An Economic Analysis of the Food Security Situation for the Most Important Basic Food Commodities in Libya During the Period 2002- 2022

Abstract

This study provides an economic analysis of food security for key staple food commodities in Libya during the period 2002–2022. It examines the evolution of production volume, import volume, available consumption, the size of the food gap, and the level of self-sufficiency for wheat and barley using general time trend equations. In addition, the study aims to identify the main factors affecting the available consumption of wheat and barley through multiple regression models. The results indicate an upward trend in wheat production and a decline in barley production during the study period. Moreover, there was a heavy reliance on imports to meet domestic consumption needs, which led to an expansion of the food gap and the failure to achieve self-sufficiency. The findings also reveal difficulties in achieving food security for wheat and barley in Libya during the study period. Accordingly, the study recommends that the Libyan government adopt a comprehensive national food security strategy for key staple food commodities to enhance domestic production, reduce the food gap, and contribute to achieving food stability in Libya.