Tunisia is harnessing artificial intelligence to tackle water scarcity and climate challenges in its agricultural sector, with pilot projects already yielding significant reductions in water use and increases in production.
A recent strategic report by the Tunisian Institute for Strategic Studies (ITES) positions AI as a cornerstone of the state’s social role in agriculture. The institute advocates for its adoption through a priority framework tied to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to optimize scarce water resources and build climate resilience.
This policy push is being matched by action on the ground. Tunisian agritech startups are demonstrating the potential, using machine learning algorithms tailored to local conditions to cut water consumption by up to 35% while boosting production by 15%.
One such initiative is Irwise, developed by young Tunisian entrepreneurs. This platform leverages AI and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to revolutionize irrigation management. In a country facing severe water stress, the system allows farmers to control water pumps remotely via smartphone. It analyzes soil conditions, climate data, and crop needs to precisely dispense water and fertilizers, reportedly slashing energy bills by 20%.
In the region of La Manouba, pilot projects are integrating AI with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and satellite data to enable precision agriculture, reducing costs and improving yields. These technological advances align with what the ITES identifies as high-urgency, high-impact priorities for the sector.
Confronting climate change, Tunisia’s investment in irrigation-focused AI is positioning the country as a pioneering force in North Africa, paving the way for a more productive and sustainable agricultural future.
TunisianMonitorOnline (BRC)
