The Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Sector in the Drylands: A Promising Alternative for Sustainable Development and Combating Desertification in Tunisia

Abstract

In spite of its small area, Tunisia has a large plant biodiversity. In fact, its flora accounts for more than 2,150 species growing on various bioclimatic zones from sub-humid to arid and Saharan, and providing particular landscapes and agro-ecosystems such as oases and Jessours in the southern part of the country. Nevertheless, the high human and animal pressure resulting from the increasing needs of the rural population has led to the degradation of this heritage. Many spontaneous plant species are considered as herbal, medicinal and aromatic plants (HMAP) and are used in traditional phytotherapy by mainly rural communities having developed broad local knowledge. However, despite the importance of the HMAP sector in generating income for many poor rural households, as well as its increasing contribution to the GNP, it still remains fragile characterized by a limited number of cultivated species generally harvested during similar or overlapping peri ods in small areas (1,030 ha in 2001). For the development of HMAP cultivation, instead of other water consuming crops, the promotion, organization and estab lishment of a national strategy for this sector was implemented by IRA-Tunisia, ICARDA and USDA-ARS during the period 2002–2004. This research development project aims to preserve biodiversity, promote the use of HMAP, and create business opportunities for Tunisians, mainly the poor rural population. To meet the project objectives a new multidisciplinary approach was developed based on the establish ment of a national network of collaborators and more than 100 stakeholders (socie ties, research organizations, NGOs, individuals, etc.,) acting directly and indirectly in the HMAP sector. The results of the project showed that all fixed objectives were accomplished. The main project achievements are as follows:

• The main actors involved were identified and grouped together in order to assume a good complementarity according to their role in the chain.

• A socioeconomic study at the local, national and international level was carried out. At the local level the study presented the cultural and socioeconomical importance of HMAP in the rural areas of the Matmata mountains — the target site. At the national level, the study covered several aspects including the importance of HMAP within several sectors. At the international level, a study on building an interna tional marketing strategy for the Tunisian HMAP sector was accomplished.

• The establishment of a national database for indigenous, herbal, medicinal and aromatic plants. Technical brochures for some HMAP species have been also developed.

• The increase in awareness among institutions on the importance and potential of HMAP to create business opportunities in southern Tunisia, with the eventual creation of jobs.

The project was also welcomed by the general population, and regional partici pating institutions, who regard the project's continuation as a great contribution towards biodiversity, research and education as well as being a financial gain for Southern Tunisia. Finally, the major learned lessons generated by this project are also presented and discussed in this paper.