Tunisian farmers are grappling with the devastating impact of prolonged drought, as rains have failed to replenish their crops this spring. The situation has led to early harvesting, with farmers salvaging what they can as animal feed, while adding financial burdens to a state already struggling to afford wheat imports. The result has been a shortage of bread, with bakeries unable to meet the rising demand.
One such farmer, Hasan Chetoui, stood on his farm just outside Tunis, holding dry sheaves of wheat that consisted of empty husks. He managed to save only 20 hectares out of the 150 he had initially planted. Lamenting the lack of water provided by the authorities, Chetoui expressed his helplessness as the current drought surpassed any he had witnessed before.
Experts believe that the three-year drought and inadequate rainfall can be attributed to climate change, with the World Bank warning that Tunisia will experience hotter and drier conditions in the future. The severity of the drought has resulted in depleted reservoirs, cracked soil, and water rationing measures being implemented.
While farmers like Chetoui face significant financial losses this year, the strained state finances will also suffer. The agriculture ministry recently announced that this year's grain harvest would only reach approximately 250,000 tonnes, a sharp decline from the 750,000 tonnes harvested the previous year. Consequently, Tunisia must import 95% of its grains, according to the agriculture ministry. Over the past decade, the average grain harvest has been 1.5 million tonnes, whereas the country's consumption stands at 3.4 million tonnes.
The increased import costs coincide with a balance of payments crisis, prompting the Tunisian government to seek financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund and bilateral donors. However, the ongoing talks have hit a deadlock, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the government.
As a direct consequence of the grain shortage, bakeries across the country are struggling to maintain a steady supply of flour, resulting in bread rationing. Long queues have become a common sight outside bakeries, while some establishments have been forced to close their doors. Moreover, intermittent shortages of other imported and subsidized goods have also plagued the country throughout the year.
In an attempt to assist farmers in coping with the rising costs, the Tunisian government has increased its purchase price for 100 grams of wheat from 130 dinars to 140 dinars. However, given the financial constraints, the government has limited options at its disposal. Last year, the World Bank granted Tunisia USD 130 million to facilitate wheat imports at inflated global prices following the conflict in Ukraine. State mills then sell the flour to bakeries, which offer bread at subsidized prices.
The plight of Tunisian farmers underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change, support sustainable agriculture, and ensure food security. Only through collaborative efforts can Tunisia navigate these challenging times and build a sustainable future for its agricultural sector and its people.
