Tunisia Faces Water Stress Challenge, Minister Promotes Water Management Strategy

In the face of the global water stress challenge, Tunisia's Minister of Agriculture, Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh, advocates for a water management strategy that prioritizes the efficient use of available resources. From utilizing treated wastewater for irrigation to strengthening scientific research, the Ministry of Agriculture is taking a multi-faceted approach to ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector and, by extension, food security and sovereignty.

Minister Highlights Importance of Treated Wastewater for Irrigation

According to a press release issued by the Ministry on May 5, 2026, Minister Ben Cheikh emphasized the urgent need to valorize treated wastewater and use it for irrigation to strengthen water security and ensure the sustainability of resources in Tunisia. He also stressed the importance of involving scientific research in this effort, calling for the establishment of integrated agricultural extension programs to raise awareness and encourage farmers to adopt treated wastewater.

Treatment Tertiary: A Strategic Option

The meeting discussed the exploitation of treated wastewater as a strategic option in the face of water scarcity. The Minister highlighted the importance of adopting tertiary treatment and reallocating these waters to the agricultural sector, taking into account the challenges related to water scarcity and climate change. Special attention was given to the water situation in the governorates of Jendouba and Zaghouan, where the Minister called for accelerating the implementation of major hydraulic projects and improving the governance of available resources to ensure regular water supply during the summer.

Rationalizing Water Use and Strengthening Efficiency

The Minister also emphasized the need to rationalize the use of irrigation water in irrigated areas and strengthen the efficiency of collective interest groups. He emphasized the importance of recovering unpaid debts to ensure the continuity of supply services.

Food Sovereignty and Applied Research

Regarding the governorate of Jendouba, Minister Ben Cheikh called for encouraging the cultivation of sugar beets and encouraging farmers to integrate this sector, while committing to provide the necessary water resources. This is part of the state's strategy for food sovereignty. He also highlighted the importance of coordination with the Office of Domainal Lands (OTD) to mobilize technical capabilities and available surfaces to develop this strategic crop.

Strengthening the Role of Scientific Research

In the same vein, Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh emphasized the need to strengthen the role of scientific research in various agricultural fields to ensure innovation, increase profitability, and ensure the sustainability of production. He recommended concluding partnerships between regional structures and academic institutions, citing the example of collaboration between the Regional Agricultural Development Commission (CRDA) of Zaghouan and the Mograne Higher School of Agriculture.

Activating Extension and Training Programs

The Minister called for activating extension and training programs, particularly for adjusting harvesters, by intensifying training sessions in coordination with the Agricultural Extension and Training Agency (AVFA).