lthough the role of agriculture in the national economy of Lebanon is declining in relative terms, it continues to play an important role in the rural economy and has a significant impact on rural livelihoods. In the areas most affected by the Syria crisis – northern Lebanon and the Bekaa – agriculture contributes up to 80 percent of local GDP. Together with its related subsectors (input supply, processing, marketing and transport of farming produce), agriculture represents by far the most important livelihood opportunity, especially in the poorest subgovernorates of Akkar and Baalbek-Hermel. It is in these poorest areas of Lebanon where most Syrian refugees are concentrated, and where agriculture is the primary source of income and employment. Lebanon’s economic decline and unstable security situation have had the greatest impact on agriculture and food production in northern and eastern Lebanon, particularly in the border areas of Hermel, Baalbek and Akkar, where most farmers cannot even access their land. Farmers who have traditionally relied on agricultural inputs and services at subsidized or inexpensive rates from Syria today face a rapid increase in input costs, and are struggling to maintain production. Furthermore, farmers and pastoralists are increasingly abandoning their livestock, as they are unable to cope with escalating feed prices and decreasing market prices of their animals and animal products. Farmers’ income is also affected by the disruption to trade routes (e.g. the closure of border points) and increase in transportation costs. 5At the request of the Government of Lebanon, the World Bank, United Nations, European Union and International Monetary Fund (IMF) undertook a rapid Economic and Social Impact Assessment of the Syrian conflict on Lebanon in September 2013, covering the period 2012–2014. A second phase of this World Bank-led process has begun – a Stabilization Plan, outlining key priorities for programmatic interventions at the national and regional levels, with focus on identifying policy recommendations, programmes and projects to mitigate the impact of the Syrian conflict.