Achieving Food Security in Tunisia: What Prospects Lie Ahead? Challenges and Opportunities

Tunisia’s stagnant growth since the Jasmine Revolution (2011) illustrates that political democracy, when not anchored in economic democracy, is fragile at best. Economic democracy remains absent in Tunisia, as markets are concentrated and continue to be burdened by high barriers to entry and rules that favor a privileged few. These conditions stifle dynamism, competition, and ultimately, inclusive growth. The government’s decision to paper over these structural weaknesses through subsidies and other forms of social welfare, in an effort to maintain social peace, has proven costly and short-sighted. Under the ongoing threat of climate change, business-as- usual economic management is no longer a viable option. Droughts and floods are becoming more frequent and more destructive; sea-level rise is increasingly contaminating coastal aquifers with saltwater intrusions; and agricultural losses in key crops and livestock continue to undermine food security (FS) for millions. Tunisia’s leadership can turn this crisis into an opportunity— provided it succeeds in transforming the economy to meet the democratic aspirations of its people, both political and economic. This transformation must also ensure climate resilience, attract private investment (both domestic and foreign), and generate full employment.