The programme covers sheep, goats, cattle and camels and forms part of wider cooperation to support agriculture and food security
LIBYA – The regional representative of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for the Near East and North Africa, Abdelhakim Al-Waaer, said the organisation and Libya were implementing a programme to conserve the country’s livestock genetic resources.
In a report published by Egypt’s English-language Daily News Egypt, which Al-Marsad followed, Al-Waaer said the programme covered livestock of all kinds, including sheep, goats, cattle and camels.
Strengthening the Sector’s Resilience
The report said the programme formed part of efforts aimed at strengthening the livestock sector’s resilience and sustainability.
Al-Waaer said the initiative was being carried out under broader cooperation between FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, and included measures to support agricultural development, livestock production and food security.
Protecting Local Production
The report added that the programme was one of several initiatives the organisation and Libyan authorities were working on to bolster the resilience of the agricultural sector and improve the country’s ability to maintain local food production.
It also noted that the two sides had agreed on measures to combat the red palm weevil, which mainly threatens date production and is one of the major challenges facing Libya’s agricultural sector.
Climate Change and Water Scarcity
The report said these initiatives came as the agricultural sector faced growing pressure from climate change, water scarcity and the need to increase the sustainability and productivity of local food systems.
Al-Waaer stressed that such programmes needed to be paired with stronger agricultural extension services, alongside policies that promote sustainable production, to help farmers and livestock breeders adopt more resilient practices.
