Tunisia secures US$41 million to boost climate resilience in northern farms
The Ministry of Agriculture has launched an eight-year programme to protect small-scale farmers from drought impacts.
TUNISIA – Tunisia has rolled out a new programme to strengthen the resilience of farmers in its northern regions as the country continues to struggle with prolonged drought.
On Monday, September 22, the Ministry of Agriculture launched the Inclusive Development of Small-Scale Mountain Agriculture in the North-West (DINAMO).
The project, valued at 120 million dinars (US$41.45 million), is jointly funded by the Tunisian government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Officials confirmed that DINAMO will run for eight years across the governorates of Beja, Jendouba, Siliana, Kef and Bizerte. The programme will extend five drinking water supply systems, construct 250 rainwater cisterns equipped with solar pumps, and promote agroforestry practices.
“This project comes at a crucial moment for our farmers,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Agriculture during the launch. “Water scarcity is one of the greatest threats to food security in Tunisia. We want to give small-scale producers the tools to adapt.”
Beyond water management, the project will also focus on economic opportunities. Plans include the creation of 20 development and production units supported by business plans, networks of producer organizations, and marketing channels for local products.
Responding to water stress
Tunisia ranks among the most water-stressed countries in the region. With about 400 cubic meters of water available per person per year, the country falls below the global water stress threshold of 500 cubic meters per capita set by the World Resources Institute.
“The repeated droughts have weakened farming systems in the north and affected national grain output,” said Mohamed, a farmer from Beja. “We need solutions that secure both our harvests and our income.”
The choice of target regions reflects their central role in Tunisia’s food security. According to data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Beja, Jendouba, Siliana, Kef and Bizerte produce nearly 74 percent of the country’s wheat, its main cereal.
Wider regional context
North African countries have all faced prolonged dry conditions in recent years, and governments are looking for ways to protect rural livelihoods.
Similar climate-focused programmes are being developed in Morocco and Algeria, where investments in irrigation systems and renewable energy for water supply are taking shape.
For Tunisia, DINAMO signals a long-term commitment to addressing the link between water shortages and agricultural stability. Local leaders hope the mix of water infrastructure, agroforestry, and rural business support will create a stronger base for smallholders in the coming decade.
“Climate change has forced us to think differently,” the Ministry official added. “By investing in both people and land, we can keep agriculture alive in regions that feed the nation.”
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