Toward improved food security under compound shocks in Lebanon: A Water-Energy-Food Nexus Approach
Academic Article
Overview
Research
Identity
Other
View All
Overview
abstract
The current challenges in Lebanon are multifaceted, and among them is an impending food security crisis. Much of this can be attributed to a lack of sustainable planning within the agricultural sector. Decision-makers in agriculture and other connected sectors are disconnected and further hindered by the absence of national platforms and methods for assessing the trade-offs of potential interventions. This study aims to: (1) identify and quantify the critical interconnections between water, energy, nutrition, and food systems in Lebanon; (2) develop a framework to quantify the trade-offs associated with adopting interventions within current water, energy, and agriculture portfolios and practices; (3) evaluate producers' perceptions toward their willingness to implement proposed changes in crop production, renewable energy, and water reuse. The research shows that investing in local production of broad beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas can lead to cost savings, increased nutritional value in locally produced foods, and reduced reliance on foreign markets. However, this also leads to increased water, energy, land and carbon usage which needs to be taken into account. Given the volatility of future currency exchange rates, it is increasingly important to identify a strategic food basket that can be produced locally to reduce dependence on imports. The findings of this study can aid in shaping policy and planning in Lebanon, and may also be adapted and applied in other countries in the MENA region.
