Assessing the Efficiency of the Agricultural Marketing System and Its Role in Linking Producers to Markets to Promote Economic Diversification in Libya in 2022

Abstract

The efficiency of the agricultural marketing system is a fundamental pillar for promoting sustainable agricultural and economic development in Libya, as it plays a crucial role in linking producers to local and regional markets, balancing supply and demand, and increasing the added value of agricultural products. This study aims to assess the efficiency of agricultural marketing in Libya, analyze its impact on economic development indicators, and explore the potential use of agricultural marketing as a tool to support economic diversification and reduce structural imbalances. The study employed a descriptive-analytical approach using statistical data from 2022, including product prices, transportation and storage costs, number of intermediaries, and producers’ share of the final price, along with market information and institutional organization, to estimate the marketing efficiency of key products. The results reveal significant inefficiencies in the agricultural marketing system, characterized by high marketing margins, limited producer share, weak marketing infrastructure, lack of cooperative organization, and high transportation and storage costs. The study also indicates that enhancing direct linkages between producers and markets, and adopting market information systems and digital technologies, contributes to economic diversification, increased producer income, and higher national output returns. The findings emphasize the importance of developing wholesale markets, strengthening institutional and cooperative frameworks, integrating digital marketing, and improving transport and storage services as strategies to enhance agricultural marketing efficiency and support sustainable economic development in Libya.