Beekeeping as a lifeline in Lebanon
The attacks on Lebanon have severely affected access to food. Over the past month, the prices of several food items have risen by as much as 20 percent. Philippe Abboud (35) hopes that the bees in his garden…
Beekeeping as a lifeline in Lebanon
The attacks on Lebanon have severely affected access to food. Over the past month, the prices of several food items have risen by as much as 20 percent. Philippe Abboud (35) hopes that the bees in his garden will provide a stable income in difficult times.
“Look, wild asparagus grows here, and the beech trees you see above us have been here for as long as I’ve been alive. I’ve always loved nature, and now it has become even more important for my bees,” Philippe Abboud says with a smile.
Around us, tall beech trees tower above a jungle of wild vegetation. Some edible, others useful. And not least, it is a true paradise for bees.
We are in the mountains rising behind the port city of Tripoli, visiting the 35-year-old who is part of a project run together with Norwegian Church Aid partner, the Rene Moawad Foundation. Through the project, 180 young people have received training in honey production.
“These have been difficult years. With the pandemic, the Beirut explosion, inflation, unemployment, and conflicts,” he says.
Philippe grew up around bees, his father kept beehives—so joining the project felt natural.
“As much as I love nature, I wanted to learn more about our ecosystem, and I really have. I’ve learned how a hive works, about maintenance and handling, about diseases, about the bees themselves, and how different plants, trees, and flowers affect taste and quality,” he says, smiling.
A severe food security crisis
Over the past month, Lebanon has been under heavy attacks from Israel. In addition, the war involving Iran has led to higher prices for gas, diesel, and food, making the situation even more challenging for young people who were already under pressure.
The World Food Programme (WFP) warns that Lebanon is rapidly heading toward a serious food security crisis following Israel’s military offensive against Hezbollah, linked to the broader conflict around Iran.
Economic security and access to sufficient food are crucial for people and communities to cope with. Especially in times of crisis. That is why economic development and food security are key priority areas for Norwegian Church Aid in Lebanon. The program focuses on combating poverty, hunger, and the growing consequences of climate change.
Norwegian Church Aid combines emergency assistance with long-term support and advocacy to strengthen people’s ability to earn a living and ensure stable access to food.
Vegetable prices have increased by more than 20 percent and bread prices by 17 percent since the beginning of March. Some markets, especially in the south, have almost completely collapsed, while markets in Beirut are under heavy pressure.
An independent income
“Being able to produce honey and having my own hives gives me a real opportunity to be financially independent,” Philippe says.
He is particularly enthusiastic about the rich flavor the beech trees give the honey. He also explains how different flowers, plants, and trees influence both taste and color.
“You can see, for example, that honey from beech trees has a slightly more orange tone,” he says, dipping a spoon into the honey and holding it up to the light.
In addition to training, he has also received bees, equipment, and hives through the project.
“The past month’s attacks show just how vulnerable people are when access to food is disrupted,” says Håvard Hovdhaugen, Area Director for Norwegian Church Aid in Lebanon and Syria.
He adds:
“Empowering people to support themselves and ensuring food on the table is absolutely essential.”
Read more about our work in Lebanon
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