Tunisia clears farmers to use drones for agriculture

TUNISIA – Tunisia has moved to expand the use of technology in its farms after Parliament approved a bill that lets farmers import and operate drones for agricultural work starting in 2026.

Lawmakers passed the measure on December 4 as part of the upcoming Finance Bill, marking a major shift in how the country handles civilian drone access.

“For the first time, a professional category obtains the explicit right to import, possess and use these devices in the exclusive context of their agricultural activity,” local media outlet Ilboursa reported.

Tunisia normally restricts civilian drone use for national security reasons, so this exception signals a new level of trust for farmers who want to use technology to deal with climate stress.

Farmers plan to use drones for tasks such as monitoring fields, guiding irrigation, and improving crop treatment. Officials say this measure aims to support farms that need better tools to protect yields at a time when water scarcity continues to hit the country hard.

Tunisia faces one of the longest dry spells in North Africa, now lasting more than six years. The drought hurts cereal production and forces the country to depend more on imported food.

The latest UNCTAD figures show that Tunisia bought an average of 2.87 billion dollars worth of agri-food products each year between 2021 and 2023. Tunisia sits among the top ten African countries with the highest food import bills.

Technology gains ground across the food system

Officials believe drone use will help farmers manage land more accurately and limit losses during dry seasons. They expect higher efficiency in irrigation as well as faster responses to crop threats. Farmers who support the bill say they want tools that let them work with greater control so they can protect yields and lower production risks.

The country has also taken steps in other parts of its food system to handle rising climate and market pressure. In recent weeks, the government increased support for small cooperatives that focus on local produce.

Authorities also announced new funding for irrigation upgrades, valued at 18 million dinars (approx US$5.67 million). The Agriculture Ministry said the funds will help farmers fix aging equipment and reduce water waste.

Tunisia plans to connect these upgrades with a broader effort to steady food supplies. Leaders argue that local production needs stronger tools so the country can reduce import pressure. Farmers expect drones to help them track crop health and react early when fields show stress. One official noted that the focus now lies in giving producers simple tools they can use with ease.

The shift marks a clear effort by Tunisia to equip farmers with technology that supports productivity during harsh weather cycles. As the 2026 rollout approaches, producers and government officials say they want to work together to ensure the devices improve farm operations without raising security concerns.

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