Tunisian Agriculture Minister Azzedine Ben Cheikh met with Fawzi Yusuf al-Hanif, Director-General of the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, to discuss several development projects. The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, focused on water infrastructure projects and integrated agricultural development initiatives. These projects aim to improve the country's agricultural sector and rural infrastructure.
The discussion covered the importance of projects funded by the Arab Fund in building dams, water diversion, and integrated agricultural development projects. These projects are being implemented in collaboration with the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development. The goal is to support agricultural development in internal regions, improve rural infrastructure, and enhance the living conditions of farmers and residents.
One of the projects discussed was the integrated agricultural development project in the southern region of Kasserine. The project, which spans five years from 2025 to 2029, covers five delegations: Kasserine South, Frianah, Majel Bel Abbas, Hassi Al-Farid, and Sbeitla. The project aims to increase agricultural production, conserve natural resources, improve farmers' incomes, and diversify their sources of income.
The project in Kasserine, which began on January 12, 2023, involves several works, including the development of agricultural roads and the construction of potable water networks. The integrated agricultural development project in the Kasserine region is expected to improve the living conditions of citizens and enhance agricultural production in the area.
Another project discussed was the integrated agricultural development project in the Wadi Tassa basin in the Kef governorate. The project covers 27 districts across five delegations: Al-Qasour, Al-Dahmani, Nabbar, Al-Sers, and Al-Kaf East. Approximately 53,000 citizens are expected to benefit from this project, which will be implemented over five years, from 2026 to 2030.
Minister Azzedine Ben Cheikh emphasized the importance of strengthening the partnership with the Arab Fund to support development projects in internal regions, improve rural infrastructure, and develop agricultural production while conserving natural resources. This, he said, will contribute to improving farmers' incomes and living conditions for residents.
Fawzi Yusuf al-Hanif, Director-General of the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, expressed the fund's readiness to continue cooperating with Tunisia and supporting its efforts to manage water resources effectively and implement development projects. The Arab Fund's support aims to promote sustainable development and improve living conditions in Tunisia.
Key points
- The Tunisian government is working to improve agricultural production and rural infrastructure through development projects funded by the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development.
- Two major projects discussed were the integrated agricultural development projects in Kasserine and the Wadi Tassa basin in the Kef governorate.
- The projects aim to increase agricultural production, conserve natural resources, and improve the living conditions of citizens in internal regions.
