USAID and World Bank Partner to Address Tunisia Wheat Shortage

The United States, in partnership with the World Bank, has financed the purchase of 25,000 metric tons of American durum wheat to help the Tunisian people face supply disruptions caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This assistance will help ensure continued access to an essential ingredient in traditional bread, couscous, pasta, and other cereal products.

This year's domestic wheat crop in Tunisia is expected to be 15 percent smaller than the five-year average. In addition to this wheat donation, the United States – through the U.S. Agency for International Development – will send agricultural experts to provide policy recommendations to the Office of Cereals to increase Tunisia’s agricultural resilience.

“The increased price and scarcity of certain foods has been a real challenge for Tunisian families across the country,” U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Joey Hood said. “The United States is proud to provide wheat to the Tunisian people as a sign of our continued partnership, especially during Eid al-Fitr."

"We are pleased to partner with USAID to tackle urgent food security concerns in Tunisia," said Alexandre Arrobbio, World Bank Country Manager for Tunisia. "Our partnership complements the World Bank's food security response, which provided assistance in improving Tunisia’s resilience to food security shocks."

This emergency food support builds on USAID’s and the World Bank’s global partnership. Both organizations remain committed to supporting Tunisia’s efforts to address food insecurity and build a more resilient agricultural and food system for the long-term benefit of the Tunisian people.