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3 Facts About Higher Education in Tunisia

Higher Education in TunisiaTunisia is a small North African country with a population of approximately 12 million people. The nation achieved independence from France in 1965 and has suffered a revolution since. It is a developing nation and, therefore, subject to certain idiosyncratic issues, one of which is the cultivation of higher education in Tunisia. Compared to other polities in a similar predicament and geographic region, Tunisia has a robust system and continues to develop research and pedagogical institutions through a myriad of methods.

Public higher education is free in Tunisia, and this opportunity allows for the population to develop the necessary skills for economic growth. In 2023, 261,000 students were enrolled in public institutions, and 45,000 were matriculated in private ones. Specialized programs are offered for certain degrees, and the remainder of academic disciplines abide by the typical bachelor-masters-doctorate system. Further, these degrees are recognized nationally and are held with respect in other nations elsewhere. Historically, the education system was reminiscent of the colonial French one; however, in recent years, they have begun the process of Arabization to separate themselves from western dependence and establish themselves as fiscally independent with a unique cultural identity.

The Tunisian poverty rate is 17.1% and the unemployment rate, as of this most recent fiscal quarter, is 16.2%. Recent graduates constitute a significant portion of the unemployment rate, which is often thought to be the result of skill mismatches between universities and companies. Individuals who resign to enlist in informal sectors of employment are frequently subject to suboptimal wages and limited mobility. The issue for Tunisian higher education is not one of aggregate matriculation, but one of skill optimization that is rectifying errors in the current apparatus by aligning the demand of the market with the production of the education system, or introducing foreign competitors into the domestic market. 

3 Facts About Higher Education in Tunisia

  1. Huawei’s Partnership With the Al-Khawarizmi Institute of Computer Science: Through a collaboration with the Chinese employee-owned technology company Huawei and the Tunisian Al-Khawarizmi Institute of Computer Science, 14 universities received the ability for AI and data computation. This partnership is prudential in the manner that it will allow for thousands of students to utilize advanced technology for research purposes. Under the auspices of the 2025 Digital Economy Development Plan, this partnership, amongst others, will seek to modernize the nation by establishing a digital platform to benefit both educators and students. With technological innovation, Tunisia can compete with Western markets and participate in the international service economy.
  2. Collaboration With Other Universities: Recently, Tunisian universities have been partnering with nations across the globe to facilitate cross-cultural communication and exchange of ideas. In the United States, for example, the University of Wyoming signed Memoranda of Understanding with four Tunisian universities. These universities can work together in favor of common interests, most exigently, since they both focus on agrarian studies, water management and animal husbandry. Further, the Italian University of Bologna and the Tunisian University of Carthage devised three strategic partnerships with the intent of generating new opportunities in the field of sustainable energy and innovation. Fostering scientific collaboration is a necessary condition for the development of cutting-edge technology and, therefore, the production of new capital. Yielding classes of well-traveled students may create new opportunities for domestic businesses by establishing prosperous relationships.
  3. The Tertiary Education for Employability Project: To ease the difficulty for graduates finding a job, the Tunisian government has endeavored to implement the Tertiary Education for Employability Project. It is an all-encompassing education reform that prepares students for employment by prioritizing attributes beneficial to the labor market. Matching market demands through cooperation with prominent industries and intensive internships offered throughout four-year programs, students find themselves with ample experience by the end of their tenure. More than 22,000 students have received help throughout the program’s history by participating in internships and receiving certificates. The World Bank funded the program and it served the interests of the nation for 8 years. The program was able to successfully expedite the process of job searching and cultivate a generation of students capable of aiding industries immediately.

Concluding Thoughts

The culmination of these programs helps create a promising future for higher education in Tunisia. Education is integral for the success of a country, and higher education allows for specialized acumen in potentially lucrative fields. Programs, such as the aforementioned ones, allow for developing nations to actualize their potency by creating a strong domestic market, which will, in turn, attract foreign investors. The process of creating a strong education system inevitably invites innovation and capital, allowing for the production of a service economy, one predicated on independent structures of wealth accumulation. Poverty is highest in rural areas, and a galvanization of the Tunisian higher education system will allow for a greater base of students to enroll, creating opportunity for those who were previously unable to infiltrate the developed sectors.

The rate of poverty is in tandem with the unemployment rate, and the rectification of the university system solves both issues by diminishing the unemployment rate, which therein reinstitutes the flow of capital. In the past, the nation has suffered from a mismatch between the skills that graduates acquired and the expertise necessary for the prosperity of the market, but slowly, these issues are being rectified. Tunisia is continuing to develop and finds itself with a bright, luminescent future.

– Jackson Hufman

Jackson is based in Glenwood, MD, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikipedia Commons

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Addressing Disability and Poverty in Tunisia

Disability and Poverty in TunisiaAccording to the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), a positive correlation exists between disability and poverty in Tunisia. Disabled people are more than twice as likely to live in poverty. Seventeen indicators determine the MPI, including health care, employment, education, living conditions and physical security. As of 2017, Tunisia’s disability prevalence is approximately 14% within a population of 12 million. Since the 2011 revolution, Tunisia has taken action to reduce disability poverty in its communities. The following article will explain the connection between disability and poverty in Tunisia, amplify Tunisia’s recent achievements in reducing disability-poverty and discuss further improvements.

The Connection Between Disability and Poverty in Tunisia

  1. Educational Setbacks: Mental and physical impairments hinder disabled children from attending school. Oftentimes, educational facilities in developing countries do not have accessible transport for students who require wheelchairs or special equipment. Mental disabilities prevent students from learning at the same rate as their peers. This educational gap has direct links to future unemployment and financial instability for disabled persons. 
  2. Lack of Employment: In Tunisia, 40% of disabled people are unemployed, a critical factor in the prevalence of disability-poverty. Inadequate education, limited legal protection and disability stigma drive unemployment. While the statistic is unknown, women with disabilities are more likely to face discrimination according to the Tunisian General Trade Union.
  3. Poor Access to Health Care: Disabled citizens struggle to obtain quality healthcare. Many healthcare facilities are not wheelchair accessible. Hospitals in developing countries often lack basic equipment such as X-ray machines, exam tables and scales, which prevents service to disabled patients. Healthcare services for disabled patients also tend to be more expensive.
  4. Infectious Disease Prevalence: Infectious diseases, particularly zoonotic diseases, are common in Tunisia and worsen disability-poverty. Specifically, infectious disease may cause disabilities, particularly in childhood, by impairing motor, cognitive and sensory function.
  5. Unsafe Living Conditions: Dangerous environmental factors can instigate disabilities. Poor sanitation and dangerous infrastructure increase the likelihood of developing a physical impairment. Additionally, unsafe living conditions worsen the health of disabled persons, hindering employment and access to special services. This enacts a cycle of poverty. Impoverished conditions worsen disability, and disability encourages poverty’s increase.

Tunisia’s Advancements in Disability-Poverty Reduction

  1. Disability Cards: As of 2012, the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) administers disability cards to Tunisians with physical and mental impairments. These cards allow disabled persons to acquire special services and government protection from discrimination. Disabled persons holding these cards are also ensured transportation, health care, access to recreational areas and employment opportunities.
  2. Government Funding: The Orientation Act 83 is a federal step to prevent disability and poverty in Tunisia. Organizations are funded in their provision of special education, workshops, vocational training and rehabilitation services. A direct effect of this act is the establishment of four special education institutions in Tunisia.
  3. Official Representation: Tunisia’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) originated in 2008 and provides government protection to disabled persons. Three stakeholders make up the CRPD: the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA), the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ministry of Health (MoH). These departments are largely responsible for improving the living conditions of people with disabilities.
  4. Social Organizations: Prior to the 2011 Jasmine revolution, social movements fighting disability-poverty were unheard of. Today, numerous associations exist to protect the welfare of disabled persons. The Tunisian Organization of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Tunisian Association for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Parents and Friends of Persons with Disabilities Association of Tunis are all organizations dedicated to the reduction of disability and poverty in Tunisia.
  5. Election Aid: In 2014, Tunisia implemented the use of sign language in all election-related communication. This applies to voting registration, electoral polls, political speeches and national television programming. In 2019, the country implemented new voting technology — braille and sign language lexicons — further aiding citizens with vision or hearing impairments. As a result, Tunisia’s educational gap is reduced and disabled participation in society has increased.

Barriers in the Fight Against Disability Poverty

  1. Limit Social Stigma: Much of the Tunisian population treats disabled persons as second-class citizens or “charity cases.” Disability stigma results in negative outcomes on employment and educational opportunities for the impaired. Employment’s decrease results in poverty’s increase.
  2. Reliable Enforcement: Although Tunisia has laws to protect the welfare of disabled persons, there is a lack of enforcement of these laws. Disabled citizens’ legal rights are not effectively monitored.
  3. Repair COVID-19 Damage: Disability-poverty increased during the pandemic due to higher unemployment. Not only were jobs harder to find, but disabled persons often require contact assistance, putting them at greater risk for disease transmission. Disabled students struggled with remote education, heightening the education gap. Tunisia’s COVID-19 recovery ended towards the end of 2021, but the impact of the pandemic remains prevalent for the disabled community.
  4. Tunisian Parliament Suspension: The Tunisian Parliament was suspended after the July 25, 2021, constitutional referendum. This suspension has prevented the Parliamentary Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and other Vulnerable Groups from implementing field programs to aid disability-poverty.
  5. Broaden Disability Diagnosis: Although the disability card has reduced disability poverty in Tunisia, it is difficult to acquire these cards. They are given only after an approved medical assessment. This assessment may not account for all psychological impairments. 

Looking Ahead

Although disability and poverty are still a problem in Tunisia today, significant progress has occurred and points to future improvements. 

– Helen Cusick

Helen is based in Minneapolis, MN, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Gender Wage Gap in Tunisia: Challenges and Ongoing Solutions

Gender Wage Gap in TunisiaDespite significant progress in gender equality in Tunisia, women still face considerable wage disparities compared to their male counterparts. The Global Gender Gap Index reports Tunisia ranked 115th out of 146 countries, in 2024, with a parity score of 0.668, reflecting persistent gaps in economic participation and wage equality.

Although the country has made significant improvements since 2023, Tunisia has stalled in closing the gender wage gap. Tunisia is among the five countries with the largest gender pay gaps, alongside Sudan (82%), Algeria (81%), Egypt (79%) and Morocco (77%)​. As neighboring nations tackle similar issues, Tunisia risks falling further behind unless it takes bold action to address the root causes of wage inequality.

The Gender Wage Gap: A Persistent Issue

In Tunisia, as in many other countries, the gender wage gap is not simply a result of educational differences. Women in Tunisia are well-represented in education, particularly in higher education, with more women graduating than men in many fields. 

Despite higher literacy rates for females (79%) compared to males (72.2%), women remain underrepresented in higher-paying sectors. 

Women often work in traditionally lower-paying fields like teaching, health care and administrative roles, while men dominate more lucrative areas such as engineering and finance.

This occupational segregation results in women earning less than men in some sectors, even with similar qualifications, and being less likely to be hired. For instance, in the IT sector, women with the same credentials as their male counterparts are 15 % less likely to receive a callback from employers​.

Limited Leadership Opportunities

According to the World Bank, the country also faces a high degree of informal employment, Informal jobs tend to lack legal protections and social security benefits, intensifying economic insecurity for many women. Furthermore, women in Tunisia are significantly underrepresented in leadership positions, with only 26% of women holding middle and senior management roles​.

A combination of cultural norms, economic segregation and insufficient policies has influenced this, hindering women’s equal participation in the workforce. Tunisia also falls significantly behind in Political Empowerment scoring 0.216, reflecting a gender gap in political representation and leadership roles.

Women in Tunisia also face higher unemployment rates than men, with 20.61% of women unemployed compared to 13.6% of men. This is partly attributed to family and cultural pressures, especially in rural areas, where women are less likely to seek or pursue employment. As highlighted by the UN, women aged 15 and above spend 21.9% of their time on unpaid care and domestic work, compared to just 2.7% for men​.

Solutions

Several organizations and initiatives in Tunisia, such as UN Women, are actively working to address the gender pay gap and promote women’s economic empowerment. The UN Women office in Tunisia focuses on advocating for gender-sensitive policies and implementing programs to close the gender gap in education and employment. The UN Women: Strategic Note 2022–2025 focuses on three main pillars: 

  1. Enhancing women’s access to economic opportunities and decent work
  2. Fostering women’s political participation and leadership 
  3. Promoting women participation for peacebuilding and reconciliation

Key achievements in 2022 include:

  • Training 43 civil servants to implement gender-responsive budgeting frameworks that ensure government spending promotes equality.
  • Engaging 197 individuals in research to empower women and foster resilient communities in southern Tunisia.
  • Equipping 62 specialized units with better tools to investigate crimes against women and support survivors.

One initiative focuses on providing rural women with skills to enhance their participation in the labor market. The program addresses barriers like unsafe transportation, limited childcare and inadequate workplace safety, enabling women to access better opportunities.

The program, part of a broader UN effort to close gender gaps under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), worked closely with national and local governments to advocate for safer and more equitable workplaces fostering policy advocacy and community engagement.

While detailed numbers of beneficiaries are not yet available, the approach emphasizes systemic change by integrating gender equality into national policy and budgeting. 

Looking Ahead

Tunisia has made progress in education and health, but women continue to face significant challenges, including wage disparities, higher unemployment rates, and disproportionate time spent on unpaid labor. Initiatives like the UN Women Strategic Note 2022–2025 tackle these issues by promoting economic opportunities, advocating for gender-responsive policies, and addressing key barriers such as unsafe transportation and childcare. These efforts, combined with policy reforms, aim to close the gender gap and ensure women achieve greater empowerment in Tunisia.

– Arianna Distefano

Arianna is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Renewable Energy in Tunisia: A Pathway to Poverty Alleviation

Renewable Energy in Tunisia
Tunisia, a country with immense solar and wind potential, stands at a pivotal point in its energy sector. Renewable energy in Tunisia can address not only its energy poverty but also broader economic and social issues, creating a sustainable path for development. However, the push for renewable energy raises significant questions about equity, local benefits and just transitions. Recent initiatives in Tunisia demonstrate how transitioning to renewable energy sources could bring affordable power to communities and reduce poverty. However, these efforts also highlight the complexities and competing interests surrounding this transition.

Renewable Energy in Tunisia: The Goals

Tunisia has committed to generating 35% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, increasing from the current level of about 3% of its energy mix. By 2050, the Tunisian government aims to cover all its electricity needs through renewable energy, according to the World Bank.

This shift aligns with SDG 7 which calls for “affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all” by 2030. Achieving SDG 7 is particularly critical for Tunisia as it addresses energy poverty and reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels, particularly natural gas. In 2022, natural gas accounted for nearly half of Tunisia’s energy consumption, according to the World Bank. By reducing its reliance on imports, Tunisia can mitigate the risks that international strikes and unstable exchange rates pose to its economy.

However, questions persist about who ultimately benefits from scaling up renewable energy in Tunisia. Critics argue that while infrastructure expansion continues, the benefits often bypass local communities and favor foreign investors and urban centers.

The Challenge of a Just Transition

Arab Reform Initiative requires Tunisia to rethink how it plans and executes renewable energy projects. Experts define this approach as creating “thriving economies that provide dignified, productive and ecologically sustainable livelihoods; democratic governance and ecological resilience.”

The solar plants in Tozeur, near the Saharan desert, reveal the challenges of such transitions. These facilities represented a significant increase in Tunisia’s renewable energy capacity, but they failed to create meaningful employment for local communities, according to the Arab Reform Initiative.

Moreover, the plants export much of the energy they generate, offering limited benefits to the impoverished southern regions where they are located. These dynamics intensify regional inequalities and fuel resentment.

In 2021, poverty rates in Tunisia’s southern governorates exceeded 33%, far above national averages. These regions also receive the least public investment in sharp contrast to urban coastal areas that attract most of Tunisia’s development spending, according to the Carnegie Endowment. Achieving SDG 7 in these areas requires policies that prioritize equitable energy access and inclusive economic benefits.

Alleviating Energy Poverty

Energy poverty—the lack of adequate, affordable and reliable energy access—continues to impact rural Tunisia. Access to sustainable energy, as emphasized by SDG 7, provides a foundation for improving education, health care and economic development, according to the Sustainable Energy for All.

Movements like the El Kamour protests in 2017 show how marginalized communities have resisted exclusion from the benefits of natural resource exploitation. These protests, which originated in southern Tunisia, saw the government increase local investment and job creation using revenues from the region’s oil and gas sector, according to the Arab Reform Initiative. Their success reflects a broader demand for a more inclusive and equitable approach to development, which is essential for realizing SDG 7.

Benefits of Renewable Energy for Economic Stability

Renewable energy offers Tunisia an opportunity to stabilize its economy. By reducing its dependence on imported fossil fuels, Tunisia can protect itself from the energy import costs that strain national finances. For instance, in 2022, Tunisia imported approximately 48% of its energy needs, primarily through natural gas, according to the World Bank. By producing more solar and wind energy domestically, Tunisia can stabilize electricity costs and shield consumers from the fluctuations and price shocks of global energy markets. This shift would also improve Tunisia’s trade balance and create a more resilient economy.

The Tunisian Platform for Alternatives and other grassroots organizations advocate for a “resistance to accumulation” approach. They call for renewable energy strategies that prioritize investments in local communities, create jobs and ensure that the benefits of the energy generated are distributed equitably, according to the Arab Reform Initiative. These strategies align with the universal principles of SDG 7 by focusing on affordable and reliable energy access for underserved populations.

Resistance movements, such as El Kamour and recent campaigns for a just energy transition, highlight the power of grassroots advocacy in shaping Tunisia’s energy future. These movements underscore the importance of prioritizing local empowerment and ensuring fair distribution of renewable energy benefits.

Addressing Climate and Social Inequality

Renewable energy projects in Tunisia bring significant social implications, particularly for women, who often face the most severe impacts of energy poverty and climate-related challenges. In the first quarter of 2019, 12.4% of men were unemployed compared to 22.6% of women.

The Kairouan Solar Project, Tunisia’s first large-scale solar initiative, significantly boosts the country’s renewable energy capacity by providing 100 MW of solar power to the national grid. This initiative, part of Tunisia’s broader goal to generate 35% of its electricity from renewables by 2030, directly supports the transition to clean energy. Beyond electricity production, the project revitalizes agriculture in Kairouan, a region with some of Tunisia’s highest poverty rates. By improving irrigation for wheat and olive farms, enhancing water access and sustaining agricultural production, the project strengthens local communities, offering greater stability and food security. Its dual focus on energy generation and community impact exemplifies how solar initiatives can address both national energy needs and regional development.

Beyond this, the Project emphasizes gender equality by providing targeted opportunities for women in training and employment. This is especially significant in a country where rural women face acute economic and social challenges. Seventy percent of women employed in rural areas work informally, over half of which do not receive wages. Those who are paid earn wages that are less than half of the Tunisian minimum wage, with little to no access to social security or health insurance, according to Assafir Al-Arabi.

Imen Tahri is one of the 20,000 farmers that has benefitted from this project. Before the project, she was left with little income to sustain her and her family due to drought. Now, thanks to “solar-powered pumping systems” introduced by the project, her olive harvest has improved seven-fold, generating enough income to support her family.

This inclusion aligns with SDG 7, which calls for universal access to modern energy while ensuring equitable benefits for all, particularly marginalized groups.

Building a Brighter Future

As Tunisia accelerates its renewable energy transition, it must balance economic, social and environmental priorities. By integrating the principles of a just transition—ensuring local communities benefit, fostering inclusive governance and prioritizing equity—Tunisia can fully unlock its green energy potential while uplifting its most vulnerable citizens.

Achieving SDG 7 in Tunisia requires a collaborative approach that aligns global investments with local needs. With continued international support and grassroots momentum, Tunisia can lead by example in sustainable equitable energy development.

– Sarah Maunsell

Sarah is based in Bristol, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Troglodyte Homes in Libya and Tunisia

Troglodyte Homes in Libya and TunisiaHistoric troglodyte homes, located in North Africa, Libya and Tunisia are important to the cultural identity and heritage of the Amazigh community. The city of Matmata, Tunisia, once a thriving hub for tourists, now faces an uncertain future due to political instability and economic challenges. Similarly, Libya is also known for its underground homes and Roman ruins. However, questions are being raised about the viability of tourism as a source of community income amid ongoing economic and political turmoil. These challenges underscore the precarious situation of preserving and leveraging cultural sites for economic benefit in both countries.

Troglodyte Homes

Troglodyte homes, extraordinary underground residences sculpted from rock exemplify a blend of cultural heritage and environmental adaptation. The term “troglodyte,” from the Greek for “cave dweller,” scarcely captures the sophistication of these structures. Historically, the Amazigh people of North Africa, particularly in Tunisia and Libya, have constructed these homes to endure the harsh desert conditions. Ideally suited for the region’s dry, fluctuating climate, these homes stay cool during the intense summers and warm in the winters.

Like those in Libya, the troglodyte houses in Tunisia’s Matmata region feature large central courtyards that serve as communal grounds, enhancing airflow and providing shared space for families. Similarly, notable troglodyte sites exist in Libya, particularly in the city of Gharyan. These traditional homes remain a vital part of the Amazigh people’s heritage despite the rapid pace of globalization. However, as more people relocate to urban areas, the troglodyte dwellings in Tunisia and Libya face risks of abandonment and degradation.

Tourism: A Lifeline for the Region and its Inhabitants

For decades, the troglodyte homes in Libya and Tunisia have historically attracted tourists eager to experience the heritage and ingenuity of ancient Amazigh communities. Tourism provided crucial support for local communities, including artisans, guilds and homeowners. 

In Matmata, tourism has been a foundation of the local economy, with many families transforming their homes into guest accommodations and museums. Conversely, tourism in Libya has traditionally been limited. Nevertheless, it has allowed communities in the Nafusa Mountains to share their heritage with the world and fellow Libyans. Some structures in the area, more than 2000 years old, have been largely abandoned due to instability. Despite Libya’s wealth of historical sites, including Roman ruins and coastal landmarks, tourism struggles to flourish amid the ongoing political and economic turmoil.

The Challenges and Decline in Tourism

In recent years, factors have contributed to the decline of tourism in these regions:

  • Political Instability and Security. Since the fall of Muammar Al-Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has faced major economic setbacks and ongoing conflict, leading to instability, militia warfare and the absence of a centralized government. This prolonged conflict has left many of Libya’s significant cultural sites neglected and deterred both local and international tourism. Meanwhile, in Tunisia, despite improved national security, terrorist attacks targeting tourists in 2015 sharply reduced the number of international visitors. This decline in tourism, particularly affecting Tunisia’s underground homes, has significantly impacted the local communities that once relied on tourism as a vital source of income.
  • Global Economic Factors. Global economics, particularly the uncertainties and aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly impacted tourism in the region by disrupting international and national travel. Remote areas like Matmata, which relied heavily on tourism for economic survival, felt this impact acutely. Consequently, local communities in Matmata are experiencing severe financial hardship. Many residents who once depended on income from tourism, selling handicrafts and offering tours, now struggle to sustain their livelihoods.

Efforts by International Organizations

International organizations such as UNESCO and various NGOs are focusing efforts on raising awareness and providing funds for cultural heritage preservation. While UNESCO has not designated the Troglodyte homes in Libya as World Heritage sites, it does protect other Libyan sites like Leptis Magna and the old town of Ghadames. In Tunisia, local communities have tried to preserve troglodyte homes by converting them into guest houses, although these ongoing efforts often fall short without sufficient funding. Meanwhile, the Tunisian government is actively promoting tourism in areas like Matmata through government-led campaigns.

Looking Ahead

The troglodyte homes in Libya and Tunisia, architectural treasures, face the risk of neglect and oblivion. With tourism affected by political, economic and global challenges, the urgency for sustained international and local preservation efforts grows.

– Gufran Elhrari

Gufran is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Projects in Tunisia Combat Food Insecurity and Boost the Economy

Projects in TunisiaOn March 15, 2024, the World Bank’s Board of Directors approved two loans worth $520 million to strengthen Tunisia’s economy. The loans will be used for two projects aiming to address and combat food insecurity and reduce regional inequalities in Tunisia. High unemployment, a five-year drought and the nation’s dependence on agricultural imports have amplified inflation rates and led to many food shortages in the country.

The Emergency Food Security Support Project (PAUSAT) will have a range of objectives that will help combat the food insecurity problem while also strengthening Tunisia’s economy and self-sufficiency. Meanwhile, the second loan will focus on the Tunisia Economic Development Corridor Project. This will address the urban infrastructure along the Kasserine – Sidi Bouzid – Sfax corridor.

PAUSAT

This project will help to strengthen Tunisia’s economy by increasing resilience to future food crises. This is by supplying short-term agricultural inputs for farmers to guarantee the next cropping season. A difficult cereal harvest of 2023 contributes to the string of droughts that Tunisia has suffered. By focusing on long-term solutions, this project will also provide barley and climate-resilient seeds to small-scale farmers and milk producers.

This assistance will help to rebuild Tunisia’s economy as it aims to prevent future agricultural challenges. With 30% of children aged less than 5 and 32% of pregnant and breastfeeding women having been affected by malnutrition, the economy is not Tunisia’s only focus. Ensuring access to bread for impoverished and vulnerable households is one of PAUSAT’s short-term objectives.

PAUSAT also aims to combat food insecurity in the short term by offering the vulnerable percentage of the population bare necessities such as bread. With women making up 46%-51% of the family farm labor force and are also 50% of Tunisia’s rural population, PAUSAT’s supply of soft wheat and barley to local markets will also help reduce food insecurity and prevent malnutrition among children and pregnant women.

Tunisia Economic Development Corridor Project

The Kasserine–Sidi Bouzid–Sfax corridor faces regional economic disparities that this project seeks to address. By adding 65 km of new roads and 117 km of feeder roads, the initiative aims to enhance accessibility to inter-regional areas, facilitate business financing and improve mobility for Tunisia’s rural population. The creation of these feeder roads and roadworks will benefit small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and encourage small businesses to open up further.

The Tunisia Economic Development Corridor Project also benefits households that depend on roads. By improving mobility and expanding access to more regions, the enhanced rural infrastructure enables isolated households in the countryside to reach nearby towns and cities more easily. Significantly, this connectivity opens up new employment opportunities, allowing access to businesses and fostering the growth of new SMEs.

Toward a More Connected, Well-Fed Future

Tunisia continues to face extremely challenging conditions regarding cereal harvests, droughts and rural mobility. These two new loans bring new hope as they commit to two projects dedicated to fighting food insecurity and strengthening the economy of Tunisia. By addressing important issues with these two projects, Tunisia will be able to provide both long and short-term solutions for a more sustainable and self-sufficient future.

– Chelsey Saya McCloud

Chelsey is based in Southampton, Hampshire, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Agricultural Subsidies: Mitigating Food Insecurity in Tunisia

Food Insecurity in TunisiaPersistent political and socio-economic challenges have led to social tensions and delayed economic recovery in Tunisia. This has caused high unemployment rates and regional conflicts, contributing to food insecurity in Tunisia. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), 16.6% of Tunisians live below the poverty line, while 30% of children under 5 and pregnant and nursing women suffer from anemia. Furthermore, Tunisia’s high dependence on agricultural imports, exacerbated by economic challenges and a high inflation rate, has led to food shortages. The ongoing drought has strained agriculture, decreasing harvest and diminishing dairy production. Agricultural subsidies have been crucial in addressing these ongoing challenges, shaping the country’s food production landscape and influencing socioeconomic dynamics. 

Tunisia’s agricultural policies have evolved drastically since its independence in 1956. With an initial focus on self-sufficiency, the country gradually shifted toward an export-oriented approach which led to increased reliance on food imports. This has caused implications for Tunisia’s food security and has made it vulnerable to global market fluctuations. 

Types of Agricultural Subsidies

To assist in its agriculture, the Tunisian government has multiple subsidy mechanisms. These aim to boost domestic production, stabilize food prices and support rural livelihoods.

  • Input subsidies. Covers fertilizers, seeds and machinery.
  • Price support. Ensures minimum prices for specific crops and financially protects farmers against crop losses due to natural disasters, pests or other unforeseen events. 
  • Credit subsidies. Provides low-interest loans to farmers
  • Irrigation subsidies. Supports water management infrastructure.

Impact on Domestic Food Production

Agricultural subsidies have significantly influenced Tunisia’s food production patterns. While they have helped maintain production levels of certain crops, it has led to changes in crop choices which has implications for both food and environmental sustainability. It is clear that Tunisia’s agricultural model based on water-intensive hybrid seeds is unsustainable, thus farmers have moved to a more practical and sustainable approach of using local seed varieties known as “Mahmoudi seeds.” The seeds are better suited to the Tunisian climate and therefore are a necessity to adapt to climate change. Spreading awareness of the local seeds can increase the shift toward using said seeds, support the agriculture sector and reduce food insecurity in Tunisia

Benefits of Agricultural Subsidies

The primary benefits of Tunisia’s agricultural subsidy system include:

  • Price stabilization. Subsidies help support consumers from global price fluctuations, particularly for staple foods such as flour, vegetable oil, rice and sugar. 
  • Rural livelihood support or poverty reduction. By providing stable income for farmers, subsidies help maintain rural economies. A study by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung found that using Proxy Means Testing (PMT) in Tunisia results in significant errors in both excluding eligible recipients and including ineligible ones. This is due to infrequent household surveys and the large informal economy in Tunisia and similar developing countries. The research determined that food and energy subsidies are more effective at reducing poverty than the targeted cash transfers provided by Tunisia’s National Program of Assistance to Needy Families.
  • Food availability. Subsidies ensure a consistent food supply, even during periods of global market instability.

International Aid and Cooperation

International support plays a significant role in agricultural subsidies and Tunisia’s agricultural sector. 

  • European Investment Bank. As of 2022, the EIB has provided loans to finance the rehabilitation and construction of silos and cereal reserves in Tunisia. This aims to increase Tunisia’s cereal storage capacity and support permanent working capital. This responded to the grain supply shock caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This contributes to the country’s food security and ensures public health. 
  • World Bank. In 2022, the World Bank approved a $130 million loan for Tunisia to address food security issues. This was part of an emergency response package with other donors, supporting short-term importation of wheat, barley and agricultural inputs for domestic grain production. This aimed to strengthen Tunisia’s responses to potential future food crises and provide assistance to modernize the food subsidy system.
  • USAID. In 2023, USAID, alongside the World Bank, announced financing for the purchase of 25,000 metric tons of American durum wheat to help Tunisia weather multiple crises and ensure essential food supplies.

Moving Forward

Agricultural subsidies remain a critical tool in reducing food insecurity in Tunisia. The future of food security in the country potentially depends on the balance between the support for domestic production, management of import dependencies and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. By doing so, as well as creating climate-smart approaches, Tunisia could enhance food security and build a more resilient agricultural sector.

– Hannah Ravariere-Moakes

Hannah is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Having An Impact: NGOs In Tunisia

NGOs In TunisiaTunisia, the northernmost African country, is classified as a developing country by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It boasts a unique culture, characterized by a blend of European and Middle Eastern influences and reveals promising prospects for economic well-being. However, it faces several significant barriers to development. These include a rising debt burden, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hindered Tunisia’s ability to borrow from foreign organizations and an alarming youth unemployment rate of 40%. Tunisia is actively working to rectify these ongoing issues and the efforts of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in alleviating the common roadblocks faced by developing countries, providing essential assistance globally.

FISTA

The First Step Together Association (FISTA), is one of the NGOs operating in Tunisia, with a primary focus on at-risk youth, in particular those with cognitive impairments and learning disabilities. Since its humble beginnings in 1989, as a reed-built school housing nine children, FISTA has gradually expanded its operations to cover and support the needs of adolescents impacted by learning disabilities outside of just North Lebanon. The work of FISTA is crucial. Youth with learning disabilities are all too often disregarded even in nations not classified as developing countries. 

Another initiative from FISTA, in partnership with UNICEF, is its internship program. This pre-vocational program specifically targets increasing diversity and inclusion in the workforce and empowers those with disabilities or other factors impacting their success to find their footing. The initiative funded a program that engaged eight young individuals in two-month training programs for various trades, including haircutting, mechanical work and restaurant work. Empowering those with disabilities to secure sustainable income is vital in reducing Tunisia’s youth unemployment rate of 40%.

Assen

The Association de Soutien aux Enfants (Children’s Support Association, also known as ASSEN) is an NGO based in Tunisia that supports women and children in the country, particularly by aiding low-income women who aspire to become entrepreneurs. ASSEN focuses on what it calls “micro-projects.” For example, by funding small-scale projects such as building new breeding broilers, ASSEN significantly impacts the economy, aiding a group that might otherwise remain underrepresented. Targeting initiatives like these effectively assists the economy by creating more jobs and enabling those without resources to achieve personal goals and contribute economically.

Islamic Relief Worldwide

Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) is an NGO operating primarily in Muslim countries, including a chapter based in Tunisia. Its operations are notably diverse, with programs to assist Tunisian youth through educational initiatives similar to those of FISTA and others focused on supporting the country’s sustainability needs. IRW assists Tunisia in achieving its developmental goals by empowering farmers with the tools and technical knowledge necessary to thrive in the country’s sometimes challenging climate.

In a specific instance, IRW responded to a call for assistance in the Kebili province of Tunisia, a region challenging for farmers due to its climate. When heavy sandstorms in 2017 damaged farmers’ equipment and jeopardized their productivity, IRW intervened. With the organization’s help, 276 farmers received new greenhouses to replace those lost. In a follow-up to this program, 66 farmers received new resources and vocational training to further aid their operations. Supporting Tunisia’s farmers aligns directly with the country’s broader interests and the impact of programs like this from Islamic Relief Worldwide continues to be felt at the moment.

Islamic Relief and Schools

Another example of IRW impacting Tunisia involves its efforts to improve the health and safety of schools in the region. A common challenge faced by Tunisian schools is the lack of access to basic washing facilities, which contributes to poor hygienic standards and the inadvertent spread of diseases such as hepatitis and COVID-19. Additionally, poor infrastructure planning has resulted in many unisex bathrooms, increasing the risk of sexual violence and abuse for many youths. To address these issues, Islamic Relief conducted sessions to stress the importance of hygiene and installed necessary hygiene facilities in schools, benefiting an estimated 75,000 students. Addressing hygiene issues has been a significant game changer, as approximately 100,000 students previously dropped out due to the lack of proper hygienic facilities in schools.

Looking Ahead

NGOs play a pivotal role in addressing Tunisia’s developmental challenges, particularly in areas such as youth unemployment, education and agricultural sustainability. Organizations like FISTA, ASSEN and Islamic Relief Worldwide are implementing targeted initiatives that provide essential support to vulnerable populations, including at-risk youth and low-income women. Through vocational training, micro-projects and improvements in education and agricultural infrastructure, these NGOs in Tunisia contribute significantly to Tunisia’s efforts to overcome its economic hurdles and enhance overall well-being.

– Malik Vega

Malik is based in Miami, FL, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Renewable Energy Can Save Tunisia’s Economy

Tunisia's economyTunisia’s economy fell dramatically in 2023 due to several factors, including the aftermath of COVID-19, a severe drought and financial issues. These challenges have made Tunisia one of the slowest countries in the Middle East and North Africa to recover and stabilize its economy. The economic crisis, exacerbated by COVID-19, has led to a projected increase in multidimensional poverty, with the national poverty line expected to decline in 2024.

However, there is hope on the horizon. The World Bank has helped create a plan for recovery, showing significant improvement. The initiative, titled “The Renewed Energy to the Economy,” aims to boost the economy by 2.4% in 2024. One key strategy is to enhance Tunisia’s renewable energy resources, which is expected to contribute to economic growth.

The Impact of Expanding Renewable Energy in Tunisia

About 90% of Tunisia’s electricity is generated from natural gas, with more than half of it imported due to rising demand. By harnessing wind and solar resources, Tunisia could meet its electricity needs more sustainably. The country has the potential to generate up to 280 gigawatts (GW) of solar power, while its current peak electricity generation stands at only 5 GW. This significant capacity could greatly benefit the nation. This shift would also allow for the development of energy exports and decrease the amount of finances spent on importing fossil fuels, which can be directed elsewhere.

Presently, the cost of natural gas accounts for more than 70% of the cost of electricity produced. The plan sets a goal of generating 35% of Tunisia’s electricity from renewable sources, such as wind and solar, by 2030. This would mark a significant achievement, considering the country currently utilizes only 3% of its renewable resources. The total projected investment for this project is $4.5 billion. One of the key support systems for this initiative involves enhancing the electricity connection between Tunisia and Italy.

Alexandre Arrobbio, the World Bank’s Country Manager for Tunisia, says, “Despite ongoing challenges, there are significant opportunities for Tunisia to transform and strengthen its economy. With strategic investments, particularly in renewable energy, Tunisia could significantly enhance its economic resilience and sustainability.” The new transformative plan is ambitious and faces several environmental challenges, but it could be the economic solution Tunisia needs. Arrobbio suggests that transitioning to renewable resources and reducing dependence on international fossil fuels would not only improve the country’s financial position but also advance its move toward a sustainable lifestyle, adding a layer of security for Tunisia’s future.

Key to Sustainability

Tunisia needs to reduce the cost of electricity, especially given the rise in oil prices since 2022 and the reliance on natural gas for electricity production. The increasing cost of electricity from fossil fuels is becoming unsustainable. Renewable energy can significantly lower overall electricity costs, particularly amid volatile international energy prices. Revitalizing renewable energy has the potential to improve Tunisia’s economy, reduce poverty and move toward greater financial independence and sustainability.

– Charlotte Johnston

Charlotte is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News, Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr