We’re almost there! The big day is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve accomplished. This Thursday marks the official opening of our latest farmers’ market in Tunis — the fourth market launched under the MAMi (Mediterranean and Africa Markets Initiative) project.
MAMi is a regional initiative funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and implemented by CIHEAM Bari, in partnership with the World Farmers Markets Coalition and FondazioneCampagnaAmica by Coldiretti. The initiative aims to strengthen local food economies, support smallholder farmers, and promote sustainable agricultural practices across the Mediterranean and African regions.
Following our earlier visit to Tunisia for in-field training, we are now back on the ground to finalize preparations. We’re setting up the final details before the opening and visiting local farms to get to know the incredible people behind the produce. These visits are giving us insight into their stories, motivations, and the impact this market can have on their livelihoods and communities.
Starting this Saturday, every weekend the new market will come to life at the headquarters of the Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fisheries (UTAP). Here, Tunisian citizens will have the chance to buy fresh, seasonal, and local food directly from those who grow and produce it. Around 30 small family farms will participate — many of them run by women — offering a colorful and authentic variety of fruits and vegetables, cheese, honey, meat, fish, traditional breads like Mlawi, and handcrafted beverages.
This market is more than just a place to shop — it’s a powerful response to one of the biggest global challenges identified by the FAO: the alarming loss of biodiversity, with over 1 million species currently at risk due to human activities. By promoting local food economies, we are not only supporting food security and natural resource preservation, but also strengthening the bonds between farmers and communities.
The Tunis market is a bold step forward in a movement that’s growing stronger every day. Join us in celebrating this milestone and the dedicated farmers who make it all possible.
