Context
Agriculture plays a central role in Tunisia’s development. Nationwide, one fifth of all employed people work in the agricultural sector, which accounts for 16% of the country’s gross domestic product. In the inland regions, as many as 50% of the people are employed in agriculture.
In its development strategy ‘Stratégie de Développement Economique et Social 2012-2016’, the Tunisian Government highlights the sustainable use of soil and water, while recognising the special role of agriculture in the development of the rural regions.
Until now, however, smallholder farmers in rural areas have not had sufficient access to public-sector advisory services tailored to their particular needs. At the same time, agricultural occupations are declining in financial and social status. One reason for this is the lack of competitiveness of Tunisian products on national and international markets. Further problems include uncontrolled exploitation and the unsustainable use of soil and water resources, which are weakening the economic and ecological potential of the agricultural sector.
Objective
The basic requirements for economically efficient and ecologically sustainable agriculture exist in the regions of Centre Ouest and Nord Ouest. This ensures an appropriate level of productivity and income, and allows agricultural products to gain a strong position on domestic and foreign markets.
Approach
The project is promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development through its work in four core areas.
1.GIZ is advising the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture on the development of a national strategy for the agricultural sector, as well as a national action plan.
2.The project is supporting the regional authorities in Centre Ouest and Nord Ouest in developing and delivering appropriate training and support measures for smallholder farms.
3.GIZ is advising Tunisian state institutions on marketing and promoting agricultural exports with a view to generating greater profits.
4.The project is supporting Tunisia in increasing the agricultural use of sewage sludge and wastewater. It is working together with the environment and health ministries to develop a monitoring and control system for the safe use of sewage sludge and treated wastewater in agriculture.
Results achieved so far
In the core area focusing on promoting the agricultural use of sewage sludge and waste water, the following results have so far been achieved:
Selected employees of the agriculture, environment and health ministries have gained greater knowledge of the agricultural applications of sewage sludge, wastewater and compost, and about analytical processes used to identify pollutants in the soil or sewage sludge. On this basis, they can contribute to improving the management of sewage sludge use in agriculture and developing a better system of controls for its safe application.
The provision of materials and training has helped to develop relevant capacity in the partner institutions. Those benefiting from this include technicians in the administrations, famers and laboratory personnel. Thanks to the application of new research techniques and the provision of training to staff in the regions, they are now better able to plan and monitor agricultural measures.
A building has been erected to house a composting facility.
The advice given to the Ministry of Agriculture has helped it to inform farmers about the agricultural applications of sewage sludge. This has made it possible to promote a consistent approach to the use of sludge, while expanding the zone of intervention. At present, 17 of the total 24 governorates are receiving support.