ban no longer apply. Such a breakthrough would not only revive the agricultural sector but also help break Lebanon’s economic isolation.

A Governance Crisis Rather Than a Water Crisis

"Lebanon is not bankrupt—it is being looted. It does not suffer from a lack of water but from mismanagement," Howayek asserts. According to him, the solution is simple: political will is needed to regulate water management and ensure sustainable supply for farmers. But as long as private interests outweigh the public good, Lebanese agriculture will continue to sink deeper into crisis.