Permaculture farming takes root in drought-hit Tunisia

Many hope it will help country weather the impact of climate change

In this picture taken on April 27, 2023, farmer Saber Zouani who practises permaculture, waters crops in a field in Cap Negro in northern Tunisia. Many hope permaculture will help Tunisia weather the impacts of climate change and ween it off its reliance on global supply chains, including grain and fertiliser imports from war-torn Ukraine and Russia. (Photo by FETHI BELAID / AFP)

Now he grows all the food he needs and has become a pioneer

When he harvests his vegetables he puts the excess green matter back on the soil to slow evaporation

Mr Zouani captures rainwater in a pond and only sparingly waters his plants

Permaculture aims to keep soil structures intact and avoids chemical fertilisers and pesticides

Such methods are especially useful in Tunisia, which is experiencing an unprecedented drought

Permaculture draws on farming methods and wisdom of centuries past

The Tunisian Association of Permaculture's 'Plant Your Farm' project aims to create 50 micro-farms over five years

The goal is to demonstrate that permaculture is profitable and efficient

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