Libya Has the Land but Not the Food.. How Did Agricultural Wealth Turn Into a Crisis?

Despite possessing vast tracts of land and natural resources that could qualify it to be among the countries capable of boosting their food production, Libya continues to face major challenges preventing it from achieving food security, amid the decline of the agricultural sector and growing reliance on imports.

Libyan academic Nasser Dhawood told Sputnik that developing agriculture in Libya requires basic foundations, including providing suitable land, securing financing, and preparing human cadres capable of managing agricultural projects. He noted that the absence of specialized expertise, weak official interest, and the dominance of an oil-based economy have been key factors behind the faltering agricultural revival.

Dhawood explained that the water crisis, along with weak infrastructure and the absence of effective investments, has limited the country’s ability to capitalize on its agricultural resources. He called for improving the business environment and developing services linked to the agricultural sector in order to restore investor confidence and strengthen local production.

For his part, Libyan academic Issam Jadallah stressed that the decline in agricultural production has led to greater dependence on imports, which has been reflected in prices and inflation rates. He pointed out that the available agricultural potential could cover a large share of the Libyan market’s needs if invested properly.

Jadallah underscored the importance of protecting agricultural land from encroachments, supporting scientific research centers, and activating the role of the Agricultural Bank, alongside establishing a long-term national strategy aimed at building a sustainable agricultural sector and achieving a greater degree of food security.

Between abundant resources and management challenges, Libyan agriculture remains before a real test: translating natural potential into actual production that reduces the import bill and strengthens the country’s food independence.