Farming context: Tunisia
Tunisia fertilizer estimates use the selected crop, field, soil and product assumptions from the TN agriculture dataset. Check local conditions before applying national averages.
| Agriculture share of GDP | ~10% |
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| Arable land | 5,000,000 ha |
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| Irrigated share | ~8% |
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| Main food crops | wheat, barley, tomato, potato |
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| Main export crops | olive, dates, citrus |
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Country context from the AfroTools agriculture dataset - planning reference, not agronomic advice. Confirm with local extension services.
Fertilizer Use in Tunisia
Tunisia is a North African country with a well-developed agricultural sector focused on cereals (wheat, barley), olives (Tunisia is the world's fourth-largest olive oil producer), dates, citrus, vegetables, and viticulture. Agriculture contributes about 10% of GDP and employs approximately 15% of the population. The country has significant domestic fertilizer production capacity, with the Tunisian Chemical Group (GCT) producing phosphoric acid and fertilizers from the Gafsa phosphate deposits. Annual fertilizer consumption is approximately 250,000 to 350,000 tonnes. The diverse climate zones, from the humid Tell in the north to the semi-arid Sahel and arid south, require different fertilizer strategies. The Office des Cereales and other commodity boards coordinate input supply for their respective value chains.
Common Fertilizer Types
DAP (18-46-0) is one of Tunisia's most used phosphate fertilizers, produced domestically by GCT from Gafsa phosphate rock. Ammonium nitrate (33.5% N) is the primary nitrogen source for cereals and is also domestically produced. Urea is used in irrigated systems and for fertigation. TSP (triple superphosphate), another domestic product, is widely applied on olive orchards and fruit trees. NPK compound fertilizers are used in intensive vegetable and fruit production. Potassium sulfate is important for olive, grape, and date production. For the date palm sector in the southern oases (Tozeur, Nefta, Kebili), specialized fertilizer programs include NPK with magnesium and boron. Micronutrient applications (iron, zinc, manganese) are important for crops grown on the calcareous soils that dominate much of Tunisia. Fertigation with soluble fertilizers is standard practice in the modern irrigated agriculture sector.
Subsidy Programs & Access
Tunisia has maintained a fertilizer subsidy program as part of its broader agricultural support policy. The government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries, provides subsidized fertilizer at prices below import parity cost. The subsidy has traditionally covered a significant portion (30 to 40%) of fertilizer costs for strategic crops including cereals, olives, and vegetables. Distribution is managed through the Office des Terres Domaniales, regional agricultural development commissions (CRDA), and approved cooperative and private sector dealers. Farmers access subsidized fertilizer with their national agricultural identity card and crop declaration. The domestic production of phosphate-based fertilizers by GCT provides an inherent cost advantage over fully imported products. Credit Agricole provides seasonal loans for input purchases at subsidized interest rates. The government has been gradually reforming the subsidy system to improve fiscal sustainability and targeting, moving toward more market-oriented mechanisms while maintaining support for smallholder cereal producers. The ongoing water stress affecting Tunisian agriculture has also prompted increased focus on water-soluble and efficiency-enhanced fertilizer products.