Policies and development models for “sustainable” agriculture in Tunisia an “agroecological transition” in question
Carpentier, Irene
This article examines the rise of so-called “sustainable agriculture” projects in Tunisia after the 2011 revolution, a period of deep political and institutional change. This era opened a debate on redefining the development model, particularly in the agricultural sector, raising social expectations for structural shifts toward sustainability. While rural demands remain strong, policy responses remain fragmented over a decade later. Multiple terms and initiatives – such as agroecology – coexist under the broader “transition to sustainable agriculture,” leading to unclear institutional footing and a lack of unified vision. Analysing agricultural policies and policymakers’ discourse, this study highlights how institutional actors – state agencies, ministry divisions, international organizations – appropriate the debate on agricultural transformation, through diverse projects, from quality promotion to entrepreneurship support, or collective organization. Agroecology and related initiatives are diversifying, circulating and evolving, reflecting broader tensions over equity and spatial justice amid profound environmental, economic and political crises. One key conclusion is that this project diversity underscores the need for policymakers to change the rural narrative. Agroecology, often framed as a success story for struggling rural areas, appears less as a national paradigm shift and more as a new localized development model.
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