Tunisia is planning to conduct its first digital agricultural census during the 2026-2027 agricultural season, with the goal of establishing a reference database and modern digital indicators for the agricultural sector. This initiative aims to support strategic planning, improve the governance of development programs, and stimulate investment. The census will provide comprehensive data on the structure of the agricultural sector, characteristics of agricultural holdings, and their geographical distribution.
The project, described as a major national undertaking, is currently in its preparatory phase. According to Nabil Zrouk, head of the General Directorate for Studies and Agricultural Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Maritime Fisheries, the 2025-2026 agricultural season will serve as the reference period for the census. The actual census will take place during the following season, with a planned informational conference on October 30, 2026, where the Minister of Agriculture will announce the launch date.
The census aims to provide a reference database and modern digital indicators for the agricultural sector, as well as digital geographic databases for agricultural holdings. This will enable the development of sectoral strategies based on accurate data and improve the targeting of development programs and projects. The data collected will also help stimulate investment, promote small and medium-sized agricultural holdings, and optimize the use of land.
The Ministry of Agriculture will lead the project, in partnership with several public institutions, including the National Institute of Statistics, the Grain Office, and the Tunisian telecommunications company. The ministry has begun training staff, with a focus on three main areas: information systems, technical aspects of statistics, and digital geography. The use of digital technology is a key feature of this census, with enumerators using digital tablets to collect data in the field.
The data collected will be used to support decision-making, improve investment targeting, and develop development programs that respond to the needs of the sector. The census will also provide insights into the challenges facing agricultural holdings, particularly with regard to natural resources and production sustainability. The Ministry of Agriculture emphasizes that the protection of personal data and statistical confidentiality are essential principles in the implementation of the census.
The government discussed preparations for the census during a cabinet meeting in April 2025, highlighting its importance in establishing a reference database and modern digital indicators. The census is expected to contribute to the country's efforts to accelerate the digitalization of the agricultural sector and develop statistical and planning tools. The Ministry of Agriculture has called on farmers to participate in the project and provide the necessary information.
The successful implementation of the census depends on the participation of farmers and the quality of the data collected. The Ministry of Agriculture emphasizes that the data will be used to develop strategies and programs that respond to the needs of the sector and contribute to the sustainability of agricultural activity. The census is a key initiative in Tunisia's efforts to modernize its agricultural sector and improve its competitiveness.
Key points
- The census will provide comprehensive data on the structure of the agricultural sector and characteristics of agricultural holdings.
- The use of digital technology is a key feature of this census, with enumerators using digital tablets to collect data in the field.
- The data collected will be used to support decision-making, improve investment targeting, and develop development programs that respond to the needs of the sector.
