The red spider mite infestation in Libya, exacerbated by climate change, has led to severe crop losses, particularly in the Wadi Al-Hai agricultural development project. Farmers report extensive damage to fruit trees and vegetables, with rising temperatures and declining rainfall facilitating the pest’s rapid reproduction. Agricultural experts warn of potential pesticide resistance and advocate for integrated pest management strategies to address the crisis effectively.
The proliferation of red spider mites, minuscule yet destructive pests, has resulted in significant agricultural devastation in northwestern Libya, posing an imminent threat to the broader agricultural landscape of the region. Measuring less than half a millimeter, these mites deplete a variety of plants by feeding on their sap, leading to wilting and premature fruit drop. In 2023, agricultural producers at the Wadi Al-Hai development project reported unprecedented levels of infestation, with many crops, including fruit trees, completely destroyed. Fathi Al-Tahir, a plant protection specialist from Libya’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, remarked that the pests had previously been manageable, but their intensity had escalated dramatically in recent years, largely attributed to climate change effects. The expansive Wadi Al-Hai project encompasses approximately 12,000 hectares and includes over 400 farms primarily cultivating figs, pomegranates, grapes, and various vegetables, as detailed by project manager Ali Ibrahim. Ashour Suwaisi, a coordinator for agriculture and livestock in the Garyan municipality, indicated that many trees in his region had been affected, with the infestation spreading to neighboring areas. Red spider mites, known for their rapid reproduction in warm conditions, emerged in several North African countries, including Libya, following their introduction from seedlings imported from Europe and Asia in the mid-20th century. Jamal Breim, a farmer impacted by the infestation, shared that his fig and pomegranate crops had been devastated since the mites first appeared in 2017. He expressed frustrations regarding the ineffectiveness of pesticides due to poor quality and criticized the lack of support from both governmental and international entities. Suwaisi noted that climatic conditions have particularly exacerbated the mite problem over the last two years, with a drastic reduction in rainfall levels leading to higher temperatures favoring the pests. Al-Tahir added that the unusually elevated spring and autumn temperatures have accelerated the development cycle of the mites, enhancing their capacity to reproduce quickly. Concerns regarding pesticide resistance are prevalent among agricultural experts. Rachid Boulmatat, a research assistant at ICARDA, warned that reliance on non-specific chemical treatments may facilitate resistance in mites. He proposed enhanced quarantine measures, farmer education, integrated pest control strategies, and efficient detection systems as crucial interventions. Mohamed Amrani from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization also emphasized the importance of careful monitoring and analysis of pesticides employed in pest management. Abdul Majeed Al-Baghdadi, head of Libya’s National Center for Prevention and Agricultural Quarantine, highlighted the extensive geographical penetration of red spider mites, confirming their spread from the eastern and central regions to the entire western coast and southern areas. He indicated the necessity for a concerted campaign to combat the infestation, contingent on financial resources and stable security conditions.
In recent years, climate change has significantly impacted agricultural productivity in Libya, particularly through the increased severity of pest outbreaks. As temperatures rise and rainfall patterns shift more dramatically, agricultural environments that once sustained various crop species have become increasingly hostile. The red spider mite, notorious for its devastating effects on agriculture, has thrived in these altered conditions, resulting in substantial crop losses across North Africa. This situation has necessitated urgent attention from agricultural authorities to devise effective strategies to mitigate pest invasions and ensure food security in the affected regions.
The encounter with red spider mites in Libya underscores the extensive implications of climate change on agricultural practices and pest management. With rising temperatures and diminishing rainfall creating optimal conditions for these pests, the challenge intensifies for local farmers facing unprecedented crop losses. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive approaches, including improved pest control measures, farmer education, and stringent monitoring systems to combat the growing crisis caused by climate shifts. Without prompt action and adequate resource allocation, the agricultural landscape in Libya and surrounding regions could face a dire future.
Original Source: www.eurasiareview.com
