The Agricultural Economy of Lebanon

Excerpts from the report Summary: Agricultural activities are limited by the country's predominantly mountainous topography which limits the development of farmland. Only about one-fourth of the land is used for crop production. The remainder is mainly used as rangeland for migratory flocks of sheep and goats. Of the cultivated area, more than one-half is terraced land developed along the mountain slopes. Crop production falls into 2 general categories--dryland crops and irrigated crops. Generally, the dryland crops are grains and pulses while the high-valued fruits and vegetables are grown with supplemental irrigation. The production of fruits and vegetables for export has proven to be a profitable enterprise in Lebanon. During the 1950's the area devoted to fruits and vegetables was rapidly expanded, especially that planted to citrus fruits, bananas, and apples. Lebanon is a net importer of agricultural commodities. Grains and live animals for meat are the principal imports although substantial quantities of other foods are also imported. Cotton, wool, and hides and skins are among the nonfood agricultural imports, some of which are reexported. Agricultural exports are generally about one-half the value of agricultural imports. Citrus fruits and apples are the principal agricultural exports, although vegetables, wool, tobacco, and bananas also rank high.