Announcement of Tunisia Strengthens Agricultural Extension and Research on June 7, 1990

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *World Bank 1818 H Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20433, U.S.A.* Telephone: (202) 477-1234 BANK NEWS RELEASE NO. 90/94 Contact: Fawzi Rihane (202) 473-2675 TUNISIA STRENGTHENS AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RESEARCH WASHINGTON, June 7, 1990 -- Tunisia is launching the first phase of a program to improve agricultural extension and research. The World Bank is supporting the program with a $17 million loan. The five-year program will result in increased agricultural production nationwide through upgrading and strengthening of extension services in 15 regions. Under the program, which includes a pilot effort to provide adequate extension services to women in rural areas, an increased number of farmers will gain access to new agricultural technologies. The program aims to increase production of cereals, meats, pulses, olives, fruits and vegetables, and to improve research in forestry, soil and water conservation, irrigation and use of water and farm machinery. The program will improve the management and structure of Tunisia's agricultural research and extension system to make it more responsive to farmers' needs. Three regional research centers will be established, and eight experimental stations and 553 local extension centers will be strengthened. Training, fellowships and technical assistance will be provided to research and extension staff. The World Bank loan will help finance construction and equipping of laboratories, machinery sheds, workshops, offices, and staff housing. It will also finance office and printing equipment and vehicles. The World Bank loan is for 17 years, including five years' grace, with a variable interest rate, currently 7.75 percent, linked to the cost of the Bank's borrowings. It also carries an annual commitment charge of 0.25 percent on the undisbursed balance. Note: Money figures are expressed in U.S. dollar equivalents.