The Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fisheries (UTAP) is proud to announce its participation in the SHE-GROWS project (Sustainable Hydroponic Education for Growing Rural Opportunities). This 36-month international initiative, funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ program, aims to revolutionize vocational training and agricultural practices in rural Tunisia.
Project Overview
SHE-GROWS is designed to address socio-economic and environmental challenges in the regions of Béja and Jendouba. The project focuses on empowering rural communities—particularly women—by introducing resource-efficient hydroponic farming and sustainable cooperative entrepreneurship.
By blending digital innovation with climate-resilient agriculture, the project offers a viable solution to combat unemployment, water scarcity, and the impacts of climate change on female-led households.
UTAP’s Strategic Role
As a key Tunisian partner, UTAP plays a vital role in ensuring the project’s local impact and long-term sustainability:
Needs Assessment: Conducting in-depth analysis to identify social and technical barriers to hydroponic adoption.
Bridging the Market Gap: UTAP will act as a bridge between vocational training and real-world market opportunities, providing participants with insights into sustainable business practices.
Cooperative Development: Supporting the legal registration and operational setup of a specialized hydroponic cooperative.
Advocacy & Outreach: Leveraging our extensive national network to ensure that innovative farming techniques reach farmers and fishers across the region.
Key Objectives
Empowerment: Training and certifying at least 60 participants (minimum 50% women) in hydroponic techniques.
Innovation: Developing a gender-sensitive VET (Vocational Education and Training) curriculum tailored to regional needs.
Resilience: Promoting water-saving techniques that align with the “2050 Water Vision” and the “Green Transition.”
Inclusion: Reducing the high unemployment rates among female graduates in rural areas.
Our Partners
UTAP is working alongside a diverse consortium of international and local experts:
Lead Coordinator: EFA El Soto (Spain)
Partners: OpenCom (Italy), Libverda (Czech Republic), Elemtiez Institute for Training (Tunisia), and Grow It Yourself (Tunisia).
Associated Partners: ATFP, APIA, and Association Femme Rurale Jendouba.
Through this collaboration, UTAP reaffirms its commitment to modernizing the Tunisian agricultural sector and fostering an inclusive, resilient economy for our rural populations.
For more information about the SHE-GROWS activities and upcoming training sessions, follow our updates on the UTAP website and social media channels.