Ecofeminist 2.0: Rural Women Advocating for Climate Justice in Tunisia

WEP Tunisie

WGC Member Solution

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.