By Abbas Nazil
Agriculture continues to serve as a critical lifeline for rural families in Ukraine despite the ongoing war, according to a new report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
The assessment reveals that farming remains essential in protecting households from food insecurity even as economic hardship, reduced incomes and limited access to agricultural inputs place increasing strain on rural livelihoods.
Based on interviews with more than 2,800 households across nine frontline regions, the report provides insight into how families are coping with prolonged conflict-related disruptions.
It found that about 40 percent of households are engaged in agricultural activities, with the majority producing food primarily for their own consumption.
For many families, farming serves not only as a source of income but also as a direct means of feeding themselves amid rising food prices and market instability.
However, the report highlights growing financial pressure, with one in three households reporting a decline in income over the past year.
Among those relying mainly on agriculture, nearly half have experienced falling earnings, reflecting the broader economic challenges caused by the war.
As a result, more than 75 percent of households have resorted to coping strategies such as spending savings, borrowing money or cutting essential expenses including healthcare and education.
While these measures may provide temporary relief, they risk weakening long-term resilience and increasing vulnerability to food insecurity.
The report also underscores that agricultural production itself is being affected, with 30 percent of crop farmers reporting reduced harvests and even higher losses recorded in heavily impacted regions.
Livestock farming has similarly suffered, with many households losing animals due to displacement and conflict-related disruptions.
Among displaced families, about 70 percent reported abandoning livestock while fleeing their homes, further undermining their livelihoods.
Vulnerable groups, including internally displaced persons, women-headed households and those living near the frontline, face the highest levels of risk.
These groups experience greater exposure to shocks, more severe income losses and higher dependence on negative coping mechanisms.
In some of the most affected areas, households rely heavily on pensions and social assistance, while a small proportion report having no income at all.
According to FAO officials, agriculture remains central to maintaining stability in rural communities during the crisis.
They stressed that supporting farmers is essential not only for immediate food security but also for long-term recovery and resilience.
The findings are expected to guide humanitarian and development interventions, including emergency agricultural support and livelihood programmes.
They have also informed broader planning efforts aimed at strengthening food systems and helping rural communities withstand ongoing challenges.
The report emphasises that coordinated action by governments, international organisations and humanitarian partners is vital to address the deepening pressures on rural populations.
Sustained support for agriculture, it concludes, will be key to stabilising food systems, protecting livelihoods and preventing further deterioration of food security in war-affected areas.