Revitalizing Lebanon’s chickpea sector

In Lebanon, chickpeas are more than just an ingredient used in cooking; they are cherished traditions woven into the fabric of the country’s culinary and cultural heritage. From creamy hummus to crispy falafel and comforting balila, these tiny legumes hold both nutritional and cultural significance.

Despite being a staple in Lebanese households, local chickpea production struggles to meet national demand. Currently, more than 71 percent of Lebanon’s chickpeas are imported, even though the country’s fertile land and favourable climate provide ideal conditions for cultivation. Lebanese farmers face numerous challenges, including limited access to high-quality seeds, inadequate storage infrastructure, and restricted market opportunities. These challenges lead to high crop losses and low profitability, discouraging local production and forcing the country to rely heavily on imports.

Recognizing these challenges, FAO Country Office in Lebanon, in partnership with the national Ministry of Agriculture, is working to strengthen the country’s chickpea sector. The goal is to increase local production to 40 percent of its chickpea supply by 2030, ensuring that 85 percent meets premium quality standards while boosting agricultural employment by 25 percent.

Chickpea plants in Lebanon (left); National stakeholder validation workshop on the upgrading of Lebanon’s chickpea value chain (right). ©FAO/Ralph Azar

By implementing these strategies, Lebanon’s chickpea sector can become more competitive, resilient, and sustainable. This transformation will not only enhance farmers’ livelihoods but also improve national food security, allowing the country to celebrate its agricultural heritage while meeting the growing global demand for chickpeas.

After joining the OCOP initiative in 2022, Lebanon has already laid the foundation for strengthening the chickpea value chain through stakeholder workshops and in-depth research to identify the key challenges and priorities. In 2025, FAO will support Lebanon in scaling up efforts by building capacity of farmers, developing accessible knowledge products and resources for farmers such as technical guides, organizing investment workshops to attract donor support for the sector, and promoting the chickpea sector at the national level to raise awareness and drive demand.

With these initiatives, Lebanon is paving the way for a robust and sustainable chickpea sector that will contribute to food security, economic growth, and the promotion of the country’s culinary heritage on the global stage.