ABSTRACT
Drawing on research conducted in 2007 and 2011 among the assistance community and local population, this chapter describes the importance of agriculture in Lebanon and the effect the 2006 war and the contamination caused by unexploded cluster munitions have had on agricultural production in the south of the country. The climate, fertile soil and good water supply mean that Lebanon has some of the best natural resources in the region. Unfortunately, the lack of investment, technical support and advice, and education means that agriculture has failed to fulfil its economic potential. The main crops are olives, tobacco, citrus fruits, grapes and vegetables grown on farms ranging from small family-owned plots to commercial enterprises. The 2006 July War fought between Hizbollah and Israel over 34 days from 12 July to 14 August caused deaths and injuries among the civilian population and immediate and long-term damage to the built and natural environment.
