Launched at the end of 2019 to support Tunisia’s agri-businesses, the Tunisian Rural and Agricultural Chains of Employment (TRACE) Trust Fund – under the TERI Umbrella Program – is financed by the Netherlands and managed by the World Bank. TRACE was designed to help create rural jobs, particularly for youth and women, and to accompany the overall development of the rural economy. TRACE’s launch was timely as Tunisia’s farmers soon had to contend with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, facing significant strain due to disrupted supply chains, market instability, and limited resources. TRACE contributed to preserving existing jobs, while also supporting the creation of new employment opportunities.
Nawel Khmiri, Founder of Barria – TRACE Beneficiary ©World Bank
The program recognized that the impact of the pandemic varied across the agricultural sector. Some businesses, particularly small and recently established ones, were severely affected, while others sought ways to adapt. In response, TRACE offered differentiated support based on the maturity and nature of the agri-business. Early-stage entrepreneurs received close guidance, from ideation to pitching, along with technical training and financial assistance. More mature businesses benefited from targeted coaching and improved access to finance, ensuring that both smaller and more established agri-enterprises were able to access the tailored assistance that they needed.
As implementation progressed, the war in Ukraine introduced new pressures, including a sharp rise in agricultural input costs, especially imported items such as animal feed. Some farmers, struggling to afford these inputs, were forced to reduce their livestock holdings or close their businesses altogether. TRACE intervened to help reduce the risk of business closures and support employment continuity. Despite a challenging context, the program remained focused on job creation, including sub-sectors.
Input price volatility has persisted since 2022, prompting many farmers to turn to locally sourced alternatives. At the same time, an ongoing drought, spanning five consecutive years since 2019, has further impacted agricultural livelihoods. To support adaptation, TRACE encouraged farmers to diversify income-generating activities in response to water scarcity. Agro-tourism, beekeeping, and essential oil processing emerged as viable options to strengthen resilience. Diversification has not only improved financial stability, but it has also helped convert seasonal employment into stable year-round jobs in rural areas.
In parallel, TRACE prioritized inclusion by supporting women and youth, two groups historically benefitting less from traditional employment programs. To reach these populations, the program adopted a mix of outreach strategies, including digital tools such as Facebook and Instagram to connect with youth, and field awareness campaigns targeting women in rural gathering spaces. Consequently, TRACE has supported over 170 youth entrepreneurs and more than 200 women entrepreneurs. Many of these individuals have gone on to create employment opportunities for other youth and women in their communities, contributing to broader economic inclusion.
Since 2019, TRACE has supported over 500 agri-entrepreneurs and contributed to the creation of more than 4,000 jobs by the end of 2024. Looking ahead to 2025 and 2026, the program will continue to provide targeted support for rural businesses and employment, reinforcing its approach as a context-sensitive, inclusive, and climate-resilient model for rural job creation.
If you would like to learn more about TRACE, visit the program's webpage here.
Azza Fekiri, Founder of Jinen Soltana – TRACE Beneficiary ©World Bank