Strengthening agri-education by training teachers in climate smart horticulture

Tunisia’s agricultural sector is facing challenges due to climate change and soil salinization. A new generation of skilled, entrepreneurial agri-food professionals is need to boost the agricultural sector. However, TVET graduates lack the knowledge and skills that the private sector needs to overcome these challenges. Graduates have difficulty finding jobs and lack the skills to start their own businesses. 

Three TMT and TMT plus projects were implemented to strengthen TVET teachers’ expertise in the areas of climate-resilient greenhouse horticulture, salinization, cultivation practices, water management and entrepreneurship. They were also trained in innovative and blended methods to design and deliver education. With the skills to implement practice-based training in the classroom, teachers are now better equipped to motivate students and inspire them to pursue careers in the agri-food sector. This leads to more highly qualified agri-food graduates ready to start a job or their own agri-food business. Long-term this promotes agricultural growth, ecologically sustainable food systems and water efficiency. 

The TVETs involved in these projects were LSFPAV de Bouchérik, CFPA d’El Alia and CSFPA de Chott Mariem. The projects were part of the Orange Knowledge Program and supported by Nuffic and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.