Tunis:Tunisia's Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries, Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh, announced the initiation of the country's first general digital agricultural census for the period 2026-2027. The field data collection is set to commence in November 2026 across the nation.

According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse – English, the objective of this census is to create a comprehensive and current reference database on agricultural holdings, including their geographical distribution, activities, and resources, as well as their structural and productive characteristics. The census aims to provide precise indicators on the agricultural sector and the diversity of production sectors, along with their specific developmental characteristics on both national and regional levels.

The minister emphasized that the data collected will be pivotal in making informed decisions and implementing programs that positively impact farmers' working conditions, production, and investment in the agricultural sector. The census is seen as a strategic tool to support decision-making, guide public and private investments, improve planning of development projects, evaluate agricultural policies, and optimize the use of natural and land resources.

Advanced digital tools, such as tablets for data collection and processing, geolocation technologies, and Geographic Information System (GIS), will be employed to ensure data accuracy and improve processing efficiency. The success of the census relies on the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved.

Emna Jellouli, a representative of the Directorate-General for Agricultural Studies and Development, stated that the census will aid in developing scientifically-based sectoral strategies, enhance governance of development programs, stimulate investment, and support small and medium-sized farms as well as communitarian enterprises. The project is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Agriculture, the Grain Board, the National Institute of Statistics (INS), and the Directorate-General for Agricultural Studies and Development.