FAO promotes concrete solutions for the development of resilient agro-aquacultural food systems in desert and arid environments

Tunis, October 13-15, 2022: Experts from Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, and Tunisia participate in the work of developing a comprehensive framework program, based on the market-based systemic approach, to promote and support the development of resilient agri-food systems in the desert and arid environments of the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region. This program focuses on agro-aquacultural food systems and their components of production, harvesting, processing, marketing, distribution and consumption. It will support rural farming communities living in dry and arid regions which often have limited access to quality animal protein and where fish consumption is generally low. 

In his opening address, Mr. Philippe Ankers, FAO Representative in Tunisia, stressed the need for sustainability and resilience of agri-food production systems to climate stress to provide diversified and nutritious food for all. The way we produce, process, distribute and consume food will be central to this transformation. To accelerate the adoption of better production systems, FAO continues to rely on technology, innovation, and data, and will pay particular attention to issues of governance, human capital and institutional development.

Several experiences of aquaculture development in deserts have been developed thanks to technological innovations and private sector investments supported by public incentive programs. The growing interest in aquaculture in drylands is also noticeable in the many research and development programs implemented over the past two decades. 

Exchange of experiences and mastery of the market-based systemic approach 

According to Mr. Ridha Mrabet, Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries, the fisheries and aquaculture sector is one of the pillars of the agricultural system in Tunisia. In 2021, the production of this sector was estimated at more than 130 thousand tons. The different types of aquaculture constitute an important component of the development of agricultural production and exploitation systems with a contribution to national production of around 17.5% of the total production of fishery resources. 

The progress of the work of this workshop will allow participants to discuss the realities of aquaculture production systems and discuss the main development constraints, needs and possible solutions that would allow the further development of the aquaculture sector on a regional scale using a market system approach. 

Marketing, technical, environmental and socio-economic dimensions relevant to entrepreneurs and national administrators will be studied as tools to support and encourage sustainable private production initiatives at different scales in drylands.