As climate change intensifies across the Mediterranean, Tunisia faces growing challenges from devastating wildfires to increasingly degraded soils. But in the face of these threats, a pair of unlikely heroes is taking root: carob and fig trees.
Why Tunisia’s forests are at risk?
Tunisia’s forests, especially those in mountainous regions, are particularly vulnerable. The dense and resinous vegetation makes them highly flammable. Combine that with poor forest management and limited land clearing, and the result is a landscape primed for large-scale fires. In August 2023 alone, 4,800 hectares of forest went up in flames.
On top of this, droughts are becoming longer, and rainfall is more uneven. This means soils are drying out and eroding, affecting both natural ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Many farmers are left with degraded lands and poor crop yields.
A natural defense: Carob and Fig corridors
To combat these issues, Tunisian communities are turning to agroforestry, a time-tested farming approach that integrates trees into agricultural landscapes. In particular, the Trans.sénia project is leading the way by creating corridors of carob and fig trees.
These trees aren’t just any greenery:
- Fire-resistant. Their structure and water content make them less likely to burn, helping to slow or stop the spread of wildfires.
- Soil protectors. Their roots stabilise the soil, reducing erosion and improving water retention.
- Economically valuable. Both trees produce fruits that have high market value: carob in the agro-food industry and figs for both local consumption and export.
A model for sustainable development
More than 3,000 trees have been planted in the Bizerte region alone, with high survival rates up to 90%. Farmers are also being trained to manage composting units and practice organic waste recycling, further enhancing soil health and sustainability.
Women farmers have played a key role in these campaigns, reinforcing the social dimension of this green transition. These efforts go beyond conservation; they empower communities and create new sources of income.
Scaling up: what’s next?
In addition to fig and carob, the use of pistachio trees is being explored for their similar benefits. The integration of such multi-use species into reforestation and farming systems is a promising response to climate challenges not just in Tunisia, but across the Mediterranean.
These initiatives are more than just tree planting. They are living laboratories for climate resilience, showcasing how nature-based solutions can rebuild ecosystems, support agriculture, and strengthen rural economies.
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This article was originally written by:
Sondes Fkiri, Samir Ghannem, Sarra Ghariani, Mohamed Tahar Elaieb — National Research Institute of Rural Engineering, Water and Forests – Tunisia (INRGREF)
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