Institut des Regions Arides

The Institut des Regions Arides (IRA) (Arid Regions Institute) was established in 1976 and it is currently under the umbrella of the Ministry of Agriculture, Hydraulic Resources and Fisheries. It is headquarted in El Fje, Médenine with regional stations in Gabes, Ben Guerdane, Kebili and Tataouine in southern Tunisia. The main mandates of IRA are:

• Undertake researches for the development of agricultural sector, conservation of land, water and natural resources and combating desertification in the dry areas.
• Provide training and capacity building of technicians and specialists in dryland agriculture and combating desertification.
• Contribute to the extension efforts for the agricultural sector and the conservation and development of land, water and natural resources.
• Provide assistance and expertise for the development projects in the area.