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Ecofeminist 2.0: Rural Women Advocating for Climate Justice in Tunisia

Year: 2025

Country:

Tunisia

Topics:

EntrepreneurshipHealthy EcosystemsSustainable Livelihoods

Region:

Middle East and North Africa

About

Ecofeminist 2.0 equips women farmers in Tunisia with the knowledge and tools to become leaders of a just ecological transition. Grounded in ecofeminist values, the project aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices, enhance women’s leadership in climate action, and co-create green, resilient, and replicable farming models. Guided by agronomists and architects, women combined ancestral farming practices with modern ecological methods: mapping their soils, cultivating geraniums for essential oils, and testing alternatives to chemical fertilizers. A unique “Green Lab” model offers each farmer a personalized, sustainable plan for her land. Their stories are being shared through videos and exhibitions, giving visibility to rural women’s leadership in climate justice.

Climate Impact

The use of chemical fertilisers has been reduced from two tonnes per hectare to one litre per hectare.
The use of endemic seeds, natural pest repellents, and aromatic plants strengthens soil and crop resilience to climate stress.
The project bans pesticides and single-use plastics, replacing them with natural farming practices and safe, textile-based packaging recognised by national authorities.

Gender Impact

Through training, participatory planning, and policy engagement, rural women strengthened their decision-making power and gained recognition by local and regional authorities.
By involving men and youth in community dialogues, the project fostered greater support for women’s leadership and encouraged intergenerational engagement in sustainable farming.
From creating new local spaces for women to sell their products to celebrating an official “Women of Takelsa Day,” the initiative embeds women’s rights and visibility in local governance.

Scalability/Replicability

The “Green Lab” model, training modules, soil diagnostics, and 3D land planning tools are documented for reuse and peer-to-peer training across Tunisia and beyond.
Designed with and for women farmers, the approach ensures local buy-in and sustainability while reinforcing partnerships with grassroots associations and local authorities.
The model strengthens food security, restoring soil health for climate resilience, protects water resources, and opens income opportunities for the local community.