FAO Reports Less Than 5% Of Gaza Strip’s Cropland Remains Available For Cultivation Amid Crisis

Recent geospatial analysis by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) reveals a dire situation in the Gaza Strip. Less than five percent of its cropland remains cultivable, severely impacting food production and increasing famine risks. The assessment highlights significant damage to agricultural infrastructure, further threatening the region's food security.

As of April 2025, over 80% of Gaza's cropland has been damaged, with only 688 hectares available for farming. This represents a mere 4.6% of the total area. In Rafah and northern governorates, nearly all farmland is inaccessible to farmers, exacerbating the crisis. The situation underscores the urgent need for intervention to restore agricultural productivity.

The assessment also indicates severe damage to greenhouses across Gaza. Approximately 71.2% have been affected, with Rafah experiencing an increase in damage from 57.5% in December 2024 to 86.5% by April 2025. In the Gaza governorate, all greenhouses have suffered damage, further crippling local food production capabilities.

Agricultural wells have not been spared either; about 82.8% are damaged throughout Gaza. This marks a significant increase from December 2024 when around 67.7% were reported damaged. The destruction of these wells further complicates efforts to sustain agriculture in the region.

Before the conflict escalated, agriculture contributed roughly 10% to Gaza's economy. Over 560,000 individuals depended on farming, herding, or fishing for their livelihoods. The current devastation represents more than just infrastructure loss; it signifies a collapse of Gaza’s agrifood system and vital lifelines for many residents.

FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol commented on the situation: "This level of destruction is not just a loss of infrastructure – it is a collapse of Gaza’s agrifood system and of lifelines. What once provided food, income, and stability for hundreds of thousands is now in ruins." Her statement underscores the profound impact on both food security and economic stability in Gaza.

The path to recovery will demand substantial investment and long-term commitment to rebuild livelihoods and restore hope among those affected. With cropland, greenhouses, and wells destroyed, local food production has come to a standstill, necessitating immediate action to prevent further deterioration.

With inputs from WAM