Tunisian Agriculture Sector Faces Alarming Decline, Says Association President

Mohamed Aziz Bouhejba, president of the Tunisian Association for Sustainable Agriculture, sounded the alarm on May 12, 2026, regarding the dire situation of the agricultural sector. In an interview with Express FM, he highlighted a climate of general confusion marked by uncertainty surrounding nationalized state lands and a growing disengagement of farmers.

A Cry for Help for the Survival of the Farmer

According to Mohamed Aziz Bouhejba, the current working conditions no longer guarantee the sustainability of farms. He laments the disconnect between scientific research and the reality on the ground, calling for the implementation of public policies that align with the difficulties faced by producers, particularly in terms of prices and subsidies.

The livestock sector is the hardest hit, with a brutal 25% drop in the sheep herd. This decline is attributed to the degradation of pastures, the explosion of feed costs for livestock, and the lack of adequate financial support during years of drought.

The Puzzle of Aïd Prices: The Reality of Shepherds Confronting Official Tariffs

Regarding Aïd, the association president believes that the prices set by the Ministry of Commerce bear no resemblance to the reality of costs borne by shepherds. He notes that the price of a kilogram of live weight currently fluctuates around 30 dinars on the market. This surge is a direct consequence of the increase in the prices of fodder and labor costs. Notably, he points out that the salaries of shepherds now sometimes exceed those of engineers, prompting many farmers to abandon the livestock sector.

A Difficult-to-Rebuild Herd and Rising Prices

Restoring the Tunisian livestock system will require time and massive financial resources, consequences of several years of ineffective policies. In the absence of official statistics, Mohamed Aziz Bouhejba indicates that the prices of sheep for this season generally range from 1200 to 1800 dinars. Although some prices exceed 2600 dinars, he emphasizes that these amounts remain exceptional and limited to a very restricted category of livestock. To ensure the survival of the sector, he insists on the need for remunerative sales prices that allow farmers to cover their debts and continue their activity.