Gaza – The agricultural sector shows initial signs of recovery amid widespread destruction and continuing obstacles

The assessment, conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Satellite Centre, used high-resolution satellite data and showed that although limited rehabilitation of greenhouse infrastructure has occurred, more than 81% of it remains damaged and out of production, severely limiting farmers’ ability to grow food. “For residents who need it most.”

These developments coincide with encouraging signs of recovery in the livestock sector. A new analysis conducted by FAO showed an increase in the number of ruminants for the first time since the conflict escalated in October 2023.

Despite the limited progress, the FAO confirmed that the total extent of damage to the agricultural sector is still enormous. About 87% of agricultural land in Gaza is still damaged, and agricultural infrastructure, irrigation systems, storage facilities and agricultural assets have suffered heavy losses. According to the Rapid Damage Assessment issued in April, the agri-food system suffered $1.44 billion in damage and $1.46 billion in losses.

Beth Bechdol, Deputy Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization, said: “Gaza farmers are keen to bring every available piece of land back into production. They just need to have production inputs and access to their land. The assessment shows that some farmers have already begun repairing greenhouses and resuming production where conditions allow. But these remain individual and isolated efforts in light of the widespread devastation. With the growing season underway, time is very tight. Emergency agricultural aid and commercial imports of seeds, fertilizers and equipment must be allowed into Gaza in full and without delay.”

Severe shortage of seeds, fertilizers and irrigation equipment

The FAO stressed that agricultural recovery in Gaza continues to face severe obstacles due to restrictions on access to land and maritime areas, including the expansion of the so-called “yellow line” that separates the ceasefire zone from the area under military control. She pointed out that the recovery process also suffers from major restrictions that hinder the delivery of emergency agricultural aid and the import of basic agricultural supplies.

As a result, farmers face severe shortages of seeds, fertilisers, irrigation equipment and other production materials, while livestock farmers continue to struggle to obtain feed, veterinary supplies and animal health services. The limited quantities of agricultural inputs available in Gaza are still scarce, and are often sold at prices beyond the means of many agricultural families.

FAO said it is supporting agricultural recovery through a combination of conditional cash assistance, livestock support and technical guidance, but more is needed.

She emphasized that sustainable investment in agricultural recovery, along with ensuring farmers’ unhindered access to agricultural inputs, is essential to rebuilding Gaza’s agricultural food system, and to reduce long-term dependence on humanitarian aid.