Le devenir de l'agriculture tunisienne face à la libéralisation des échanges

Abstract

Since independence, Tunisia has experienced strong demographic and economic growth. It also has made significant progress in developing its agricultural sector by successfully mobilizing water and arable land resources. Yet, agriculture's position in the national economy has gradually diminished. Rain-fed agriculture remains the norm as does a high level of inter-annual variation. Therefore, the sector has two sides -with one dedicated to the social good and the other more attuned to the market -characterized by an aging farming population and rural migration. Although strong political will has helped achieve some progress, Tunisian agriculture remains insufficiently structured and thus unable to spawn institutions capable of responding to its needs or maximizing its potential. Some of its growth has been induced via subsidization and the protection of products for which Tunisia is not competitive. In another area where it does compete (fruit and vegetables), the sector has not capitalized on its advantages, resulting in a sub par performance. According to the World Bank, Tunisia should continue to liberalize trade and disengage from the production sector. To withstand this liberalization, support competitiveness, and maximize its commercial potential, the agricultural sector must improve quality control of its products. Since independence, Tunisia has experienced strong demographic and economic growth. It also has made significant progress in developing its agricultural sector by successfully mobilizing water and arable land resources. Yet, agriculture's position in the national economy has gradually diminished. Rain-fed agriculture remains the norm as does a high level of inter-annual variation. Therefore, the sector has two sides -with one dedicated to the social good and the other more attuned to the market -characterized by an aging farming population and rural migration. Although strong political will has helped achieve some progress, Tunisian agriculture remains insufficiently structured and thus unable to spawn institutions capable of responding to its needs or maximizing its potential. Some of its growth has been induced via subsidization and the protection of products for which Tunisia is not competitive. In another area where it does compete (fruit and vegetables), the sector has not capitalized on its advantages, resulting in a sub par performance. According to the World Bank, Tunisia should continue to liberalize trade and disengage from the production sector. To withstand this liberalization, support competitiveness, and maximize its commercial potential, the agricultural sector must improve quality control of its products.© De Boeck Université. Tous droits réservés pour tous pays.