Boosting co-operation between Tunisia and IFAD

Achievement of large-scale farming projects in the Governorates of Siliana (Northwest), Tataouine, Kebili and Medenine (South) were examined at a meeting held on Friday in Tunis between Minister of Agriculture and Environment Mokhtar Jalleli and Chairman of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Kanayo Nuwnze. The officials discussed the "achievement of the second phase of the agricultural and pastoral development and promotion of local initiative in the Governorates of Tataouine and Kebili with a budget of 30 million Tunisian dinars (MTD)," said the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in a statement. Talks also focused on the pastures development project in the regions of Dhaher and Ouaer in the Governorate of Medenine, with investments of 30 MTD, in addition to strengthening the second phase of the integrated agricultural development project in Siliana, with an additional budget of 8.6 MTD. The meeting also assessed the results of co-operation in matters of integrated agricultural projects and ways to strengthen it, particularly in light of the January 14, 2011 Revolution period which highlighted the funding needs of the inland areas. IFAD is the "first donor in the farming sector in Tunisia." This structure has taken part in 10 large-scale development projects in inland governorates: Tataouine, Kebili, Sidi Bouzid, Siliana, Kairouan and Zaghouan.