(CRP-DS) the Olive Oil Value Chain in Beni Khedache Site, Médenine, South East of Tunisia Potential, Constra

CRP Dryland system (CRP-DS)

The olive oil value chain in Beni Khedache site, Médenine, South East of Tunisia

Potential, constraints and main operators

IRA team Abdeladhim MA., Riadh B., Fetoui M., Sghaier M. ICARDA team

Dhehibi B., Shinan K., Aw Hassen A.

December 2014

Research team This report is based on the work and the support of the following teams:

IRA CRDA NGOs ICARDA Medenine Laboratory of Laboratory of Laboratory of Economics and eromology Aridoculture rural society and oasian

Agronomy

Mongi Sghaier Houcine Khatteli Kamel Neggaz Ali Bouaicha Mohamed Boubaker Béchir Dhehibi Mohamed Arbi Mohamed Fethia Mokh Noureddine (ADESM) Abdeladhim Ouessar Lecheheb Shinan Kacem Abderrahmen Mabrouk Riadh Bechir Mongi Ben Sghaier Chokri Walha Aden Aw Sadaoui Zaied Hassen Mondher (SMSA Fetoui Ennajeh) Mohamed El Mourid Abbes Zammouri Ali Nefzaoui (AJZ)

Acknowledgements

This publication has been funded under the CGIAR program CRP-DS on Dryland Systems led by ICARDA. The authors would like to thank IRA, ICARDA, CRDA and IRESA for their valuable supports. Acknowledgments are extended also to all local and regional partners, mainly farmers for their effective collaboration.

Summary Acknowledgements ...... ii List of tables ...... iv List of figures ...... iv Acronyms ...... v 1. Context ...... 6 2. Conceptual framework and methodology ...... 7 2.1. The value chain concept ...... 7 2.2. The case study: Oum Zessar Watershed, Tunisia ...... 9 2.3. Methods and tools ...... 11 3. Olive oil sector in Tunisia: socio economic importance ...... 12 3.1. The national context ...... 12 3.2. Olive sector in Médenine ...... 15 3.2.1. General context ...... 15 3.2.2. Olive trees cropping system ...... 16 3.2.3. Olive production in the study area ...... 17 4. The constraints and opportunities of olive oil sector in Beni Khedache site ...... 21 5. The olive oil value chain: Key operators / agents and role ...... 25 5.1. Olive growers ...... 27 5.2. Processors ...... 28 5.3. Traders ...... 29 5.4. Services providers ...... 31 5.5. Support and guidance in the olive sector ...... 31 6. Conclusion ...... 36 References ...... 38

iii

List of tables Table 1. Olive oil sector in the study site and Médenine province ...... 20 Table 2. SWOT Analysis ...... 23 Table 3. Key operators of the olive oil value chain in Beni Khedache site (Medenine) ...... 25 Table 4. Extraction capacity in Médenine ...... 28 Table 5. Quantity collected by ONH (1000 tonnes) ...... 29 Table 6. Major support operators of the olive oil value chain ...... 32

List of figures Figure 1. Map of generic value chain ...... 9 Figure 2: Location of the Oum Zessar watershed and Beni Khedache area in the province of Medenine ...... 10 Figure 3 : Cropping system in Médenine ...... 17 Figure 4. Distribution of the area of olive cropping system in Médenine ...... 19 Figure 5. The evolution of olive oil production in Médenine ...... 19 Figure 6. Map of olive oil Value Chain in the study area (Site Beni Khedache, Medenine) .... 31

Acronyms

API Agence de Promotion des investissements APIA Agence de Promotion des investissements Agricoles CBO Community Based Organisation CRDA Commissariat Régional au Développement Agricole CRP-DS CGIAR Research Program on Dryland Systems DESIRE Desertification Mitigation and Remediation of Land DESURVEY A surveillance system for assessing and monitoring of desertification DG/ACTA Direction Générale de l'Aménagement et de la Conservation des Terres Agricoles DGRE Direction Générale des Ressources en Eau EU European Union FAO Food and Agriculture Organisation, GDA Agricultural Development Grouping ICARDA International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development INRM Integrated Natural Resources Management INS Institut National des Statistiques IRA Institut des Régions Arides LUPIS Land Use Policies Impact Assessment NGO Non Government organization NRM Natural Resources Management OCDE Organisation de coopération et de développement économiques ODS Office de Développement du Sud ONH National Olive Oil Office PGRN Natural Resources Management Project SMSA Société Mutuelle de Services Agricoles SWC Soil and Water Conservation SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats TND Tunisian Dinar UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change VA Added Value VC Value Chain VCA Value Chain Approach WAHARA Water Harvesting for Rainfed Africa: investing in dryland agriculture for growth and resilience WAHIA Water harvesting techniques in dry Mediterranean zones: impact assessment and economic evaluation WH Water Harvesting

1. Context The present report try to analyse the results of the activity titled: “Post-Harvest and Value Chains Analysis” conducted by the IRA team with the collaboration of ICARDA in the area of Beni Khedache, Oum Zessar watershed located in the Governorate of Medenine, south-east of Tunisia (CRP-DS Beni Khedache site). It was elaborated within the framework of the CGIAR program CRP-DS on Dryland Systems led by ICARDA1. The main objectives of the activity are:  to diagnostic and selection of the relevant stakeholders (main players) in the value chain of one of the two selected crops (olive oil and figs): Producers, input providers, traders, agro-processing, regulators, quality, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers.  mapping the challenges for smallholder market access: Review of literature on institutional arrangements in collective marketing.  to contribute on the improvement of the locally appropriate postharvest handling and processing options.  to facilitate the development of stakeholder-driven strategies for improving the marketing efficiency, postharvest management and value addition for the selected commodity (olive oil or figs).  to assist stakeholders (men, women and youth) in implementing the strategies identified in objective 4. This scientific report analyse value chain of olive oil in the case study of Beni Khedache site. It characterizes value chain operators within the region and explores their roles. The goals, is to analyze the advantages and the weakness of olive oil sector and prepare materials for the next steps that consist of supporting establishment and strengthening of farmers’ associations and cooperatives, optimizing the use of effluents and by-product in olive oil

1 CRP1.1 aims at improving the wellbeing of the poor rural communities, conserve vital natural resources, and empower smallholder farmers and pastoralists to cope with inherent climatic variability and climate change. In North Africa and West Asia, research will improve technology transfer to farmers and agro-pastoralists to achieve better food security, health practices, and livestock using better policies, market access, ﬁnancial tools, and extension systems.

industry, to mitigate environmental impact of olive oil production and increasing profitability in olive oil processing in the next stage. The tasks and activities, carried out in 2014, are described as follow:  Literature review on the constraints and opportunities and mapping the challenges for smallholder market access: Review of literature on of the relevant stockholders in the value chain of the selected product (olive oil).  Diagnostic and selection of the relevant stakeholders (main players) in the value chain of this selected crop: Producers, input providers, traders, agro-processing, regulators, quality, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers.  Report summarizing the main results on the diagnosis and selection of the relevant stakeholders (main players) in the value chain of one of the two selected products. 2. Conceptual framework and methodology 2.1. The value chain concept Taking into account the failures of development experiences in difficult environments such arid zones, and considering the obligation to renew the development approaches, international community including the United Nations system worked to develop value chain approach (VCA) to consolidate exciting development approaches. Indeed, the VCA is increasingly recognized as a promising approach to meet not only the requirements of economic development, job creation and inclusive growth but also the new challenges of social and environmental development. Several definitions of VC from the rich French and the English literature are available, we settle for the following references. According to Aube (1994), the VC is the assembly including actors those involved in the production, distribution, processing and consumption of a given product or group of products and the multiple and complex interrelations between them. Duteurtre et al. (2000) assimilate the VC (filière) to a system of agents that work together to produce, process, distribute and consume a product or type of product. As for Gassu (2002), it is a set of actors and activities in connection with any product or group of products related to a specific space. We present here two definitions from IFAD and FAO due to their relevance for this work. IFAD consider that "the value chain development approach is considered as an intervention that finances the necessary activities to address the constraints – or bottlenecks – on the development of a particular agricultural product in a coordinated manner, to benefit the smallholder farmers. A pro-poor value chain intervention is one that addresses the full range 7

of activities and constraints of a particular agricultural product (e.g. input supply, market- oriented technology development and its transfer, infrastructure development, credit, capacity building, processing and marketing) in a coordinated manner, and is explicitly designed to include the rural poor in the resulting benefits" (Stamm & Von Drachenfels, 2011, p.10). The VCA developed by FAO considers three main aspects: the final market (e.g. local retail, modern retail, regional wholesale, export), the type of product (e.g. fresh, processed, convenience, certified), and the technology used in production or processing (e.g., scale/capacity, complexity, value-added). "The common goals of most FAO work on value chains are to find ways to add value to primary products, achieve higher returns, connect producers to markets, and ensure equitable participation of smallholders without unduly degrading the natural resource base. Essentially all FAO value chains work includes support for building strategic and productive alliances among producers, and between producers and other value chain actors – particularly processors"(Stamm & Von Drachenfels, 2011, p.24). According to Stamm & Von Drachenfels (2011), promotion of value chains is a complex challenge that requires a holistic and comprehensive approach. This approach affects various sectors (private, public, community, etc.) and different levels, from local to multinational. National value chains can, for example linking rural producers with urban traders; in global value chains producers in developing countries could for example be linked to companies in industrialized countries. The process of developing the value chain could also require the involvement and integration of multiple stakeholders, private, state, producer organizations, etc. as shown in figure 1.

Figure 1. Map of generic value chain Source: Hartwich & Kormawa (2009) in Stamm & Von Drachenfels (2011) Furthermore, the development of a process based on the value chain will also consider the impacts and interrelationships with other environmental and social dimensions. The process is far from linear. 2.2. The case study: Oum Zessar Watershed, Tunisia Oum Zessar Watershed, 24,188 inhabitants in 2004, is located in south Tunisia in Medenine governorate with 36,000 ha surface area (Figure 1). This site is part of the Jeffara of Tunisia that presents a lower arid Mediterranean climate and a 160 to 220 mm average rainfall per year with an average of 30 days of rain. Water resources are a major constraint for pastoral (sheep and goats) and agricultural (cereals and tree cultivation) activities. This site is a typical agro-pastoral interlocked area with the gradual and in some areas accelerated expansion of cropland at the expense of the natural rangelands. In fact it has very significant eco- environment vulnerability, degraded vegetation in rangelands, intensification of agricultural use in plain areas which have led to water resources overuse and to land degradation (Ouessar, 2007). This region has been a target area of the main national strategies for natural resource and combating desertification (water and soil conservation, water resources, pasture and rangelands, sand encroachment, rural development).

Main desertification issues are anthropic pressure having markedly increased in recent years due to changes in socio-economic policies (Sghaier et al., 2009). The effect of this has been an increasingly irrational use of natural resources, and as a consequence a state of severe degradation: 1) Accelerated expansion of rainfed agricultural (especially olive tree and annual crops, cereals, etc. and irrigation system, 2) Significant change of agrarian system and land use, and 3) Development of multi sectors activities for income generation (urbanization, services, migration etc.). The study site is under IRA’s areas of work and it is part of ROSELT/OSS network, involving a large network of researchers, policy-makers and communities, as well as national, sub- regional, and regional institutions. Other institutions involved in research and management in Oum Zessar Watershed are DG/ACTA (Direction Générale de l'Aménagement et de la Conservation des Terres Agricoles), INS (Institut National des Statistiques), IRA Medenine (Institut des Régions Arides) and CRDA (Commissariats Régionaux au Développement Agricole).

Figure 2: Location of the Oum Zessar watershed and Beni Khedache area in the province of Medenine (Ben Zaied, 2009)

2.3. Methods and tools The methodological framework was based on three main approaches: i. Literature review: The analysis of literature was focused on the national context, regional and local conditions. Documents provided by the ministry of agriculture, the national office of olive oil, the olive institute, the national observatory of agriculture, office of south development and the CRDA of Medenine were useful for our investigation. ii. Secondary data: Most of the data was provided by the Regional Department of Agricultural Development in Medenine (CRDA), the National Office of Olive oil (ONH), the Olive Institute (IO) and main operators. iii. Participatory assessment based on semi structured interviews with main operators and multi stakeholder workshops. Indeed, the three main events held in the area were helped us to identify the selected commodity, identify main operators of the value chain and analyse the majors challenges and opportunities of the olive oil sector in the case study. This events are:  First multi stakeholders workshop (December 14th, 2013): 43 participants (8 female and 35 men) have attended the workshop. Participants highlighted the interest and the value of cooperation between research, development actors, civil society local population, and donors. The workshop has led to a first identification of a range of local products and commodities with higher priorities to be promoted throughout the high value chain cluster such Olive oil, livestock, Aromatic and medicinal plants, figs, honey, cultivated barley.  The 1st Learning Alliance workshop (Beni Khedeche, June 3-4 2014) has grouped 32 Participants (13 women and 19 men) has contribute to confirm the prioritt given to Olive oil and livestock as the most important productions in the area.  The workshop held in Oued Hallouf, Beni Khedache (October 1st, 2014) was taken advantage to promote the institutional set-up of an innovation plateform based on the high value added produced commodities (olive). Olive oil (variety of Zarrazi) will be the champion commodity of the territory.

Workshop organised in Beni Khedache village, 1st Learning Alliance (Beni Khedeche) June 3-4 December 14th, 2013 2014

Workshop organised in Oued Hallouf, Beni Khedache, Tunisia, October 1st , 2014

3. Olive oil sector in Tunisia: socio economic importance 3.1. The national context The cultivation of olive trees in Tunisia dates from the eighth century, even before the founding of Carthage. At the end of the nineteenth century, there were approximately 11 million square feet spread over 275,000 hectares. Half a century later, the Tunisian olive grove was multiplied by three, it become 750,000 hectares. During the first twenty years of independence (1956-1976), the surface of the Tunisian olive has doubled to be 1.4 million hectares.

Today, Olive Oil extends over the majority of agricultural land and currently holds 1,788,000 hectares representing nearly 80% of the total area devoted to tree crop plantations and 35% of arable land (DGAP, 2012). In arid and semi-arid olive trees is the main component of cropping systems. It boosts economic and industrial activities and plays undeniable social and environmental roles. Stands of trees stretching across the country from north to south under different bioclimatic zones, associated with other crops, cereals, fruit trees (North and Cape Bon) or strict monoculture (Sahel, Sfax) it form a real green cords in the ravines and the borders of the desert regions of the extreme south of the country. Accumulated over time knowledge and rich experience have been in favour of olive trees plantation, giving it an unusual style, harmoniously combining the trees requirement to the potential of natural resources. The olive represents the main agricultural activity for Tunisia and plays an important socio- economic role. The following indicators show his importance:  1.8 million hectares of olive-growing area  67 million olive feet  310,000 farmers  Transformation: 1750 mills  Oil extraction residue: 7 unites  Refining: 15 units  Packaging: 35, in which nearly 25 are operating.  Export more than 140 active private operators. The annual production is characterised by a significant variability. The average production is around 172,000 tons of olive and varied between a minimum of 30 thousand tons in 2001 and a maximum of 310 thousand tons in 1995. It declined and reached 142 thousand tons during the period 2001-2005 while it was of 184 thousand tons between 1996 and 2000, and of 151 thousand tons between 1991 and 1995. The quantities of exported olive oil were of 112 thousand tons on average during the period 1991-2005, which correspond to 70.4% of the production. These exportations, secured since 1994 by the Tunisian Olive Oil Office (ONH) and about 118 private exporters, have constantly gone down. They went down from 132 thousand tons during the period 1991-1995 to 111 thousand tons during the period 1996-2000, and to 93 thousand tons during the period 2001-2005. The rest of the production is sold on the domestic market which have been estimated at 241 000 tonnes (82 thousand tons of olive oil and 159 thousand tons of oilseeds). The Tunisian household consumes 8.2 kg of olive oil, and 15.9 kg of seeds oil on 13

average, annually. Note here that Tunisia imported 285,000 tons of oilseeds. Exports were provided by the National Office of Oil (ONH) and nearly 176 private exporters involved in the collection and marketing of this product, since 1994, they signed an export agreement. The Tunisian olive oil exportations are to 99% in bulk. They are mainly directed to the European market. Notice that the European importations originating from Third countries are not free They have been controlled since 1966 through regulatory arrangements at the level of the Common Market Organization (CMO) of olive oil and table olives. These arrangements fix norms of quality and marketing, and deductions in normal regime, in Inward- processing regime, and in preferential regime Olive sector is a key element of regional development and social stability, and one of the factors of population stability especially in arid areas, so that any other activity is doomed to failure (Karray et al, 2009). The environmental role of trees is also essential as it helps to reduce the phenomenon of erosion of fragile soils and reduce desertification. Olive trees system represents nearly 57% of the total Tunisian cropping systems but it differ in terms of size, farming techniques, yield and farm types (Karray, et al, 2009). Given its importance, the sector has continued concern of governments that continue to take appropriate measures intended for development and consolidation of its position in the Tunisian economy. Olive oil cropping needs renewed attention and a strong consolidation since it is the best crop suited to the soil and climatic diversity. It meets the needs of reforestation and fight against erosion and desertification, sedentary peasant populations and the creation of sources of income. Indeed, this hardy plant that helped to develop the arid and semi arid areas, for growers is a sign of wealth, and for the poorest regions in terms of climate (over two-thirds of Tunisia) the only viable alternative crop. However, climate, soil aridity and fragility of the environment represent a constraint to enhance the productivity of the olive sector. But given the social, economic, cultural and ecological implications, olive remains the irreplaceable activity.

Geographical distribution

The geographical distribution of olive plantations ( the number was just over 67 million feet) shows that olive oil is mainly concentrated in the central regions (governorates, Sousse, Monastir, Mahdia, Sfax, Kairouan , Kasserine and Sidi Bouzid) and lasts more than 1,145,000 hectares (34.4 million trees). Olive plantation in the North (Tunis, Ariana, Ben Arous, Nabeul, Bizerte, Beja, Jendouba, Kef, Siliana and Zaghouan) and south (Gafsa, Gabes, Medenine,

Tozeur, Tataouine and Kebelli) occupies respectively 214.6 and 307,500 hectares (21.3 and 8.4 million trees) (Karray B et al, 2009). With low and erratic rainfall, Tunisian olive growing is mainly extensive and planting density is adjusted according to the average annual rainfall, namely: 100 trees / ha in the north where rainfall is 400-600 mm, 50-60 trees / ha in the center where the rainfall is about 300- 350 mm, 17-20 trees / ha where rainfall is 200-250 mm (Gharbi et al, 2014). The planting density also varies depending on the growing conditions of different farms. The average density ranges between 40 and 100 trees / ha in non-irrigated conditions depending on the made of use of olives (production of olive oil or confectionery); Planting densities vary according to soil and climatic conditions; 27 feet / ha in the south, 30 feet / ha in the center and 99 feet / ha in the North. The national average is 38 feet / ha, and 240 trees / ha for irrigated plantations. Olive holdings extend over the whole country - regional breakdown is as follows: North: 32%, Central and Sahel: 46%, South: 22%. The olive oil also operates an industrial fabric mills containing 1702 units (719 classic 450 super presses, continuous lines 515 and 18 mixed) with a theoretical capacity of 38,463 tons of olives crushing per day. The geographical distribution of these mills reveals a large concentration of units and capacity of crushing olives in regions of Sfax (410), Mahdia (229), Sousse (195), Monastir (187), Medenine (137), Kairouan (115), Sidi Bouzid (85), Nabeul (59), Gafsa (50), Gabes (35) Zaghouan (30), Beja (28) and Mannouba (17) representing 92.7% of the mills. 3.2. Olive sector in Médenine 3.2.1. General context The province of Medenine is located in the southeast of the country, and covers an area of 8588 km² that represent 5.2% of the area of Tunisia. It has a population of 432,503 inhabitants. It is limited by the governorate of Gabes and the Mediterranean Sea in the north by the governorate of Tataouine in the south, Libya and the Mediterranean Sea to the east and governorate Kébili in the west. Five natural regions can be distinguished in this Governorate: the island of Jerba, Jeffara, the Jebel Dahar and Ouara which differ in their ability and vocation. In winter, the temperature is between 7.5 to 18.5 ° C and in summer between 35-45 C °. Medenine area belongs to the arid bioclimatic stage, in lower level variant mild winter. Rainfall varies between 100 and 200 mm,. Administratively the governorate is divided into nine delegations, seven municipalities,

and 94 rural councils called imadas. Agriculture, fishing, tourism and industry are the main activities of the governorate. 3.2.2. Olive trees cropping system The olive cropping system in Medenine can be classified into four types: i) The olive tree located in the open plains with a density of 16-20 plants per hectare and a spacing that varies from 18 to 24 m .This system is characterized by a generally low rainfall and irregular deficit which affects regularity of production. Vegetative growth of the olive tree is usually very important because of the age of trees and space. Production varies from year to year depending on the cycle of the tree. The inadequate mechanization, particularly the introduction of poly disc for ploughing injured the superficial root system and affects the drought resistance, which results in wind erosion often uncontrollable. This first type is virtually present in the delegation Ben Gardane (20,000 ha) and Sidi Makhlouf (22000 ha). ii) The foothills olive and mountains olive behind jessours: This type of ancestral plantations grown behind small retention structures consist of a supporting wall dry stone equipped with a spillway and usually lined with compacted earth bund. The lower part of jessours is used as cropland; the umpluvium is used as a catchment area as well as private graze land during the summer. This type is located mainly in the Delegation of Beni Khdache (12800 ha). iii) The olive tree on the rangeland (Case of Hnich and Hmada): This cropping system, originally implemented on deep soils, was greatly expanded in the past to land previously used for grazing years. This extension is mainly driven by a desire for collective ownership of land. They aim to mark the territory and allow the appropriation of the planted area and prevent the incursion of neighbouring tribes and to take advantage of incentives from the state. Production levels are highly variable between nearly zero harvest for trees located on skeletal soils conducted with a view to land ownership and the best productions for trees located on deep soils and taken to a production target. iv) The olive tree in combination with other tree species (fig, almond etc.) and with irrigated annual crops (watermelon, lentils, barley, onion ...). This system, favouring labour productivity and full employment of family labour.

Figure 3 : Cropping system in Médenine CRDA Medenine, 2014 3.2.3. Olive production in the study area The olive is the main agricultural activity in Médenine. It covers 190,000 hectares representing 82.5% of the total cultivable area of the governorate and regroup more than 4 million feet (or 6.5% of the national total) of different varieties of olive trees called Chemlali, and Zalmati, Zarrazi. Olive trees are considered as a resistant plant to the most difficult natural conditions such as drought and lack of rain. The olive cropping has not benefited from the technological development and modernization. Traditional techniques of olive picking and crushing are steel used. The annual average production of olive in Médenine recorded during the last decade (2000- 2010) was 50,000 tons of olive a drop of 20,000 tons compared to the average production of the decade of (1990-2000), despite extensions plantations. The peak production reached 150,000 tons in the 1990/1991 season and the minimum production of 15,000 tons during the 2001-2002 campaign. In the national context, the governorate of Medenine is the fifth largest olive growing areas in Tunisia. Production of the last season (2012/2013) reaches 106,000 T. The yield levels of olive per hectare remains low and varies from one region to another, the average yields recorded 17

during the past decade is 260 kg / ha or 14 kg / foot. The highest levels of performance come from the groves of Zarzis (339 kg / ha) and Beni Khdache (218 kg / ha). The lowest are recorded at Djerba (bit old), Medenine and Ben Gardane (soil and climate unsuitable for olive plantation, like El Hamada and old Djerba orchard). The reasons for this weakness are mainly climatic and geographical condition, as has already been mentioned, but they also depend on:  The land structure, which suffers from excessive fragmentation  Lack of skilled labour for land development.  Lack of expertise for tree maintenance. All these factors reduce the interest to invest in olive trees plantation as economically profitable. Other the severe drought that occurred in the region in recent years (2001-2002- 2008 and 2013) has negatively affected olive sector. On other hand, olive groves are quite old, in fact olive more than 70 years of age constitute 80% of plantations, those in full production don’t exceed 15%. The number of trees is quite large, reaching 4 million feet. Planting density is quite low and is around 17-20 plants / ha. In fact, olive trees cropping represents the principal activities for only 63% of farmers, the rest have other lucrative activities. The distribution of olive trees by age distinguishes three categories: Young plantations represent 5%, producing plantations 15% and old plantations, 80%. The Zalmati variety represents more than 96% of regional grove, despite its adaptation capacity, the Zalmati variety has some drawbacks, including a low rate of oleic acid mostly hang mild winters on the mountain zone (Delegation Beni khedache). It exist other varieties such as Zarrazi, Touffahi, Fakari, Jamir and Dokkar.

Figure 4. Distribution of the area of olive cropping system in Médenine Source: CRDA Medenine (2014)

Figure 5. The evolution of olive oil production in Médenine Source: CRDA Medenine (2014)

The average annual production of olive foot in the governorate of Medenine is 18.47 kg and 417 kg per hectare. On average Medenine region achieves the highest performance foot olive in the south, it is explained by several reasons such as:  Entry into the full production of the majority of plantations  The soil and climatic conditions are relatively favourable and suitable especially in the area of Zarzis  Farmers in the area provide a force in tillage and perform maintenance of the upper shaft to other regions. The olive tree in the governorate of Medenine boost an industrial sector containing 157 mills with a theoretical capacity of extraction that reaches 2750 tons of olives per day. Table 1. Olive oil sector in the study site and Médenine province Districts Area of olive Number of olive Number Extraction Olive oil trees farms trees of mills capacities production (Ha) (Ton/day) (Ton) Medenine Nord 9345 190500 5 50 600

Beni Khedache 12722 257700 13 60 1200

Sidi Makhlouf 22500 470160 13 150 2700

Sub total (three 44567 918360 (22%) 31 (20%) 260 (9%) 4500 (21%) districts)

Medenine Sud 13580 286100 18 250 2000

Ajim 8440 392100 8 90 300

Houmet Souk 4890 217400 14 200 1100

Midoun 4715 227800 3 50 900

Zarzis 62304 1256800 65 1600 9800

Benguardane 51504 875900 18 300 2600

Total 190000 4174460 157 2750 21200

Source: CRDA Medenine (2014) As shown in the table 1, the three districts Beni Khedache, Medenine North and Sidi Makhlouf, which belonging the watershed of Oum Zessar, include 22 % of the total olive trees, 21 % of the olive oil production, 22 % of the total number of oil mills (extraction units of olive oil) and 22 % of the extraction capacities in the governorate of Medenine. 4. The constraints and opportunities of olive oil sector in Beni Khedache site The objective of this section is the identification of internal factors (Strengths and Weaknesses) and external factors (Opportunities and Threats) that will determine the possibilities of increasing olive oil production and exportations. This investigation allows specifying actions to take in order to reinforce the role of olive oil in regional economy, and to strength its position as exporter sector. The methodology framework will be based on SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) method. SWOT method permits to collect, organize, evaluate and synthesize objectively a large number of information concerning any organization (internal diagnosis) and its environment (external diagnosis) in order to identify the main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and to assure the reconciliation between the strategic capacity of this organization and the key factors of success of its environment. The four components of the SWOT are classified and synthesized in a matrix ( table 2) permitting the identification of different strategic alternatives. STRENGHTS The olive oil sector analysis shows great strengths in terms of production employability and exportation. The most important competitive advantage of Medenine olive oil is its superior quality relative to olive oils being produced in other region within the countries. In fact, Benikhdeche districts localized in the mountains region of Medenine is well known by its superior product based on the variety of Chemlali. This is can be a crucial element in an effort to increase the value added of olive oil. Without a superior product, it is not possible to turn a commodity into a differentiated product that can be promoted and where premium prices can be attained. In fact, olive oil has been an integral part of the Mediterranean diet. This tradition persists at regional level, and it is strengthening due to a stream of scientific findings. These findings provide a platform upon which to promote olive oil production and commercialization at regional national and international level. Indeed,

good quality of olive oil in Medenine can be an important element in a marketing strategy. On the other hand, the important production over the years, mainly within rainy years (can reaches 150,000 tonnes), leads to a dynamic industrial sector containing 157 mills, with a theoretical capacity of crushing that reach 2750 tons of olives per day. In fact, the olive is the main agricultural activity in Médenine. It covers 190,000 hectares representing 82.5% of the total cultivable area and regroups more than 4 million feet (6.5% of the national total). As consequence olive oil production and processing sectors employs directly or indirectly, more than 20,000 people and provide 3,000,000 million workdays per year. Weaknesses One of the most important obstacles for agriculture sector in general and particularly olive sector in Medenine is high cost coupled with a low productivity due to several factors. Many olive groves are old, more than 80% of the olive grove is beyond the optimum age (70 years), and therefore their productivity is declining. Irrigation infrastructure is largely absent, further lowering productivity. Input costs tend to be higher due to the increase of labour wages mainly after the revolution of 14 January. High labour costs are coupled with the absence of skilled labourers. Another crucial factor causing poor competitiveness of olive sector is the large number of small farm that represents obstacle for mechanization of agriculture sector and the introducing of innovative ideas. The majority of exports oils, at national and regional level (more then 90%) are in the form of bulk generic oil that is subsequently packaged in Italy as well as some other countries. Bulk generic oil cannot garner price premiums; thus the potential of what is a superior quality product is wasted. This situation is aggravated by the lack of operators and negotiators with a long-term business strategy, the lack of adequate development approach for indirect exports, nearly a million tourists visiting the southern regions, and the lack of activities supports and technical assistance in the region. Opportunities Two main opportunities for olive oil sector can be mentioned here. Firstly, the great interest presented by public policies to promote olive oil sector and secondly the national and international growing markets that represent a potential export destination. In fact, a lot of subsidy schemes are provided by government since many years to increase quantities and quality of production. Among other government provides financial support for farmers to ensure supplemental irrigation in dry years, and encourages promoters to implement crushing units.

On other hand, an international trend with considerable potential impact is the increasing consumer’s adoption of aspects of the Mediterranean diet based on olive oil. The consumer’s habit change is coupled with a significant increase in tourism in the region (more than one millions). During their sojourn, tourists have the opportunity to taste the product and become familiar with it. This opportunity should be used to increase the fidelity of international consumers to olive oil and by consequence to increase export. The recent gradual revaluation of the Euro against the Tunisian dinars has meant an environment for exports to the UE. Further, Tunisia can utilize this situation to their advantage and become more prices competitive. Threats First, the growing demand of olive oil has motivated countries with favourable climates to plant olive trees. Olive groves have proliferated in the Americas as well as in South Africa and in some Asian countries (FAO, 2006). This news olive producers can partially satisfy the increased demand for olive oil and reduce the demand for imports from traditional olive oil– producing countries like Tunisia. Second, climate change may lead to declines in yields. Over the last years a series of extreme dry years have damaged millions of trees and caused considerable fluctuations in olive production. Climate changes can decrease the quantity and quality of olive oil in Medenine given that it is by nature a dry and degraded area. On other hand, alternative and more lucrative employment activities, mainly the growing tourism sector in Djerba and the informal traffic with Libya have led many owners of olive groves to abandon them.

Tableau 2. SWOT Analysis

STRENGHTS WEAKNESSES

- The olive is the main agricultural activity in Production level Médenine. It covers 190,000 hectares - Aging and depletion of the olive trees; more representing 82.5% of the total cultivable area than 80% of the olive grove are beyond the - Olive sector regroup more than 4 million feet optimum age (70 years) (6.5% of the national total) with different - Very low yields per hectare compared to the varieties of olive trees called chemlali, and national level. Zalmati, zarrazi. - Lack of skilled and unskilled labour force - Existing varieties considered as a resistant to the most difficult natural conditions such as - Low knowledge of production techniques. 23

drought and fragile soil - Extreme fluctuation of production - Importance of olive oil production that can Processing level reach 150,000 tonnes - Artisanal production of olive oil for domestic - The olive sector in the region employs, directly consumption or indirectly, more than 20,000 people and - Lack of control of processing and packaging provide 3,000,000 million workdays per year - 25% of the local production are triturated - The soil and climatic conditions are relatively outside the region (in Sfax) favourable and suitable especially in the area of Zarzis. - Lack of training for unskilled labourers - The olive trees boost an industrial sector - Failure to develop sub-olive products with containing 157 mills, with a theoretical capacity high value added (vegetable water, pomace, of crushing that reach 2750 tons of olives per twigs, leaves, bios size) day Marketing level - Emergence of new private operators in the - Lack of operators and negotiators with a long- collection and the commercialization of olive oil term business strategy - Attachment of local population to the olive - Lack of adequate development approach for trees indirect exports, nearly a million tourists visiting the southern regions - Ability of the local population to the - The major producers are limited to sell their adaptation to climate change oil to the ONH - Existence of rural tradition in olive growing - Lack of support activities and technical - Possibility of application of some adaptation assistance in the region practices of the olive trees to climate change initiated by the Institute of olive: - Use the most rustic genetic (variety Chemlali) as rootstock for other varieties perform more in yield and quality. - Use of the vegetable water to improve the surface structure of the soil

- Possibility to introduce mechanization for harvesting and tillage

OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

- Long experience in international marketing and - The emergence of new countries producers export and exporters of olive who can benefit from certain tariff preferences on the European - Policy of encouraging and prompting market (increase of external competition in promoters at the different segments of the the international market); sector. - Decrease of aid to production granted to - Importance of the tourism sector in Region European producers. (annual presence of about one million tourists) - Adoption of norms of quality and - Existing of institutional support (CRDA, IO, commercialization (traceability, labeling, ONH, ODS, APIA, API, etc) packing, etc….) more and more restraining. - Possibility of initiating development projects - Beginning of climate change effects with international donors to fight against poverty  Advanced of flowering

- Possibility of make use of space as the  Fall in production introduction of the fig tree intercropped with  Degradation of the oil quality olive, aimed to improved the income of the farmer - Low organic matter and low biological activity in the soil - Creation of tourism circuits and farm houses on the mountainous area (delegation - Low dissemination of results of research and Benikdèche) technology and absence of special interest for olive cultivation in arid zones - Interesting for organic oil, flavored oils and cosmetic oils

5. The olive oil value chain: Key operators / agents and role Several operators have contributed either directly or indirectly to the implementation of the olive sector in the study area. Direct operators are those who ensured the production, storage, packaging, processing, marketing and consumption, thus they are farmers, Industrial processing, traders, consumers, UTAP and the institutions of agricultural development in the governorate of Medenine (table 3).

Tableau 3. Key operators of the olive oil value chain in Beni Khedache site (Medenine)

Operators Roles

Farmers Several actions are performed by the farmer such as: - Plantation - Labour - Irrigation - collect - Sale of olives and olive oil

Agricultural development Medenine governorate has several institutions for agricultural institutions in the development which can be summarized as follows: governorate of Medenine - 6 cooperatives of agricultural services - 112 grouping of collective interest, including 93 management and 14 drinking water for irrigation management grouping, - 3 Agricultural Development Groups for fishing, - 2 Agricultural Development Groups for rangelands.

Industrial processing Their main roles are: - Transformation of olive - Sale of olive oil - The purchase and the sale of olive and olive oil

Traders The main role is the purchase and sale of olive and olive oil

UTAP The Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fisheries is a national professional development organization. UTAP includes operators in agriculture and fishing sectors, big or small, as well as cooperatives. It contributes as an active member of civil society in the implementation of major decisions and major orientations that underpin the rule of law and

institutions. UTAP is an effective economic and social partner, with the goal of integrating man and women farmers to the economic and social activities and involved them as full partners in the development process. Particular attention is given to medium and smaller farmers as they are the majority of producers.

5.1. Olive growers In the absence of horizontal integration and professional organization, the olive oil production system in the region is fragmented. Constraints related to the spatial distribution of trees and propriety tenure negatively affect profitability. The olive cropping system seems to be not sustainable due to the low income generated by this activity. A study on the operating performance and future of olive cropping system in the region of Medenine through a micro diagnosis from a sample of 119 private olive farms (karray and Abichou, 2005) showed that most farms are family owned, small and the principal operator shifted to older farmers. Other the inheritance traditions have significantly assisted fragmentation. Thereby, large farms greater than 50 ha in area represent only 10and small farm (1 to 5 ha) are around 70%. In fact, 63% of farmers have off-farm resources to satisfy fully or partially the needs of the family and the farm. Other results confirm that olive cropping system in Medenine is subject to harsh natural conditions that significantly limit diversification. It is largely conditioned by the water availability, not enough innovative and investments are low. Operators, who have the will and ability to undertake and fund development activities of the olive business, are a minority. The surveys confirmed that olive cropping system in the region can only be speculative and complementary to other activities. Zarzis area is the most important producer of the olive in Medenine. In Zarzis, the olive oil business has a real economic dimension. Indeed, some large olive growers have achieved vertical integration; they have their oil mill and seek to leverage their resources. Major owner-operators have inherited a long experience in the industry, but the experience does not meet the packaging and export stage.

5.2. Processors In the absence of integration and professional organization, most mills just provide services to olive growers who pay either in cash or in kind (olive oil extracted). The olive pomace is sold to farmers for livestock feed and fuel, the vegetable residues are empty in collection basins or spread in the neighbouring groves. The recovered oil is sold directly to consumers, the ONH or private exporters. The isolation and remoteness of the production areas, the lack of professional organizations and the lack of olives markets are the source of problems. The majority of small and medium farmers prefer to grind their olive for their own account. The harvested olives are usually in very advanced stages of maturation and sometimes accumulated over 3 to 4 weeks due to the traditional collecting method to which is added storage and transfer period that are often in poor conditions. This failure of the quality already in collecting is compounded by storage in the mills, to pick up a minimum quantity to start olive crushing. The large farmers usually have their own olive mills to crush their production. The extraction of olive oil is generally done according to the pressure methods (classical channels and super-presses) and/or centrifugation (continuous three-phase channels). It exist 156 olive oil mills (classic and super presses and continuous chain) with a theoretical capacity of extraction that reaches 2,800 tons per day. Table 4. Extraction capacity in Médenine

Districts Number of Olive mills crushing Storage capacity capacity

continuous Super traditionnal TOTAL Tonne/24h Tonne chain Presse

Zarzis 24 33 14 71 1550 9600

Ben garden 7 8 2 17 350 2000

SidiMakhloof 6 7 2 15 280 1200

Medenine(N/S) 5 4 10 19 210 1800

Ben Kdheich - 2 5 7 30 80

HometEssook 5 6 3 14 260 800

Ajim 1 3 3 7 90 200

Midoon 1 1 3 5 70 340

TOTAL 49 65 42 156 2800 16000

Source: ONH Zarzis (2013) The current utilization rate of olive mills is 23%, compared to 2003 (35.9%) it recorded a decline of 16%. The production is mainly for home consumption or for retail sale in bulk. The lack of encouragement and subsidies to produce better quality does not help to the improvement of production techniques or marketing. 5.3. Traders Although very important institutional professionals support accorded to olive sector, Medenine region does not benefit much to enhance the marketing strategy of their oils. Indeed, small farmers devote part or all of their production of olives for their annual consumption. The mills activities are mainly limited to the first processing / crushing of olives oil. They don’t pass to olive oil marketing. Large-scale farmers who do not have processing units often sell their product on foot for traders or other olive growers. Olive mills have not developed a more sophisticated packaging or treatment of the extracted oils. So there is no effort on product differentiation for specific markets niche (such as the flavored oil development or packaged) - The Largest source of income for the mills in the region comes from crushing on behalf of farmers who constitute an average of 50% of turnover. - Selling to ONH or private exporters come in second place with 25% of turnover. - A important part of incomes comes from oil and pomace selling to households and breeders, 25%, that represent a very old traditional circuit. Old people still prefer the consumption of olive oil with high acidity for economic reasons (so that the family does not consume too much of vegetable oil) and for health reasons (they consider the olive oil is more healthy). Attachment to consume olive oil is reaming, despite competition from seed oils sold at competitive prices through state subsidy. Table 5. Quantity collected by ONH (1000 tonnes)

Districts 2005/2006 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 2011/2012 29

Qt % Qt % Qt % Qt % Qt %

Zarzis 159,278 57% 230,000 66% 523,000 97% 15,720 100% 113,900 41%

Ben Garden 62,360 23% 99,140 28% 14,770 3% - - 101,240 37%

Sidi Maklouf 55,490 20% 19,420 6% - - - - 62,200 22%

Total 277,128 100% 348,560 100% 537,770 100% 15,720 100% 277,340 100%

Source: ONH (2014) The figure 6 provides a synthetic map of the value chain of olive oil in the study area.

Olive growers and Olive growers processors

Collectors and traders Collectors and processors

Processors and oil mills Medenine

Brokers

Processors and oil

mills Sfax ONH Other exporters

International market Consumer/Tunisia

Figure 6. Map of olive oil Value Chain in the study area (Site Beni Khedache, Medenine) Source: Own elaboration (2014) 5.4. Services providers

- Conveyors of olives, pomace, olive vegetable, oil, and workers - Tractors owners: who provide sol maintenance activities (tillage) - Labour: ensuring the maintenance of the tree (size, picking cuvettage) - Coal cutter: buy the timber from olive growers and ensure the production of coal, which is used as the main source of heating in homes or for the preparation of tea and Shisha. - Breeders: buy timber and pomace from olive growers. They are more or less organized in GDA or SMSA (NGOs organisation). 5.5. Support and guidance in the olive sector In view of the important role of olive cultivation in the social and economic life of the country, the state has continued to take measures to encourage sector development. The main support for the management and consolidation of the sector include: - Developing a strategy for the development of the olive sector; - The creation of a special fund for Agricultural Development (FOSDA) that enabled the planting of thousands of trees. For this fund it has been added the World Food Programme "P.A.M" that contributed to plant trees for small farmers who cannot access to bank loans - The establishment of extension programs, training; technical assistance and capacity building - The management of olive plant protection through the ONH and specialized services of the Ministry of Agriculture - the creation of a fund for the promotion of olive cultivation - The opening of credit lines for financing mills; Indirect operators are those who have contributed directly or indirectly to supervision and administrative and institutional support for the olive oil value chain implementation. Thus, the implementation of the sector of olive oil has mobilized a set of support operators who are intervene indirectly and provide administrative and institutional supports (table 5): • Administrations (CRDA, ODS, APIA) 31

• The Agricultural Development Programme (RDP, PGRN, FAIDA ...) • Research institutions (IRA and olive Institute)

Tableau 6. Major support operators of the olive oil value chain

Type Name Roles

CRDA (commissariat CRDA is a public institution at regional level. It is of regional primarily responsible for promoting agricultural agriculture projects at regional level, implement state policies at development) regional level and help investor’s projects. It provides the technical feasibility of different actions taken by development projects, providing of various

facilities and their monitoring. It is also responsible for preparing the technical package for all crops that can adapt to the climate of the region.

ODS (South ODS Office Development South is a public institution développement created in 1984, their main role is the office) encouragement of private investment. The ODS is

responsible for the following tasks:

- Collecting all relevant information, conduct the necessary studies, propose measures that can be helpful of policy development in general, consolidation of public investment programs, pulse

the private investment in the area, monitor and Administrative evaluate the results of these policies. - Ensure achievement, harmonization of development plan - Develop plans and programs in order to promote and develop areas with specific problems or who have difficulty to ensure their development. - Participate in the development of plans and action programs to promote and boost private investment

- Support the work of specialized regional structures and local public authorities in the promotion of private investment in the intervention areas.

APIA (Agency for APIA promote private investment in the fields of Agricultural agriculture, fisheries and related services Investment APIA services are intended for farmers, fishermen, Promotion) youth investor and Tunisian and foreign investors through: - The granting of financial and tax advantages - Identification of investment opportunities - The assistance and sponsoring - The training of young agricultural promoters - Linking Tunisians investors with their foreign counterparts to promote partnership - The organization of economic events, seminars, information days and partnership meetings; - Participation in fairs and specialized exhibitions in Tunisia and abroad; - The animation and network set up in the various agricultural sectors; in collaboration with inter professional groups and the National Office of Oil.

The national olive oil office (ONH) The national olive oil office was created in 1962 as a public industrial and commercial office. In addition to its main headquarters in Tunis, the ONH is represented by regional offices in major producing areas. These offices are located in Tunis to cover the region of the north, in Sousse to cover the Sahel

region, in Kairouan to cover the central, in Sfax to cover the south and in Zarzis to cover the extreme southeast. The main tasks of the ONH are: - To links between stakeholders at all levels of the olive oil sector as a integrate sectoral approach by encouraging farmers, industrial and exporters for enhance value added and make use of Tunisian oil olive. - Facilitating dialogue between professionals and public administration to define the priorities of the sector. - Provide market regulation based on the appropriate mechanisms and in coordination with the private operators, professional and administrative structures. - Encourage the promotion of the quality of olive oil and its marketing through the integration of professionals in the scientific and technological developments. - Ensure the development of exports of olive oil in coordination with all intervenient in the sector - To collect, analyze, disseminate and archive information, establish a database relating to the sector and to undertake the necessary studies to develop this sector in the domestic market and for export.

Institute of Arid IRA is a research institutions created under Law No. Regions (IRA) 76/6 of January 7, 1976, main tasks of IRA are: - Achieving the necessary research to agricultural development, protection of natural resources and to fight against desertification in arid and desert 34

regions - Implementing of integrated development projects at national, sub regional, regional and international level.

- Facilitation and coordination of efforts of various intervenient involved in development and research activities in arid regions.

Research Olive Tree Institute Olive Tree Institute is under the authority of the institute Ministry of Agriculture, its main objective is to undertake all research, study and experimentation activities to develop and promote the olive sector. It is responsible to perform the following missions: - Organize and perform all research, to improve the production and productivity of the olive sector and fruit trees in semi-arid areas - Ensuring the protection and preservation of natural resources - Conduct technical and economic studies - Contribute to the development of a strategy for the development of olive growing in semi- arid area - Dissemination and make use of research results

6. Conclusion This research tried to analysis post harvest and olive oil value chain in Medenine governorate. The main objectives were to diagnostic and selection of the relevant stakeholders (main players) in the value chain, to map the challenges for smallholder market access and to evaluate the internal and external factors that determine the performances of olive oil sector in Medenine, pointing out the major opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses (SWOT) that can be present with their actual and future evolution. The ultimate goals planned for the next phase is to assist stakeholders (men, women and youth) to develop their driven strategies for improving the marketing efficiency, postharvest management and value addition for the olive oil. The post harvest analysis based on literature review, statistic data collecting and the direct contact with key stakeholders revealed that the olive farming system is very interesting activities in Medenine. In fact, It covers 190,000 hectares representing 82.5% of the total cultivable area of the governorate and regroup more than 4 million feet (or 6.5% of the national total) of different varieties of olive trees called chemlali, and Zalmati, zarrazi. Production of the last season (2012/2013) reaches 106,000 Tonnes. The yield levels of olive per hectare remains low and varies from one region to another, the average yields recorded during the past decade is 260 kg / ha or 14 kg / foot. The highest levels of performance come from the groves of Zarzis (339 kg / ha) and Beni Khdache (218 kg / ha). The diagnostic of the relevant stakeholders (main players) in the value chain shows several operators that contribute either directly or indirectly to the implementation of the olive sector in the study area. Direct operators are those who ensured the production, storage, packaging, processing, marketing and consumption, thus they are farmers, Industrial processing, traders, consumers, UTAP and the institutions of agricultural development in the governorate of Medenine. Indirect operators are those who have contributed to supervision and administrative and institutional support for the olive oil value chain implementation. A set of indirect operators can be mentioned; administrations (CRDA, ODS, APIA); the Agricultural Development Programme (RDP, PGRN, FAIDA, etc.) and the research institutions (IRA and olive Institute). The SWOT method showed great strengths of olive oil sector in terms of production employability and exportation. Competitive advantage of Medenine olive oil is its superior quality relative to olive oils being produced in other region within the countries and the important production. This is can be a crucial element in an effort to increase the value 36

added of olive oil and promote export. A lot of weakness of agriculture sector in general and particularly olive sector in Medenine can be obstacles for sector development (old olive groves, small farms, declining productivity, absence of irrigation infrastructure, absence of skilled labourers, high input costs etc.). Despite the weakness, two main opportunities for olive oil sector can be mentioned. Firstly, the great interest presented by public policies to promote olive oil sector and secondly the national and international growing markets that represent a potential export destination. Firstly the proliferated of olive grove in countries with similar climate condition, that can partially satisfy the increased demand for olive oil, and secondly climate change that may lead to declines in yields, represent the main threat that faced olive oil sector in Medenine. In the next stage a survey questionnaire, informal tools (Focus groups, Gender, etc) and multi-stakeholders workshop (CBOs, SMSA, GDA, NGOs, processors, traders, exporters, ect.) will be used to deeply analyze the operations and operators within olive oil sectors ( post harvest value chain structure, financial analysis (distribution of the added value (VA), etc.) and to help famers for olive oil collecting, packaging labeling and commercializing.

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