• In this picture taken on April 27, 2023, farmer Saber Zouani who practises permaculture, waters crops in a field in Cap Negro in northern Tunisia. Many hope permaculture will help Tunisia weather the impacts of climate change and ween it off its reliance on global supply chains, including grain and fertiliser imports from war-torn Ukraine and Russia. (Photo by FETHI BELAID / AFP)
    In this picture taken on April 27, 2023, farmer Saber Zouani who practises permaculture, waters crops in a field in Cap Negro in northern Tunisia. Many hope permaculture will help Tunisia weather the impacts of climate change and ween it off its reliance on global supply chains, including grain and fertiliser imports from war-torn Ukraine and Russia. (Photo by FETHI BELAID / AFP)
  • Now he grows all the food he needs and has become a pioneer
    Now he grows all the food he needs and has become a pioneer
  • When he harvests his vegetables he puts the excess green matter back on the soil to slow evaporation
    When he harvests his vegetables he puts the excess green matter back on the soil to slow evaporation
  • Mr Zouani captures rainwater in a pond and only sparingly waters his plants
    Mr Zouani captures rainwater in a pond and only sparingly waters his plants
  • Permaculture aims to keep soil structures intact and avoids chemical fertilisers and pesticides
    Permaculture aims to keep soil structures intact and avoids chemical fertilisers and pesticides
  • Such methods are especially useful in Tunisia, which is experiencing an unprecedented drought
    Such methods are especially useful in Tunisia, which is experiencing an unprecedented drought
  • Permaculture draws on farming methods and wisdom of centuries past
    Permaculture draws on farming methods and wisdom of centuries past
  • The Tunisian Association of Permaculture's 'Plant Your Farm' project aims to create 50 micro-farms over five years
    The Tunisian Association of Permaculture's 'Plant Your Farm' project aims to create 50 micro-farms over five years
  • The goal is to demonstrate that permaculture is profitable and efficient
    The goal is to demonstrate that permaculture is profitable and efficient

MENA

Permaculture farming takes root in drought-hit Tunisia

Many hope it will help country weather the impact of climate change

The National

May 28, 2023

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Updated: May 28, 2023, 9:21 AM