An Analytical Economic Study of the Current Situation off Red Meat in Libya and the Potential for Achieving Food Security during the period (2000-2022)

Abstract

This study aims to provide an economic and analytical assessment of the current situation of the red meat sector in Libya during the period 2000–2022, with a focus on evaluating the potential for achieving food security. The research employed descriptive and analytical methods, supported by quantitative tools such as averages, minimum and maximum values, relative analysis, and time-series techniques, using SPSS software. The findings reveal that Libya maintains a relatively high level of food security in the red meat sector, with local production covering approximately 86% of daily consumption and imports contributing only 11%, thereby reducing exposure to global price fluctuations. However, the sector has experienced a severe structural decline, as production dropped by nearly 67% between 2010 and 2020, accompanied by a significant reduction in per capita consumption from 0.03 tons to 0.01 tons. The analysis indicates that political instability, economic crises, and external shocks—rather than temporal factors—are the main drivers of this deterioration. Furthermore, cattle, sheep, and goat production showed statistically significant declines, while camel meat production remained stable. Based on these results, the study recommends restructuring the sector, enhancing local production, diversifying protein sources, and establishing strategic reserves to ensure sustainable food security in Libya.