Reaching Libyan Farmers Through CATI

Agriculture in Libya operates under some of the toughest farming conditions in North Africa. With much of the country covered by desert, farming is concentrated in areas where groundwater, irrigation and suitable soil make cultivation possible. Date palms, olives, cereals, vegetables and livestock form part of the agricultural picture, while water availability and the cost of farming can strongly influence what households are able to produce.

A telephone survey can reach farmers and agricultural households without depending entirely on physical visits to widely dispersed communities. At CATI Africa, we conduct interviews in Libya to gather firsthand information on farming activities, irrigation, livestock ownership, input costs, access to agricultural services and the pressures affecting household food production.

Supporting Agricultural Research, Monitoring and Evaluation

For agricultural research and M&E, telephone surveys can help to:

• Examine how farmers are managing water shortages and irrigation needs
• Capture changes in farm expenses, production, and household earnings
• Assess access to seeds, equipment, animal feed, and other necessities
• Gather farmers' experiences with agricultural assistance and local services

Water sits at the heart of Libya's agricultural economy. Farmers must make careful decisions about irrigation, particularly in areas where groundwater is the main source for cultivation. Livestock keeping also contributes to rural livelihoods, creating a need for research that considers both crop production and animal husbandry when assessing household welfare.

Across Libya, CATI can support studies covering:

• Irrigated farming and water use
• Livestock keeping and rural household livelihoods
• Food availability and agricultural costs
• Farmer access to inputs and extension services
• Effects of drought and water constraints on farming

CATI Africa uses professionally managed telephone surveys to gather agricultural information from respondents across Libya. For development partners, government agencies, NGOs, agribusinesses, and research institutions, this creates a practical route to farmer feedback and household-level evidence for tracking agricultural initiatives and understanding changing conditions.