Tunisia has grappled with a series of crises and challenges in recent years, primarily stemming from drought waves, with food security topping the list.
In response, institutions are diligently striving to meet the country‘s needs through various mechanisms and programs.
Mid-March saw the World Bank’s approval of a $300 million loan to Tunisia, aimed at assisting in addressing the food security challenge and bolstering its ability to provide for its nutritional requirements.
Tunisian analyst and writer, Basel Turgeman, highlighted that food security is among the priorities of the Tunisian state, as reiterated by President Kais Saied on multiple occasions. Substantial efforts are being made domestically and internationally to ensure the continuous supply of food for all citizens.
Turgeman noted the success of institutional measures and mechanisms in the food security file, evident in the availability of various food items in markets at reasonable prices, especially those needed during the holy month of Ramadan.
Government efforts have significantly covered the needs of markets and consumers for food items, particularly low-income and vulnerable groups, within the framework of social justice policies that President Saied is keen on achieving, ensuring a decent standard of living for all, regardless of their social status.
Tunisia collaborates with international organizations in an emergency food security response project to address the effects and repercussions of four consecutive years of drought.
This includes what became known as the “difficult grain season” in 2023.
The project aims to improve wheat imports and support small farmers by providing barley for dairy production and resilient seeds in the face of climate change.
Tunisian analyst and writer, Bassam Hamdi, explained that exceptional measures are being taken to mitigate the crisis of some food items’ scarcity, whether through imports or programs to incentivize local production.
Hamdi emphasized the necessity for sustainable solutions to ensure food security, as exceptional measures alone are insufficient. Tunisia suffers from a shortage in the production of many food items due to years of drought.
He called for increased focus on the agricultural sector to restore Tunisia to its former status as a producer of grains and food in general, rather than solely a consumer. Urgent action is required to provide comprehensive solutions to farmers’ crises and support them through various means to revive their agricultural activities.
According to estimates from the Ministry of Agriculture, the decline in rainfall over recent years has led to a 60% decrease in grain crop levels compared to usual levels.