Challenges of soil health restoration in Tunisian cereal production systems: an analysis through the social-ecological systems framework (SES)

Soil health is essential for sustainable and resilient agricultural systems, supporting food production and maintaining vital ecosystem services. In the Mediterranean region, including Tunisia, it is seriously threatened by both natural and anthropogenic factors, such as erosion, loss of organic matter, intensive agricultural practices, and inadequate land management. In this context, adopting farming practices that can preserve and restore soil health is crucial, but such a transition is far from straightforward. To explore what this transition entails, we applied the Socio-Ecological Systems (SES) framework as the guiding structure for our methodological approach. Data was collected through a literature review, eleven semi-structured interviews, a multi-actor workshop involving twenty participants, and a multi-criteria analysis. Results reveal a combination of technical, political, institutional, economic, and socio-cultural barriers that hinder the adoption of practices that can secure soil health. The most critical include (1) the absence of agricultural policies supporting transition, (2) limited communication and cooperation among actors, and (3) high implementation costs. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for a coordinated national strategy that fosters cross-sectoral collaboration and provides effective support for farmers transitioning toward sustainable soil management in Tunisia’s cereal systems. • Applies the Socio-Ecological Systems (SES) framework to soil health issues in Tunisia. • Combines literature review, interviews, workshop, and multi-criteria analysis. • Identifies technical, institutional, and socio-cultural barriers to soil health in cereal production. • Finds policy gaps, weak coordination, and high costs limit sustainable transitions. • Calls for a national soil health strategy integrating governance and farmer support.