Tunisia's Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources and Maritime Fishing, Aziz Rabbah, has announced that ensuring water sovereignty will be a top priority for the ministry in 2027. This will be achieved through the continued construction of dams, strengthening the water transportation system, and securing drinking water supplies. The ministry also plans to complete ongoing seawater desalination projects and digitize water resource management.
The minister made these statements during a joint session of the National Council of Regions and Districts' Productive Sectors Committee and the People's Assembly of Tunisia's Agriculture, Food Security, Water and Maritime Fishing Committee. The session aimed to discuss the ministry's 2027 budget and strategic plans. Rabbah highlighted that the 2027 water strategy includes the launch of the Sidi Abd al-Hamid seawater desalination plant and the continuation of water resource digitization.
In terms of food security, Rabbah emphasized that the ministry will focus on digitizing large-scale agricultural systems, enhancing the competitiveness of olive oil, rebuilding the national herd, and supporting animal production systems. The ministry will also continue implementing integrated agricultural development projects and promoting regional development. These efforts align with the 2026-2030 development plan, which prioritizes food security, water sovereignty, and natural resource management.
Rabbah presented several key indicators related to the sector's performance in 2026, including 1431.3 million dinar in agricultural investments and improved olive and grain production. The sector also maintained a 120% ratio of food export coverage for imports. The proposed 2027 budget for the agriculture sector is approximately 2990.579 million dinar, up from 2879.401 million dinar in 2026.
The discussion during the session focused on the adequacy of allocated funds for the sector's importance in achieving food security. Deputies also raised concerns about water supply disruptions during the 2026 summer and the need to accelerate desalination projects and improve the water supply system. Other topics included monitoring random wells, improving water governance, and supporting the solar energy needs of water management bodies.
The session also addressed issues related to livestock, such as the high cost of feed, difficulties in rebuilding herds, and milk pricing. Deputies emphasized the need to enhance health monitoring and disease prevention in the sector. Additionally, discussions touched on agricultural production challenges, including fertilizer and seed supply issues and rising production costs.
The sector's strategy also encompasses other areas, including maritime fishing, where there is a focus on developing port infrastructure, protecting fisheries from overfishing, and revising fishing seasons based on scientific research. In the forestry sector, priorities include fire prevention, road maintenance, reforestation, and supporting forest residents.
Key points
- The Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Maritime Fishing has set water sovereignty and food security as top priorities for its 2027 strategy.
- The ministry plans to invest in seawater desalination projects, digitize water resource management, and enhance agricultural productivity to achieve these goals.
- The 2027 budget for the agriculture sector has been increased to 2990.579 million dinar, reflecting the government's commitment to supporting the sector.
