The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in cooperation with Ministry of Water Resources in Libya, are launching the project “Monitoring, evaluation and rationalization of water use for the agriculture sector in Libya” following the approval on 15th March 2021 of a 830.000 Euro-grant by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).

Considering that Libya is characterized by an absolute water scarcity with its annual per capita Internal Renewable Water Resources (IRWR) around 106 m3/capita/yr, through the results of this project, an assessment of the water use for the agricultural sector will be undertaken.  The project aimed to  support monitoring, evaluation, and rationalization of the agriculture use of water, and to enhance agricultural water management performance, particularly water consumption and productivity. As a result, a strategic plan for water resources management that reviews the water, food and energy needs will be formulated.

Moreover, this project falls under the umbrella of the FAO Regional Water Scarcity Initiative and aims to strengthen the capacities of national institutions for the monitoring, evaluation and rationalization of water use for agriculture sector using geospatial technologies. “With this project, FAO is responding to three national strategic priorities: firstly, sustainable increase in crop productivity and raising levels of food safety standards; secondly, expansion of the use and sustainable management of natural agricultural resources; and thirdly, capacity building and improvement in services to support the agricultural sectors”, said Mr. Philippe Ankers, Libya FAO Representative ad interim.

For more information press here.