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Assessment of the Agroecological Transition of Farms in Central Tunisia Using the TAPE Framework

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  • Inès Gharbi

    (Rural Economy Laboratory (LR16INRAT07), National Institute of Agronomic Research of Tunisia, University of Carthage, Ariana 2049, Tunisia
    Agronomic Sciences and Techniques Laboratory (LR16INRAT05), National Institute of Agronomic Research of Tunisia, University of Carthage, Ariana 2049, Tunisia)

  • Fatma Aribi

    (Economy and Rural Societies Laboratory (LR16IRA05), Arid Regions Institute of Medenine, University of Gabès, Medenine 4119, Tunisia)

  • Hassen Abdelhafidh

    (Agricultural Production Systems and Sustainable Development Laboratory (LR03AGR02), Higher School of Agriculture of Mograne, University of Carthage, Mograne 1121, Tunisia)

  • Nouha Ferchichi

    (Agronomic Sciences and Techniques Laboratory (LR16INRAT05), National Institute of Agronomic Research of Tunisia, University of Carthage, Ariana 2049, Tunisia)

  • Lamia Lajnef

    (Agricultural Production Systems and Sustainable Development Laboratory (LR03AGR02), Higher School of Agriculture of Mograne, University of Carthage, Mograne 1121, Tunisia)

  • Wael Toukabri

    (Agronomic Sciences and Techniques Laboratory (LR16INRAT05), National Institute of Agronomic Research of Tunisia, University of Carthage, Ariana 2049, Tunisia)

  • Mohamed Jaouad

    (Economy and Rural Societies Laboratory (LR16IRA05), Arid Regions Institute of Medenine, University of Gabès, Medenine 4119, Tunisia)

Abstract

In Tunisia, the agricultural sector faces multiple challenges that affect both productivity and farmers’ livelihoods. Although agroecology is increasingly recognized as a pathway to sustainable agriculture, the extent of its adoption by farmers remains unclear. This study assesses the agroecological performance of 50 farms in the Sbikha delegation of the Kairouan governorate (Central Tunisia), using the Tool for Agroecological Performance Evaluation (TAPE), developed by the FAO. This tool assesses how existing cropping systems align with the 10 principles of agroecology and explores their potential for further transition. The results reveal a modest level of agroecological adoption, averaging only 41%. Several factors influence this outcome, including limited farmer knowledge and technical capacity, a weak institutional and organizational framework, and low diversification of cropping systems. Furthermore, three types of farms were identified based on their production systems: farms specializing in fruit trees, farms specializing in cereal and vegetable crops, and farms specializing in olive and vegetable crops. Among these, fruit tree farms exhibit a higher level of agroecological transition, averaging 51%. This increased diversification enhances resilience to market fluctuations. To accelerate the agroecological transition, several key measures should be implemented. Updating land property titles would improve access to credit by enabling farmers to provide the necessary guarantees. Additionally, targeted training programs and awareness-raising initiatives could strengthen technical capacities, thereby facilitating the adoption of agroecological practices. These interventions would enhance farmers’ economic resilience, support sustainable agricultural production, and promote equitable rural development.

Suggested Citation

  • Inès Gharbi & Fatma Aribi & Hassen Abdelhafidh & Nouha Ferchichi & Lamia Lajnef & Wael Toukabri & Mohamed Jaouad, 2025. "Assessment of the Agroecological Transition of Farms in Central Tunisia Using the TAPE Framework," Resources, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-23, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:14:y:2025:i:5:p:81-:d:1658755
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tilahun Amede & Aggie Asiimwe Konde & Jean Jacques Muhinda & George Bigirwa, 2023. "Sustainable Farming in Practice: Building Resilient and Profitable Smallholder Agricultural Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-16, March.
    2. Johanna Wilkes, 2022. "Reconnecting with Nature through Good Governance: Inclusive Policy across Scales," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-14, March.
    3. Sthephany Rayanne Gomes de Souza & Diôgo Vale & Hortência Ingreddys Fernandes do Nascimento & Juliano Capelo Nagy & Antônio Hermes Marques da Silva Junior & Priscilla Moura Rolim & Larissa Mont’Alvern, 2023. "Food Purchase from Family Farming in Public Institutions in the Northeast of Brazil: A Tool to Reach Sustainable Development Goals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-18, January.
    4. Inês Costa-Pereira & Ana A. R. M. Aguiar & Fernanda Delgado & Cristina A. Costa, 2024. "A Methodological Framework for Assessing the Agroecological Performance of Farms in Portugal: Integrating TAPE and ACT Approaches," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-21, May.
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