Defying the Odds: Gafsa's Agricultural Transformation
Despite an arid climate and extreme temperatures that sometimes exceed 45°C in the summer, the Gafsa governorate is beating the odds. In this region of central-western Tunisia, often perceived as a mining stronghold, another face is slowly but surely emerging: that of an agricultural territory in full transformation.
A Shift Towards Diversification
Long dominated by olive monoculture and cereal crops, the agricultural landscape of Gafsa has undergone a remarkable diversification in recent years. In addition to pistachios, which have found an ideal soil in the region's rocky and dry terrain, another local treasure is emerging: dates. For the 2024-2025 season, forecasts announce a harvest of nearly 15,000 tons of dates, a volume similar to that of the previous season. This performance, remarkable given the climatic conditions, testifies to the progressive adaptation of local agriculture to a harsh environment. The oases in the region now cover over 3,800 hectares, divided between traditional palm groves and modern irrigated areas.
A Variety of Dates
In these oases, the famous Deglet Nour variety — considered the golden treasure of southern Tunisia — coexists with other types of dates such as Aleq or Matlaq. This varietal diversification not only contributes to strengthening the resilience of production in the face of climate hazards but also expands commercial outlets.
Challenges and Opportunities
However, this success is not without challenges. In recent months, producers have had to cope with abnormal humidity caused by irregular rainfall, favoring the proliferation of parasites like the red spider. Thanks to increased surveillance and targeted interventions, the damage has been limited, preserving the overall quality of the harvest.
A Sustainable Vision for Regional Development
Beyond the purely productive aspect, the rise of date cultivation — after that of pistachios — reflects a local desire to break with a stagnant agriculture. It also reveals a more sustainable vision of regional development, where natural constraints are no longer obstacles, but levers of innovation. In the scorching lands of Gafsa, agricultural diversification is thus becoming an act of resistance against climate change. A promise of food sovereignty and economic renewal for a region that has not said its last word.
