The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has predicted a sharp drop in grain production in Libya in 2024 due to the aftermath of Hurricane Daniel, which struck the east of the country in September last year.
The FAO said in its report that Libya’s expected grain imports in 2024 will be 3.1 million tonnes, which is roughly the same level as in the previous year.
The organization highlighted the start of planting winter grain crops for 2024, which is scheduled to be harvested starting in April. It noted that although the total rainfall amounts in late 2023 in the main production areas along the coast were below average, the distribution of rainfall was considered to be adequate, providing sufficient soil moisture in time for planting.
The organization also pointed to the improvement in the security situation, which has facilitated access to fields. However, farmers reported that power outages and rising input prices, including seeds, water, fuel, and machinery, are still limiting their ability to cultivate land.
The FAO noted that only about 12% of the total area of 15.4 million hectares in Libya is suitable for cultivation. Of this, 470,000 hectares are suitable for irrigation, but only about 240,000 hectares are currently irrigated due to concerns about groundwater depletion.
It pointed out that the heavy rains that fell in early September along the northeast coast due to the Mediterranean storm Daniel caused losses and damage to infrastructure, which have harmed income-earning opportunities.
The FAO said that the two dams that collapsed in Derna were used for irrigation purposes. Satellite images suggest that some fields in the area were irrigated before the collapse, which is likely to lead to a significant drop in total grain production for 2024 due to the collapse of the dams. However, the impact on the availability of fruits and vegetables is expected to be limited.
