APNI Strengthens Partnerships for Soil Health and Sustainable Agriculture in Tunisia
A strategic meeting with Tunisia’s Soils Directorate (Direction des Sons / Soil Resources Directorate) explored opportunities to strengthen soil information systems, enhance laboratory capacity, harmonize soil testing methodologies, and support site-specific fertilizer recommendations. Discussions also focused on the establishment of a Sub-Mediterranean Fertilizer Use and Soil Health Hub within the broader Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health (AFSH) Hub framework.
Dr. Kokou Amouzou, West Africa Coordinator (Left), and Dr. Hakim, North Africa Coordinator (Second Left), with Director (Direction des Sons / Soil Resources Directorate), Ministry of Agriculture, Mme. Attia Raffla , Tunis, and FAO Expert, Dr Yassine Hidri. The meeting identified several areas for collaboration, including soil phosphorus management, soil-crop suitability mapping, agroecological demonstration platforms, and strategies to improve soil carbon and biodiversity outcomes in olive-based production systems.
The mission also included a visit to the Laboratory of Agronomic Sciences and Technologies at the National Institute of Agricultural Research of Tunisia (INRAT). Researchers shared insights from long-term experimental platforms examining crop rotations and conservation agriculture practices. Discussions highlighted opportunities for joint research on soil health, carbon sequestration, nutrient use efficiency, biodiversity, and the resilience of Mediterranean farming systems.
Visting the Laboratory of Agronomic Sciences and Technologies at the National Institute of Agricultural Research of Tunisia (INRAT).
APNI and INRAT agreed to explore collaborative research activities centered on these long-term trials, with a particular focus on conservation agriculture as a pathway to improve soil health and stabilize soil carbon stocks.
These engagements reinforce APNI’s commitment to building partnerships that generate scientific evidence, strengthen capacity, and support sustainable agricultural development across Africa and the Mediterranean region.