The Ubari Market: WFP Rehabilitated Market Centre Strengthens Food Systems and Contributes to Peace in Libya

Strengthening Food Systems in Southern Libya

“The Market would provide a peaceful environment for all communities and will enable traders to sell different kinds of products such as fruits, vegetables, and dates at reasonable prices for the buyers,” said Ali Khylen, a farmer.

In a country where more than one-fifth of the population is farming, the prolonged conflict has collapsed agriculture-related infrastructures, impacted local production, and disrupted supply chains.

Since the onset of the pandemic, Libyans have seen an increase in basic food items, in some instances almost by double, making it increasingly difficult for the vulnerable to purchase.

The Market hosts around 60 stalls where farmers from throughout Ubari can bring in fresh and nutritious produce for almost 35,000 people each month.

“Food prices will now be regulated as it will be managed by a committee,” said Ahmed, a resident of Ubari. “We finally have a place where we will be able to purchase several varieties of food for our families under one roof” added Ahmed.

Boosting Local Economy

As seen all over the world, COVID-19 has disrupted livelihoods and increased unemployment in Libya. In a step to prevent the spread of the contagion, the Government imposed a strict lockdown and curfew where farmers and small-scale businesses silently suffered the brunt of the pandemic.

Since there is a provision of a market, traders can sell artisan products, food, and other household items in a dedicated space. With strict COVID-19 protocols in place, the Ubari Market has become a buzzing hub where traders can make a livelihood again by selling their produce.

“Many women like me will get an opportunity to earn an income by selling our homemade products,” said Amina Amghar, a pickle maker. “After several years, women from different tribes are finally coming together peacefully with new aspirations and hopes” she added.

Reinstalling Peace and Reconciliation Efforts

WFP in partnership with the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) initiated this project in 2020 in Libya following the Ubari Peace Dialogue that demonstrated a need for creating a public market space for members from different communities who can come together in one place.

“After the devastating conflict, there are very few places where the different groups in Ubari can gather, talk with each other, and trade to benefit economically as well. After we held the dialogue with local partners, it was clear that a market and green space would fill a fundamental need of the community and contribute to reconciliation. The WFP-USIP strategic partnership worked seamlessly as we both used our respective strengths to contribute to peace in a region long-marginalized but critical to Libya’s stabilisation” said Nate Wilson, Country Manager, USIP.

Now, farmers from all tribes and communities throughout Ubari will be able to reap benefits from this infrastructure.

“Ubari is almost 1,000 kilometres from Tripoli, and given its extreme remoteness, we faced several challenges while bringing in construction materials. The situation was further exasperated by COVID-19, as we witnessed lockdowns, and it’s hard finding labourers to complete the rehabilitation work on time. After nine long months of perseverance, the completion of the market is a milestone step in contributing to Libya’s peace and food security” said Rawad Halabi, Country Director of the World Food Programme.

A Woman Friendly Market

The market will be open seven days a week, with specific days and times allocated to improve market access for women farmers and families.

A management committee was established amongst the Tuareg, Ahali & Tebu communities, the Local Agriculture Association, the municipal council, and a local NGO. This helps to ensure the sustainability of the market, which aims to benefit and be accessible to the entire population.

The Ubari market contributes to USIP’s peace-building initiative while it simultaneously compliments WFP’s goals in strengthening the food systems in Southern Libya.

This could never happen without the support from our donors: France, Czech Republic, and 2030 Funds.