Official Classification of Disaster-Stricken Areas in Tunisia
The governorates of La Manouba, Zaghouan, Ben Arous, Ariana, Le Kef, Béja, Jendouba, Nabeul, Kasserine, Bizerte, Siliana, and Kairouan have been officially classified as "disaster-stricken zones" due to the severe drought that impacted major crops during the 2023-2024 agricultural campaign.
Basis for Classification
This recognition is based on Article 2 of a joint decree signed by the Ministers of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Maritime Fisheries, as well as Finance, and published in the Official Journal of the Tunisian Republic (JORT) on March 17, 2026. The text specifies the affected activities, delineates the affected areas, and sets the period during which this natural disaster occurred.
Eligibility for Compensation
Article 1 outlines the concept of a natural disaster that entitles farmers to intervention from the Fund for Compensation of Agricultural Damage due to Natural Disasters, as well as the National Guarantee Fund. It identifies the drought that affected major crops during the 2023-2024 agricultural campaign, starting from March 2024, as a qualifying event. Article 2 states that farmers affiliated with the Fund and who have incurred losses due to this drought in the defined areas are eligible for partial compensation. This compensation is conditional upon the establishment of an expert report to assess the extent of the damage suffered.
Support Measures for Farmers
Article 4 establishes a support mechanism for farmers who subscribed to campaign credits for major crops during the 2023-2024 agricultural season. Those who incurred losses due to drought in the designated governorates may benefit from a rescheduling of their debts. This measure is conditional upon the presentation of a certificate of findings issued by the competent regional commission for agricultural development, attesting to the extent of the damage suffered. Additionally, the National Guarantee Fund will cover the interest related to this rescheduling, subject to individualized application on a case-by-case basis, and excludes farmers located in irrigated areas.
Key Points
- 12 governorates have been officially classified as "disaster-stricken zones" due to the severe drought
- Farmers affiliated with the Fund and who have incurred losses due to the drought are eligible for partial compensation
- A support mechanism has been established for farmers who subscribed to campaign credits for major crops during the 2023-2024 agricultural season
- The National Guarantee Fund will cover the interest related to the rescheduling of debts for eligible farmers.
