Event: Four tech-based solutions to help Tunisian farmers tackle climate change

One of the proposed solutions seeks to analyse water and soil quality for the better adoption of farming practices based on the quality of land. Photo Budimir Jevtic/Adobe Stock.

Istanbul, February 18, 2022: Four Tunisian businesses with innovative solutions for farmers to cope with water scarcity linked to lack of rainfall due to climate change will be presenting their solutions on Monday, February 21, as part of a UNDP programme on inclusive innovation.

This programme is part of the UNDP-BCtA Inclusive Innovation Journey in Tunisia, in partnership with the Governate of Medenine and the Institute of Arid Regions. The programme seeks to advance business solutions for local development challenges and connect them to public institutions that need innovative, tech-driven solutions to reach underserved populations.

All interested individuals are invited to join the virtual launch of this pioneering programme and hear from the teams behind the exciting and innovative solutions that will benefit vulnerable communities.

The event will be broadcast at this link on Monday, February 21 at 4 p.m. Tunisia time.

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR FARMERS HIT BY CLIMATE CHANGE

A call for applications was launched in late December seeking business solutions for the better management of water resources for farmers affected by this issue due to lack of seasonal rainfall because of climate change. Which in turn has impacted the farmers’ competitiveness in the market and affected the sustainability of farmers’ livelihoods. With many businesses already having such solutions in agriculture, but not at scale, the Innovation Journey was launched to help fill the gap and connect them to local governments. From the dozens of business that applied, four solutions were selected:

·       A solution based on the analysis of water and soil quality of cultivable land to better adopt customized farming practices for specific farming plots – such as types of irrigation modes, choice of crops and wastewater management  

·       A web and mobile application that brings together farmers working in the same geographical area for the sharing of resources, alongside knowledge and technical sharing and mentorship from experts

·       An irrigation solution that uses sensors installed in the land connected to software that then helps identify optimal irrigation plans for types of crops and other parameters

·       An integrated solution that connects field data with an app for individuals with no technical knowledge to help manage water resources better.

The selected cohort will now participate in the next leg of the programme which will include a training programme, mentorship and networking opportunities with public entities and companies in the health sector, a chance to meet with potential stakeholders and the option to connect with local government bodies to scale their business model.

To launch the event and the programme an online event will take place where the four companies selected will present their solutions.

A panel of UNDP and local public and private partners will also speak at the event as detailed below.

Panelists:

Moncef Ben Yamna, Mayor of the Municipality of Medenine

Eugena Song, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Tunisia

Sahba Sobhani, Director, Istanbul International Centre for private sector      in development,  Global Private Sector Team Leader, Financial Sector Cluster Office  for Policy Support and     programs

Asma Bouraoui Khouja, Team Lead of the  Inclusive Growth and  Human Development Cluster, UNDP Tunisia

Sofienne Zrelli, BCtA National Coordinator at UNDP Tunisia

4pm Tunisia time | 3pm GMT | 10am EST: Join us online here!