“The Granary of Rome” Aims for Self-Sufficiency

By Delinda C. Hanley

In Roman times, Carthage was known as the “granary of Rome.” In modern-day Tunisia, heir to ancient Carthage, great importance is given to agriculture and “food security” is perceived as a national priority. Agriculture in fact constitutes 15 to 16 percent of Tunisia’s current GNP. It provides 22 percent of the country’s jobs and is the source of 12 percent of its total exports. It is therefore not a surprise that the social and economic lives of many Tunisians revolve to a great extent around agriculture.

“Food security” in Tunisia means a situation where the agricultural production growth rate is higher than the rate of demographic growth. In the last 10 years, agricultural production has increased by 35 percent, with an average growth rate of 3.5 percent per year. On the other hand, and thanks mainly to the country’s birth control policies, population growth in Tunisia has decreased. It is today less than 1.6 percent per year, a ratio that is one of the lowest in the Arab world and Africa.

Self-sufficiency has already been achieved in fruit and vegetable production as well as in poultry and fish produce. The goal in 1999 is to achieve self-sufficiency in dairy products and in 2000 to 2001 to be self-sufficient in red meat. Tunisian farming experts say that the wheat sector requires a great deal more effort, since the self-sufficiency rate is about 60 percent.

Beyond self-sufficiency, Tunisians are working to meet the challenge of being able to trade in agricultural products without barriers, whether with the European Union, Tunisia’s first trade partner, or other countries of the world. The objective is to be able, through scientific research programs and continuous training of the farming community, to enhance the competitiveness of the agriculture sector. In order to meet the specific challenge of added international competition, Tunisians are working to improve the efficiency of production methods and to make sure that products are sufficient in quantity and are competitive as in quality and prices.

Farmers are set to benefit from the country’s development strategy, which aims at improving health, education and infrastructure in rural areas. Other helpful programs are the ones aimed at improving women’s working conditions, a determining factor in rural areas.

Since the early 1970s, Tunisian authorities have encouraged the involvement of associations in the agricultural sector. These associations now provide the public services that the government used to provide, including the management of small irrigation systems, potable water wells, billing and distribution systems. Associations also manage forest and wood industries, soil and water conservation projects, and programs to fight erosion and desertification.

Tunisia’s agricultural development strategy has taken into account the scarcity of natural resources, whether land or water. A national effort is underway to collect all available quantities of surface water. Dams and canals are being constructed. Wells and deep wells allow the use of ground water. Soil and water conservation projects contribute to improving soil quality and to ensuring efficient water use. This strategy, Tunisian officials explain, is also based on the principle that “no development can take place at the expense of future gain.” That’s why, they say, “sustainable agriculture development, which includes environmental considerations, is a necessary component of the development strategy.” Responsibility toward future generations is seen as a “duty,” and Tunisian officials are proud of the fact their small country is also “beautiful.” In 1990, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali decreed that no project could be carried out in Tunisia without an environmental impact study.

Many of Tunisia’s agricultural experts and cadres were trained in U.S. universities. Tunisian officials think that Tunisian students could still acquire technological know-how by studying in the United States. They also say that American investors and businessmen have a lot to gain by entering into joint ventures with Tunisian counterparts. Several Tunisian agencies already offer assistance for such projects.

Tunisian dates and olive oil are already highly valued throughout the world. Producers hope that Tunisian grapes and wine will soon be as popular. They also believe the time is ripe for Tunisian fruits and vegetables to enter foreign markets.

Tunisia is an open country to the world. It has had the wisdom and clear-sightedness to develop social and political stability that should encourage international investment.