Tunisia

DGRV has begun a longer-term approach to cooperative development in Tunisia. In 2017, DGRV received a request from the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries (MARHP) to contribute its cooperative expertise to the revision of the legal framework in Tunisia. As a result, consultative and exploratory talks were held. Since January 2021, DGRV has been represented with its own office in the capital Tunis. A fist crucial milestone was the publication of a baseline study on the Tunisian cooperative sector. The study quickly became an important point of reference in the discussion among stakeholders.

In Tunisia, cooperatives have so far primarily existed in agriculture. But they have a great potential to contribute to economic development and job creation in other sectors as well. Especially Co-operatives with innovative business concepts could show that this type of business can be successful in sectors other than agriculture. That’s why they will receive special support.

All cooperatives need competent contact points at the state authorities responsible for them. At the same time co-operative unions and associations or other meso level structures should support their members with needs-based services. Additionally, the success of primary cooperatives largely depends on the quality of their management. The project strengthens the sector with training, consultancy and coaching on all three levels – state, meso level structures and primary cooperatives.