gebana Maghreb, Kebili, Tunisia By providing advice on organic production, a working partnership and stable prices, gebana Maghreb succeeds in generating real added value for the region's small farmers. Organic and FLO certification ensure a positive outlook for the future.
	Background
	Gebana ag's date farming projects are directly located at the northern edge of the Sahara, near the great saltlake Chott el Djerid. Tourists are attracted to this desertlike region (10cm rainfall/year) by its old town Tozeur, the oases and the camel rides. In Kelibi and surrounding villages south of Lake Chott dates are produced using traditional methods. Different varieties are planted; the fine and easily stored 'Deglet Nour', which can be translated as "finger of light", is grown almost exclusively for export. The settlements and stables are situated outside the irrigated palm gardens where every square meter is utilised for production. Water is scarce and is traditionally managed by community cooperatives, which ensures efficient usage. Based on a rotating system, every farmer receives a periodic delivery of water which flows through a complex network of canals to each palm tree. This way every farmer with an average of just under one hectare of land receives water for a few hours every three weeks - enough for their palms, figs, pomegranates and other cultivated plants. Today, this system is under threat due to the overuse of groundwater reserves - the ill considered expansion of areas under cultivation or the golf course of Tozeur are two negative examples. Dates form the region's real wealth, they are, however, subject to strong fluctuations as a result of changing yields, which creates a difficult situation for farmers. Prices on the conventional market are determined by wholesalers. gebana Maghreb's committed involvement in the area aims to empower small farming systems by supporting traditional cultivation methods and avoiding the use of artificial fertilisers and herbicides. Organic production combined with stable and fair prices offers farmers and their families long-term prospects. Further information about gebana Maghreb