Officials from Libya’s Ministry of Local Governance and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, along with a team of experts and advisors from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), have agreed on the need for technical cooperation to develop a food security strategy in Libya.
The Libyan Ministry of Local Governance stated, according to the Libyan Central Television, that a meeting was held where officials from both sides discussed a technical cooperation project aimed at developing Libya’s food security strategy.
The ministry added that the visit of the FAO expert team to Libya is part of the technical support activities provided by the organization, in cooperation and coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the Economic and Social Development Council.
Recent developments regarding food security in Libya highlight the nation’s ongoing efforts to address agricultural challenges and the impact of political instability on food availability. The country is heavily reliant on imports, especially for cereals, which cover up to 90% of its consumption needs. Despite a near-average cereal production in 2023, the overall situation remains precarious due to economic and political factors.
Significant investments are being made to enhance agricultural productivity. These include improving irrigation infrastructure, promoting sustainable land management practices, and increasing farmers’ access to financial services. Furthermore, Libya is focusing on embracing emerging technologies to boost agricultural efficiency, such as precision farming and advanced seed varieties.
The political landscape, however, continues to influence economic stability, with fluctuations in oil prices affecting overall economic performance and indirectly impacting food security by altering import capacities and inflation rates.