Olive harvesting in Lebanon gives farmers hope for a return

According to the Catholic organization Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), about ten farmers from the Christian village of Alma al-Shaab received permission in September from the Lebanese Army to clear overgrown plots and care for their olive groves. The agricultural producers were awaiting further permission for harvesting, which was projected to begin after mid-October.

During the conflict, some olive groves and agricultural land in southern Lebanon were destroyed or severely damaged, leaving farmers faced with the need to restore their sources of income. At the same time, about 50 villagers were able to make short-term visits to their holdings in July and August as part of organized weekly convoys.

Parish priest Maroun Ghafari noted that the successful implementation of the harvesting campaign will be an important step toward families returning to their native places. According to his estimates, about 100 residents are ready to return, although this depends on political decisions, ensuring access to food, drinking water, medicines, fuel, as well as financial support and the resolution of transportation issues.