Articles, websites, blogs and publications on olive oil tourism and olive oil production in Libya
Olive production has become the focus of Libya as a means of diversifying its largely oil-based economy. The country is seeking to compete with its neighbours in the region in terms of olive production. This shift towards olive oil production highlights the potential of olive oil tourism and the importance of promoting the sector.
https://northafricapost.com/1725-libya-promoting-olive-production.html
In the town of Msallata, located in the mountains of Libya, olive cultivation has been part of the local heritage for thousands of years. This further underlines the deep-rooted link between olive cultivation and the cultural fabric of Libya.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v90Qz3s0NQs
However, the olive oil industry in Libya has faced challenges, with the authorities halting exports and posing a threat to the industry. This situation requires further research and exploration of best practices to overcome these obstacles and support the development of olive tourism and the olive sector.
Libya has depended heavily on exports of its ample crude oil reserves since the 2011 fall of longtime ruler Muammar Qaddafi.
The North African nation, mired in bitter internal conflicts since Qaddafi’s ouster, has failed to diversify its economy despite the enormous potential of its tourism and fisheries industries. Authorities repeatedly express their desire to develop the promising olive oil industry. But in Tarhuna, farmers and workers at olive presses view such pledges with skepticism. “We constantly have problems getting spare parts, which are getting expensive because of the collapse of the dinar against the dollar, but also because of the cost of the oil extraction process,” said Zahri Al-Bahri, owner of a press in Tarhuna. On his farm, olives heavy with oil are harvested by hand in order not to damage the trees.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/1425926/business-economy
The challenges facing the olive oil industry in Libya are multifaceted. A major challenge is the export ban imposed on Libyan olive oils, which not only halted their international presence, but also had an impact on the industry’s ability to generate income and obtain foreign currency needed to invest in resources for sustainability.
https://www.oliveoiltimes.com/world/export-ban-adversely-impacts-libyas-olive-oil-industry/66563
This ban has been in place since 2017 and has affected exports of other iconic Libyan products such as dates and honey.
https://thearabweekly.com/libyas-olive-industry-hit-own-export-ban
In addition, the method of harvesting the olives is a major challenge for farmers, as it is costly and labour-intensive.
https://newsroom.ap.org/editorial-photos-videos/detail?itemid=af17907fcd9b4cbda0b33e62fc333e77&mediatype=video&source=youtube
Possible solutions can be explored to support the development of olive oil tourism and the olive oil sector in Libya. One solution is to diversify the olive varieties planted in Libya by focusing on high density and high productivity olive varieties, which can enhance olive oil production and serve as a form of economic diversification. This diversification can help overcome the challenges imposed by the export ban and contribute to strengthening the olive oil sector.
https://libyaherald.com/2023/06/advancing-the-diversification-of-libyas-economy-through-planting-high-density-olive-trees-for-olive-oil-production/
The main challenges facing the olive oil industry in Libya
- One of the biggest challenges is the lack of adequate infrastructure for olive production and processing. This includes inadequate irrigation systems, outdated machinery and inadequate storage facilities. To overcome this, it is vital to invest in the modernisation and maintenance of infrastructure, providing farmers with the necessary tools and equipment to improve productivity and product quality.
- Many oil farmers in Libya do not have access to modern agricultural practices and techniques. This hinders their ability to maximise yields and produce high quality olive oil. To address this challenge, it is important to establish training programs and workshops for farmers, providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills to improve their cultivation and production processes.
- Olive trees are vulnerable to various pests and diseases, which can significantly affect yield and quality. The lack of effective pest and disease management practices in Libya is a major challenge for the olive oil industry. The implementation of integrated pest management strategies, such as regular monitoring, early detection and appropriate treatment methods, can help mitigate these challenges.
- The olive oil industry in Libya is facing difficulties in accessing international markets and effectively marketing its products. This is mainly due to a lack of marketing strategies, branding and limited exposure to global trade platforms. To support the development of olive tourism and the olive sector, it is vital to invest in marketing and promotional efforts, including participation in international trade fairs, establishing strong branding strategies and leveraging digital platforms to reach a wider audience.
Sources providing information on potential partnerships to strengthen olive oil tourism and the olive oil sector in Libya.
The main stakeholder is the International Olive Council (IOC), which has included the Libyan White Tripolitaine Olive in the international register and in the world encyclopaedia of olive varieties.
https://libyaobserver.ly/variety/ioc-registers-white-tripolitaine-olive-global-encyclopedia-olive-varieties
Libya is making moves to take an increasingly active role in the intergovernmental structure of the International Olive Council (IOC). For Libya, olive growing is both a priority and an economic strategy. It is economically strategic because it introduces Libya into a privileged circle of institutions with a presence in forums recognised by the international community.
https://www.internationaloliveoil.org/1029-libya-increases-its-collaboration-with-the-ioc/
IOC have signed a collaboration agreement with Libya to develop and support the olive sector in the country. Collaboration with the IOC can provide expertise, resources and opportunities to promote olive oil tourism and strengthen the olive sector in Libya.
https://www.internationaloliveoil.org/1214-collaboration-agreement-signed-with-libya/
Another potential partner is the Libya Investment Company, which has expertise in the olive oil industry. Egypt is considering benefiting from its expertise in identifying the olive oil industry in Egypt. Cooperation with the Libya Investment Company can facilitate knowledge transfer and support the development of the olive oil sector in Libya.
https://www.zawya.com/en/economy/north-africa/egypt-considers-localization-of-olive-oil-industry-with-libya-flc14lcg
Another source supports the involvement of all stakeholders in the olive production chain, particularly the private sector, as part of a new central government strategy. This suggests that the private sector could be a potential partner to promote and strengthen the industry.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/libyan-government-eyes-olive-oil-not-crude-oil-for-recovery-36472
The three-day exhibition held in Tripoli in 2017 featured 95 booths showcasing products from farmers and olive tree owners from 22 different regions of Libya. This event highlights the importance of the olive sector in the country’s economy and can serve as a potential partner for cooperation.
https://libyaobserver.ly/inbrief/olive-products-expo-held-tripoli
Libya once had a thriving tourism sector and the rise of Libyan tourism is seen as a new chapter for North Africa. The Oliver Benoit Studio, located in St. Paul’s, could be an organization or association focused on promoting tourism in Libya. It could be a valuable partner in promoting olive oil tourism.
https://viestramagazine.com/the-rise-of-libyan-tourism-a-new-chapter-for-north-africa-p1541-197.htm