Introduction
Libya is normally considered as the main gate between Europe and Africa. Research shows that it enjoys a varied climate. This permits desert and Mediterranean crops. Libya produces quality vegetables and fruits that are of better quality than that which is produced in the neighboring countries. A look at the weather conditions in Libya shows that the weather is very conducive to the production of quality products which makes this nation to be advantaged over the others. This nation can make good use of climatic diversity in the production of crops. They include olives, date palms, and citruses. This nation also grows potatoes, vegetables, peppers, and squash.
History of Libya agricultural infrastructure development
Research shows that since the early 8th millennium BC, Neolithic people inhabited the coastal plain in Libya. This group of people was quite skilled in crop cultivation and the domestication of cattle. For thousands of years, this culture continued to flourish. This continued until the barbers came in. It was later occupied by Greeks, Romans, and Phoenicians. This group of people was the first one to establish various trading posts in Libya.
Rail infrastructure in Libya does not exist. There hasn’t been any railroad operating since the year 1965. This is when the rail services that existed were destabilized. Research shows that plans have been there to construct a new rail. The Libyan government has identified that this area needs immediate attention. It has allocated a sizeable amount of the budget for the upgrading of this sector. The rail sector is part of agricultural infrastructure. The telecommunications network in Libya is in the process of being modernized. There is only one internet service provider in this nation. Irrigation schemes are in operation and others are still in the process of development. In this nation, there is irregular rainfall which is not enough to support agriculture. Currently, there is a great man-made river project which has the potential of bringing approximately four hundred thousand acres of land to be cultivated. There is the installation of farm power in farms so that agricultural production is enhanced. Road network is part of the agricultural infrastructure that has been developed in Libya. This development has been done even in the rural areas. Libya is at the heart of Northern Africa and has got the fastest growing telecoms market. This is in the region of MENA. By the year two thousand and eight it is set to reach the United States $ 13.4 billion. Research shows that the Mahgreb area shows the fastest growth. Agricultural infrastructure development has gone through a major transition since the eighteenth century.
The role of Libyan agriculture infrastructure in the economy
Libyan agricultural infrastructure is essential in economic growth. This plays a big role in rural development in this nation. This is because agricultural infrastructures like irrigation schemes help to increase the agricultural produce in the rural areas. Farmers in the rural areas are in a position to produce more than they can consume hence sell the extra. Through this, the rural areas are developed. Agricultural infrastructure also plays a role in poverty alleviation in Libya.
Improved agricultural infrastructure in Libya has played a big part in increasing productivity therein. An increase in productivity in this nation has become a very effective driver of economic growth. It has played a big part in poverty alleviation within and also outside the agricultural sectors in Libya. An increase in productivity largely depends on access to appropriate technology, well-functioning domestic markets, and rural infrastructure.
The core of the economy in most countries is based on the agricultural sector. Research shows that due to the existing agricultural infrastructure in Libya, the agricultural sector generates thirty-three percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This constitutes fifty-two percent of total merchandise exports in the year two thousand and two. The agricultural sector accounts for forty-six percent of the employment in Libya. The development of agricultural infrastructure has played a big role in alleviating poverty in this nation.
Rural agricultural infrastructure has played a big role in enhancing semi-subsistence and subsistence agriculture in Libya. This results in a productivity increase which also increases the farmer’s incomes. Farmworkers’ incomes are also increased through this. The purchasing power of citizens, in this case, is enhanced. Research carried out on Libya shows that each dollar of income from agriculture generates approximately $ 2.50 of the overall economic growth in this nation.
Irrigations schemes have been widely incorporated in Libya because this nation does not receive adequate rainfall. Irrigation schemes have been installed in the rural areas and they have enabled farmers to grow various crops like.
Role of Libyan Agricultural infrastructure in the agricultural sector
Libyan agricultural infrastructure plays a big role in enhancing the increase in the product in the agricultural sector. These infrastructures include roads, telecommunications, and electricity supplies. These are key in the stimulation of agricultural growth and investment. The availability of better communications helps in reducing market margins, increasing competition, and reducing transportation costs. Through this, there is a direct improvement of private investment opportunities and farm incomes in Libya. The current government in Libya is developing the agricultural infrastructure which is increasing farmer’s access to output and input markets.
The agricultural infrastructure in Libya helps in the stimulation of the rural nonfarm economy. It also helps in the vitalization of rural towns such that consumer demand for agricultural products therein is increased. This plays a big role in the facilitation of the integration of un-developed rural areas into international and national economies. Agricultural infrastructure like irrigation, telecommunication, energy, and transportation sectors have got positive effects on the agricultural sector either directly or indirectly.
An example of the improved road in Libya network has got positive effects on the agricultural sector. This is because farmers can easily transport perishable farm products like horticultural products from the farms to the markets. This helps to minimize loss through damage to the products. Research shows that the improved road network in this country helps in the fast transportation of farm inputs like seedlings, manure, and also farm machinery. Through improved road networks farmers are in a position of getting preventive pesticides on time. This leads to an increase in the production of agricultural products like potatoes, vegetables, peppers, and squash.
Analysis in this nation reveals that solar power is used in the farms. This is sometimes referred to as wind power. This has played a big role in improving the agricultural sector. Solar power helps in the preservation of farm products. This is especially on the perishables like horticultural products that are normally exported to other nations. Such products include vegetables, flowers, oats, olives, date palms, and citruses.
Solar power is also used to dry up some of these agricultural products which need to be dried up before processing. This has made it very easy to install agricultural machinery that uses solar power. This machinery makes farm preparation for planting very easy and also the period taken for carrying out such farm activities is shortened.
Another role of the agricultural infrastructure is to ensure that there is provision for certain necessities such as farm input, pesticides, irrigation water, etc. This will therefore enhance the agricultural sector especially in the arid areas of the country. Libya for example is a semi-arid country that is just next to the Sahara desert and therefore it needs to utilize the external water available for irrigation purposes which can only be provided by an efficient agricultural infrastructure.
Conclusion
Agricultural infrastructure in Libya is one of the best developed in North Africa and it is the backbone of the economy after oil. It has significant contributions to the agricultural sector and the economy of the country in general especially the provision of employment to the low-income population. This improved agricultural infrastructure leads to increase in production in the agricultural sector. It has played a big role in the enhancement of the economy that is worth emulating.
Reference:
Adair, M. (200): Agriculture in North Africa; Publications on Economics; Lawrence; University of Kansas.
Banning, E. (1998): Impacts of Agricultural Infrastructure on Libyan Economy; 61(4); 188-237.
Donkin, M. (2005): Libya’s Agriculture; How It Works; New York; Macmillan Press.
Harris, D. (2001): Agricultural Infrastructure in Libya; an overall overview; KTAV Publishing House; Inc.
Adair, M. (200): Agriculture in North Africa; Publications on Economics; Lawrence; University of Kansas.
Banning, E. (1998): Impacts of Agricultural Infrastructure on Libyan Economy; 61(4); 188-237.
Harris, D. (2001): Agricultural Infrastructure in Libya; an overall overview; KTAV Publishing House; Inc.
Banning, E. (1998): Impacts of Agricultural Infrastructure on Libyan Economy; 61(4); 188-237.
Harris, D. (2001): Agricultural Infrastructure in Libya; an overall overview; KTAV Publishing House; Inc.