Social network analysis of Tunisia’s wheat seed system: from centralized structures to inclusive and adaptive governance

Tunisia’s wheat seed system faces structural and institutional constrains that limit its performance, resilience, and contribution to food sovereignty under climate variability and import dependence. This study applies a functional Social Network Analysis to examine actor interactions and identify leverage points for systemic improvement. 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted with actors from public institutions, the private sector, research institutions, and professional organizations to capture institutional knowledge and practical perspectives. Results reveal a highly centralized network dominated by public institutions, notably the Cereals Office and the General Directorate of Agricultural Production. While centralization ensures national coherence and strategic coordination, it limits local adaptability, inclusiveness, and innovation adoption. Territorial actors, including agricultural services, farmers’ organizations, cooperatives, and seed collectors and distributors, occupy marginal positions, weakening feedback loops essential for responsive decision-making and context-adapted seed dissemination. These patterns highlight critical governance trade-offs, where centralization supports efficiency and national coordination but concurrently constrains inclusion, local empowerment, and resilience. The enhancement of the performance of the wheat seed system necessitates the implementation of formalized participatory governance, the consolidation of the capacities of local actors, and the integration of digital platforms to optimize the flow of information and enable the provision of timely feedback. Complementary mechanisms, including diversified financing instruments and structured public-private partnerships, are also crucial to sustain certified seed production and adoption. By linking actor positions, network structure, and governance dynamics to policy pathways, this study provides actionable insights for institutional innovation, adaptive management, and resilience. The findings provide transferable lessons for the enhancement of wheat seed systems in Tunisia and similar MENA contexts. The findings also demonstrate the relevance of Social Network Analysis for guiding strategic decision-making, multi-actor coordination, and sustainable seed system investments.