Towards an Innovative Olive Oil Value Chain: Options for Inclusive Development in South-Eastern Tunisia

Mondher Fetoui,Aden Aw-Hassan,Shinan N Kassam,Mongi Sghaier,Abderrahman Sghaier,Aymen Frija,Boubaker Dhehibi,Mohamed Arbi Abdeladhim

doi:10.30682/nm2003a

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to analyse the olive oil value chain (OVC) in the Governorate of Medenine (south-east of Tunisia) and the relationships between its main operators for an effective involvement and better performance and resilience of olive sector. Based on semi structured interviews and participatory multi-stakeholders’ workshops, OVC has been analysed and described. MACTOR approach has been applied to establish linkages among chain operators and activities in a partnership approach. Innovative interventions were proposed to strengthen farmers’ organizations to increase profitability of OVC. Empirical findings suggest that public-private-civil society partnerships are essential for the development of pro-poor approaches for uncovering technological and institutional innovations which may involve more inclusive olive oil value chains. The underpinnings of our argument will be of interest and value to both development practitioners and the research community engaged within Tunisia, and the wider region more generally, on initiatives aimed at fostering effective, inclusive and contextually relevant processes for agricultural innovation. ---- , , ,.

Highlights

The challenges related to risk and opportunity for marginal olive oil producers in Tunisian arid regions should be highlighted, to promote the sector and resolve problems related to social injustice and rural food insecurity
Services providers (SP) oil value chain (OVC) in Medenine benefits from diverse services and facilities provided by different contributors mainly: 1) input suppliers; 2) olive and worker transporters; 3) tractors owners who provide tillage and transport; 4) specialized workers who maintain the olive trees; 5) charcoal producers who buy the wood from the olive growers and produce coal, which is used as the main source of heating; and 6) breeders who buy timber and pomace from olive growers for animal feeding
We consider the promotion of the olive oil value chains in Medenine is a complex challenge that requires a holistic and comprehensive approach

Summary

Introduction

The challenges related to risk and opportunity for marginal olive oil producers in Tunisian arid regions should be highlighted, to promote the sector and resolve problems related to social injustice and rural food insecurity. Input costs tend to be higher due to the increase of labour, coupled with the absence of skilled labourers Another crucial factor causing poor competitiveness of olive sector is the large number of small farms that represents obstacle for mechanization of agriculture sector and the introducing of innovative ideas. Bulk generic olive oil cannot garner price premiums (Karray and Kanoun, 2013); the potential of what is a superior quality product is wasted. This situation is aggravated by the lack of operators and negotiators with a long-term business strategy

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