Launch of the "ZAFIT" Project: Sustainable Agro-Zootechnical Training for Better Employment Opportunities in Tunisia
The dairy cattle sector in Tunisia has always shown promising yet untapped potential. In this context, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in Tunis launched the "ZAFIT – Sustainable Agro-Zootechnical Training for Better Employment Opportunities in Tunisia" project on Wednesday at the Siliana Fair Society.
A Significant Investment from the Italian Cooperation
The Italian cooperation has allocated significant resources to the project, with a total budget of 1.8 million euros (approximately 6 million dinars), in partnership with the commune of Cremona.
Addressing Structural and Functional Challenges
The project primarily targets agricultural operators in Siliana, who possess ancestral knowledge in the dairy cattle sector. The goal is to support them in overcoming the structural and functional challenges they face daily as breeders. The long-term objective is to establish a competitive, resilient, and job-creating sector at the local level.
Project Objectives and Initiatives
"ZAFIT" is aimed at both breeders in Siliana and regional agricultural institution agents. It revolves around five entrepreneurial initiatives designed for 300 breeder families. The project not only aims to support existing activities but also encourages breeders to conceive and implement new projects with high potential to consolidate the sector.
Key Focus Areas
The project will focus on:
- Water resources
- Youth and women's participation
- Animal welfare
It is not solely about improving milk production in the region. The project aims to enhance and strengthen breeders' skills and knowledge while supporting local employment and laying the groundwork for sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture.
Partnership with the Italian Commune of Cremona
The project is also based on a partnership with the Italian commune of Cremona, a territory recognized for its expertise in the dairy sector. This initiative will enable the establishment of skill and experience exchange programs, taking into account the local specificities of Siliana and the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in Tunisia. Italian professionals and Tunisian breeders will work closely together, with the participation of several institutions, to build a durable and efficient cooperation.
A Solution to the Challenges Facing Tunisian Agriculture
In the face of numerous challenges and difficulties affecting Tunisian agriculture, ZAFIT is capable of providing concrete solutions at the local level in a region that has always been penalized by climate change, lack of modernization, and water stress.
