The government of Libya is seeking to enhance food security. Director of Information and Awareness Department at the Ministry of Agriculture of the Libyan Government of National Unity, Kamel Ben Issa revealed the plans.
Issa said the government is set to revive projects related to improved grains to enhance its food security, following the food crisis that hit the world due to the Russian war on Ukraine. In press statements, Kamel explained that reviving of improved seeds for agricultural projects, including the Tsawa Agricultural Project, would contribute to securing stocks of grain for the country, as the country’s public agricultural projects, encountering challenges due to lack of financial resources in previous years. He explained that some projects are stumbling others already suspended and operational.
Agri state in Libya
Libyan agriculture is a small contributor to the work-force (about 17%), and to GDP (about 5.6 % in 1997). Major barriers to its growth are limited arable land (1.7% of Libya’s area) and water resources, over-use of arable land and fertilizers, and a shortage of labor.
Apart from a limited production of barley and wheat, major agricultural products are mostly fruits and vegetables such as dates, almonds, grapes, citrus fruits, watermelon, olives, and tomatoes, which constitute about 80% of annual agricultural production. Agricultural activities take place mainly along the coastline. Inland farming is very limited because of water shortages. Rapid urbanization has resulted in a severe shortage of agricultural workers, forcing Libya to rely on foreign farm laborers.
Libya relies heavily on imports of up to 90%, to cover grain consumption requirements, mostly wheat for human consumption and barley as fodder, and changes in domestic grain production have a limited impact on the volume of import requirements.
