A handover ceremony of advanced agricultural equipment was held recently in southern Libya as part of the Enhancing Farming Employment in Fezzan (EFEF Plus) programme. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Local Government, Badreddine Toumi, and the Italian Ambassador, Gianluca Alberini. The event marked a significant step in the ongoing efforts to support and develop the agricultural sector in southern Libya, particularly in the Fezzan region.
The EFEF Plus programme is a continuation of the Enhancing Farming Employment in Fezzan (EFEF) initiative, which is funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by the Mediterranean Institute for Agricultural Studies (CIHEAM) Bari. This Euro 5 million initiative is designed to promote agricultural entrepreneurship by providing sustainable, municipality-managed mechanisms that benefit local communities.
The programme’s focus is to create long-term solutions to agricultural challenges in the region by enhancing local capacity and encouraging the development of sustainable agricultural businesses. The delivery of advanced agricultural machinery, including 60 modern tractors and harvesters, plays a key role in achieving these goals. The equipment is built to meet high standards of security and environmental sustainability, ensuring that it will have a lasting impact on the region’s agricultural production capabilities.
Minister Toumi highlighted that the successful implementation of the programme reflects the positive results of cooperation between local and international teams. He praised the role of Italian partners, especially the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development (AICS), in developing an innovative business model that was based on a comprehensive scientific study of the local agricultural needs in Fezzan. This model was designed to promote agricultural entrepreneurship, which is seen as a critical factor in fostering economic recovery and food security in the region.
The handover ceremony also included the announcement that the agricultural equipment will be managed through entrepreneurship offices. These offices will ensure that the machinery is used effectively and that the benefits of the programme are sustained over time. In addition to the equipment, the project also focused on building the capacity of local personnel, further enhancing the ability of the region’s agricultural workforce to manage and maintain the machinery and adopt modern agricultural practices.
The Italian Ambassador, Gianluca Alberini, also addressed the gathering, expressing his country’s commitment to supporting Libya’s efforts to achieve food security and economic recovery. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing these challenges, and highlighted the ongoing efforts of Italy through similar programmes such as “Filidi” and “Baladiti,” which aim to support Libya’s development in various sectors, including agriculture.
In addition to the delivery of agricultural machinery, the EFEF Plus programme aims to create jobs, promote entrepreneurship, and enhance local capacity through training and education. The successful implementation of the programme is seen as a model for future international partnerships, demonstrating how collaboration between local governments, international organizations, and private sector partners can drive sustainable development in challenging contexts.
The EFEF Plus programme also reflects a broader strategy of supporting regional stability and economic development through investments in key sectors such as agriculture. As Libya continues to face challenges related to economic recovery, the strengthening of local economies through agricultural initiatives is expected to play a crucial role in improving the livelihoods of local communities and contributing to long-term stability.
Overall, the handover of advanced agricultural equipment in southern Libya is a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to promote sustainable development, enhance food security, and support the growth of the agricultural sector. With continued cooperation between Libya and international partners, the region’s agricultural potential can be fully realized, benefiting both local communities and the wider Libyan economy.
