Gaza Farmers Struggle as Only 3% of Farmland Remains Usable Amid Ongoing Conflict
Ongoing conflict has left just 3% of Gaza’s farmland suitable for cultivation, severely impacting local food production and farmers’ livelihoods.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 22, 2026
2 min read
Gaza’s agricultural sector faces a dire crisis with only 3 percent of its farmland currently usable for food cultivation, according to a recent assessment by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and UNOSAT.
The report highlights that just 448 hectares remain accessible and undamaged, a sharp decline from 601 hectares recorded in October 2025. The reduction in arable land is primarily due to restricted access rather than new damage caused by ongoing hostilities.
Impact on Farmers
Farmers like Taysir Dahdouh have experienced devastating losses since the conflict escalated in October 2023. Dahdouh recounts losing his income along with critical farming infrastructure such as greenhouses and irrigation systems. Despite returning home and rehabilitating a small portion of his land with his family, challenges persist.
Another farmer, Wajiha Dahdouh, emphasized the scarcity of essential farming inputs including water, seeds, and fertilizers, which further threaten the ability of Gaza’s residents to sustain agriculture and livelihoods.
Restricted Access and Land Damage
The FAO report notes that in June 2026, only 27 percent of Gaza's cropland was accessible, but most of this land remains unsuitable for planting. Areas such as Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah have experienced the most significant reductions in usable farmland due to military control expanding westward, limiting farmers’ access.
Physical damage is concentrated mainly in North Gaza and Gaza governorates, with Rafah facing over 97 percent inaccessibility of cropland and greenhouse areas.
Urgent Need for Support
Rein Paulsen, Director of FAO’s Office of Emergencies and Resilience, warned that without immediate action to restore safe access and provide agricultural support, Gaza’s local food production could collapse further.
The ongoing conflict continues to confine Gaza’s 2.1 million residents to restricted areas, exacerbating food insecurity and humanitarian challenges.
