Agriculture and Food Industry
From The Report: Misrata 2024
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While Misrata has traditionally relied on industries such as manufacturing and trade, the agriculture sector and food segment have been quietly gaining momentum in recent years. Misrata’s relatively favourable climate and fertile land have fostered the growth of various crops, including olives, citrus fruits and grains, while proximity to the city’s trade infrastructure has assisted with access and distribution to domestic markets. These agricultural endeavours have an important bearing on Libya’s economy, employing approximately 5% of the labour force and constituting nearly 9% of GDP as of 2019. The sector has provided a crucial avenue for diversification beyond traditional industries by creating employment opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship and attracting investment. The implementation of desert-based irrigation and digital farming techniques is bolstering the production of critical crops and increasing recognition of the sector’s untapped potential.

This chapter contains an interview with Mohamed Al Za’louk, Chairman, Bladi Al Khair Company.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Local production
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While Misrata has traditionally relied on industries such as manufacturing and trade, the agriculture sector and food segment has been quietly gaining momentum in recent years. The agricultural landscape in Libya is primarily located within a narrow belt along the Mediterranean coastline, including the region around Misrata, select mountainous regions and various oases within the desert. Misrata’s relatively favourable climate and fertile land have fostered the growth of various crops, including olives, citrus fruits and grains, while proximity to the city’s trade infrastructure has assisted with access and distribution to domestic markets.…

Analysis

Productivity and investment
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Despite recent successes, unrest has affected market networks and access to resources for agricultural production. It has also hindered progress in mitigating the effects of climate change, amplifying the adverse effects on agriculture, livelihoods, and food and economic security. Given the disruptions to market linkages and purchasing power in recent years, bolstering food security and ensuring the affordability of key goods will play a central role in the sector’s development going forwards. There are various prospects for improvement in Libya’s agriculture sector. These include investment in irrigation infrastructure to expand the…

Interview

Fertile horizons: Mohamed Al Za’louk, Chairman, Bladi Al Khair Company
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Interview:Mohamed Al Za’louk How are factors such as consumer demand and affordability affecting investment and local companies in the agriculture and food industry? MOHAMED AL ZA’LOUK: Consumer demand and affordability are critical drivers shaping investment in the agriculture and food industry both locally and internationally. The Covid-19 pandemic had a considerable impact on consumer preferences, leading to shifts in demand patterns and consumption habits as people’s routines changed.…

Analysis

Technological advancements
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In recent decades the global agricultural landscape has been significantly affected by the escalating challenges posed by climate change. To meet the needs of a growing global population and ensure sustainability, it will be important for the agriculture sector – a pillar of food production and livelihoods – to become more productive and sustainable through increased investment and the adoption of advanced technologies. Technological advancements are a key tool in overcoming barriers and…