Resource Mobilization

Emergency Assistance to Vulnerable Wheat Producers in Libya

Political disputes and the deterioration of the economic and security situation in Libya continue to threaten the agricultural sector and its infrastructure. The cereal sector and, above all, wheat production, the most important crop for food security, are particularly affected. To improve food security conditions, farmers need to have access to improved seed, especially wheat seed. The wheat seed assistant programme was implemented to help small farmers in selected governorates to increase wheat production and productivity by distributing improved seed to producer households affected by the political situation, and by providing training and extension.

What did the project do

The project contributed to the food and nutrition security of small-scale wheat producer households affected by the political crisis by distributing 241 tonnes of improved wheat seed to 1 027 beneficiary households in the Eastern, Southern and Western regions of the country. Wheat production increased as a result of project intervention. The project also trained 127 farmer leaders in FAO good practices and conservation agriculture, enhancing their knowledge and skills in wheat production by the introduction of improved crop production practices and strengthened management practices.

Impact

The project contributed to the consolidation of national food security through improved seed for wheat, strengthening farmers’ ability to better manage resources in order to increase the wheat production and productivity. It helped farmers and rural communities to have control over their own wheat and thus their own food, both this year and in the future, by having access to wheat seed. Rural communities are now able to use their own resources to be independent in their food needs when surrounding conditions are unfavourable. Some farmers obtained grain yields of over 4 tonnes/ha as a result of the knowledge gained through the project, while others looked forward to improved conditions in the following season to increase their wheat productivity.

Activities

  • 241 tonnes of improved wheat seed distributed to 1 027 small farmers over an area of 5 667 ha, producing an estimated 2 109 tonnes of wheat grain and 154 586 bales of straw at (20 kg each) for animal feed.
  • Impact analysis of seed distribution conducted.
  • Capacity-building activities for the project undertaken in all three regions.
  • 127 selected farmer leaders received training in better wheat production practices and conservation agriculture following FAO guidelines.
Project symbol: TCP/LIB/3601
Project title: Emergency Assistance to Restore the Livelihoods of Vulnerable Wheat Producers Affected by the Political Crisis
Contact: FAO Office in Libya / Wilson Hugo (HQ Technical Officer)
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Download PDF: http://www.fao.org/3/CA0145EN/ca0145en.pdf