Virginia Tech expertise to support sustainable agriculture and fishing in Tunisia
Virginia Tech is joining the U.S. State Department and the nonprofit development organization FHI 360 to support Tunisian farmers, fishers, and their communities in building resilience against the challenges posed by climate change.
The Sharing Underutilized Resources with Fishers and Farmers (SURF) project supports the government of Tunisia in protecting essential resources such as agricultural lands, coastal regions, and forests, which these rural communities rely on for their survival. Additionally, SURF aims to involve these communities in Tunisia’s national disaster risk management programs, ensuring they can contribute to and benefit from these initiatives.
Another objective is to foster connections between Virginia Tech, which is the sole U.S. university partner in the project, and Tunisian institutions involved in agriculture, marine biology, and forestry.
“SURF is a testament to the U.S. government’s commitment to support collaboration between American and Tunisian experts to build a more resilient future for communities living with the reality of climate change,” said Larry Vaughan, director of program development at Virginia Tech’s Center for International Research, Education, and Development (CIRED). “By bringing together the expertise and resources of academia, government, and local stakeholders, we are not only addressing the immediate challenges posed by climate change but also fostering long-term partnerships that will drive innovation and positive change for generations to come.”
SURF aims to enhance the operations of over 9,000 small farmers, fishers, startups, and cooperatives in the agriculture and fishing sectors. It will support these small businesses in adopting and mastering new practices to mitigate the anticipated effects of climate change and improve product yields.
During a kickoff event, the American ambassador to Tunisia, Joey Hood, said that “as part of SURF, … Virginia Tech, a cutting-edge U.S. university, will share best practices in research and development to advance Tunisia’s capacities in regenerative agriculture, sustainable fisheries, and forest conservation.”
The research addresses global challenges through forging diverse partnerships and interdisciplinary collaboration, supporting the Virginia Tech Global Distinction priority, a commitment to strengthen the university’s capacity to act as a force for positive change.
Vaughan joined Khaled Hassouna, CIRED’s associate director for curricula development, and Francesco Ferretti, assistant professor of fish and wildlife conservation in the College of Natural Resources and Environment, at the kickoff event. Other collaborators from across the university will be brought on board as the project progresses.
Along with Virginia Tech, project partners include the National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia; the Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fisheries; Action Positive; and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries.
CIRED, a part of Outreach and International Affairs, is a universitywide center that supports Virginia Tech’s international mission by identifying and pursuing partnerships and funding opportunities for research, teaching, and development around the world.
“This project exemplifies the true spirit of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), as we work hand in hand with our Tunisian partners to protect essential resources, empower rural communities, and create a brighter, more sustainable future for all,” Vaughan said.
