Ex-Post Monitoring of Japanese ODA Loan Project

Tunisia
Barbara Irrigation Project
External Monitoring Consultant: Eiko Nakamoto / Toyo Tanaka, Nakamoto&Associates Co., Ltd.

1. Project Description

Project Location

Irrigation Water Reservoir (Fernana)

1.1 Project Objective

The project’s objective is to promote improvement in agricultural productivity and increase of
agricultural production by irrigating 2,070 ha of farmland (cf. about one-third of the area inside
Tokyo’s Yamanote loop line (approx. 6,300 ha)) in Fernana and Hammam Bourguiba which arelocated in Barbara, Jendouba Governorate (population approx. 410,000), northwest of thecapital city of Tunis, and thereby contribute to improvement of the farmers’ livelihoods andstandard of living.
1.2 Outline of Loan Agreement
Approved Amount / Disbursed Amount

1,913 million yen/1,518 million yen

Loan Agreement Signing Date / Final

March 1998/ October 2004

Disbursement Date
Ex-post Evaluation

2006-2007

Executing Agency

Ministry of Agriculture (MOA)

Main Contractor-

Main Consultant-

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1.3 Background of Ex-post Monitoring
Tunisia’s agricultural sector employs approximately 33% of the working population and produces
approximately 14% of the GDP, making it an important sector for the country. Because thenorthwestern region of the country, which is the center of agricultural activity, primarily conducted
rain-fed agriculture that depended on wintertime rainfall, agricultural productivity was unstable since
it was affected by the weather. In order to address this situation, this project constructed irrigation
facilities in Fernana and Hammam Bourguiba in Jendouba governorate, located in the northwesternregion of the country.
During the ex-post evaluation (2006), the number of beneficiaries and the benefitted area of the
project exceeded the initial plan. However, the number of farmers using irrigation remained low dueto the farmers’ anxiety over the financing of the initial cost involved in irrigation, the lack ofexpertise in irrigation agriculture, and lack of knowledge in irrigational cropping. Cultivated area,
price of produce, and crop yield were below the planned value.
Furthermore, concern was shown over the sustainability of the project since Regional
Commissaries of Rural Development’s (CRDA) training to the Agricultural Development Group(GDA) concerning operation and maintenance of facilities and cropping techniques were insufficient,and the GDA of Hammam Bourguiba had not started the collection of the water fee from the lack ofstaff and treasurer.
Under these circumstances, recommendation was made in the ex-post evaluation report tostimulate independent efforts by the Tunisian government itself (i.e., gratis provision of seeds andirrigation water, provision of subsidies for introduction of irrigation equipment, and assistance withloan applications at banks).
Therefore, this project was selected for ex-post monitoring and reviewed under each criterion withthe findings from the field survey and other research activities with a final conclusion being drawn.

2. Outline of the Monitoring Study
2.1 External Monitoring Consultants
Eiko Nakamoto (Nakamoto & Associates Co., Ltd.)
Toyo Tanaka (Nakamoto & Associates Co., Ltd.)

2.2 Duration of Monitoring Study
Duration of the Study: September 2012 – June 2013
Duration of the Field Study: November 26, 2012 – December 14, 2012

2.3 Constraints of the Monitoring Study
Obtaining all of the detailed data for each region was impossible due to the limitation of the survey

5-2period. The missing data were supplemented by national statistical data and by interviews to relevant
authorities.
3. Monitoring Results
3.1 Effectiveness3.1.1 Quantitative Effects
3.1.1.1 Results from Operation and Effect Indicators
3.1.1.1.1 Status of Irrigation Utilization
Area utilizing irrigation in Fernana has steadily increased from the time of ex-post evaluation(2006) to 2008. (Table 1) In Hammam Bourguiba, area utilizing irrigation is steadily increasing
between 2007 and 2009; however, data after the Jasmine Revolution (January of 2011) could not be
obtained. After the revolution, the GDA of Hammam Bourguiba was dissolved,1 and a farmer in theregion is currently serving as a contact for the region. However, the farmer declined to cooperate,and subsequent effect of the project could not be confirmed.
Table 1. Benefitted Area and Area Utilizing Irrigation
Planned 2006*

Fernana

2008

2009

2010

2011

Benefitted Area (ha)

1,170

1,094

1,094

1,094

1,094

1,141

1,141

Irrigated Area (ha)

-

147

284

364

330

303

346

Ratio of Irrigated Area (%)

-

13

26

33

30

27

30

Benefitted Area (ha)

693

780

770

770

770

770

770

-

44

40

56

78

N/A

N/A

Ratio of Irrigated Area (%)

-

6

5

7

10

N/A

N/A

Benefitted Area (ha)

1,863

1,874

1,864

1,864

1,864

1,911

1,911

Irrigated Area (ha)

-

191

324

420

408

303

346

Ratio of Irrigated Area (%)

-

10

17

23

22

16

18

Hammam Bourguiba Irrigated Area (ha)

Total

2007

Source: CRDA of Jendouba, GDA of Fernana*value from ex-post evaluation

1

Significance of GDA organization: In order to understand the dissolution or dysfunction of the GDA, considerationof Tunisia’s political background is essential. The GDA was created coercively by the former government for the
purpose of “maintaining and spreading the use of irrigation” during the project implementation (1998-2005). The
GDA intrinsically differs from Agriculture Cooperative Association of Japan. Current staff of the CRDA and the
GDA state that “former GDA officials were farmers appointed by the former government or relatives of the former
president’s entourage. The system was corrupt, and the farmers were compelled to cooperate”. With the collapse of
the former regime by the Jasmine Revolution of 2011, officer of the GDA were ousted from their positions. In
Fernana, new officials of the GDA were elected through an election by farmers, and currently, the GDA is actively
engaging in the operation and maintenance of irrigation facilities. Relation between the CRDA and the GDA isfavorable in Fernana, and the GDA is functioning smoothly. This is a model case of success. On the other hand, inHammam Bourguiba, new GDA has not been established after the dissolution of the GDA at the time of therevolution. Farmers continue to utilize irrigation without the existence of the GDA. A farmer in charge of the region(former official of GDA) collects water fees from the farmers, but refuses to cooperate with the CRDA (submitting
data, maintenance of irrigation facilities, water fee payment to the CRDA). The CRDA is conducting the maintenanceof the irrigation facilities in place of the missing GDA, and is shouldering the cost of operation and maintenance of
the irrigation facilities in the region. The CRDA states that “organizational responsibility and role of the GDA should
be defined by law”.

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Table 2. Rainfall by Region
2007
2008
Summer
15.2
3.6
Beja
Winter
206.3
122.0
Jendouba
Summer34.4
33.3(Fernana)
Winter113.6
44.6
Summer24.8
1.0
NabeulWinter230.2
47.4
Summer
39.6
23.4
M onastir
Winter90.6
19.4
Summer
5.0
0.0
DjerbaWinter182.0
22.8
Summer
1.8
0.7
M edenine
Winter
132.8
30.0
Source: National Institute of Meteorology

2009
63.0
395.2
11.8
256.6
48.0
168.4
10.0
147.2
0.6
53.7
0.0
44.5

2010
8.4
236.7
16.0
99.4
2.2
59.1
2.0
30.0
2.2
33.6
1.8
22.2

(Unit: mm)
2011
7.8
390.4

13.6
235.2
5.9
144.0
36.6
103.2
3.0
59.7
0.0
23.4

Barbara, situated in the region of Fernana, is part of the governorate of Jendouba which receives
high amounts of rainfall in the winter compared to other regions (Table 2). In 2009 and 2012, heavy
rainfall caused a flood in the region. The region’s irrigation utilization rate is fluctuating inversely tothe amount of rainfall.
Table 3. Status of Water Valve Utilization
2007

2008

2009

2010

(Unit: valves)
2011

Irrigation Valves

250

250

250

250

250

Irrigation Valves being Used

132

156

172

182

182

Usage Rate (%)

53

62

69

73

73

Source: GDA of Fernana

The best indicator to verify the generalization rate of irrigation is the utilization rate of irrigation
valves. During the implementation, water valves were evenly placed in each predetermined area. A
total of 250 valves were installed. Irrigation valve utilization rate is the ratio of the number ofirrigation water valves actually opened and used. A steady increase can be seen in the rate (Table 3).
The number of irrigation valve utilization at December 2012 is 185 valves (74%).
The utilization rate of irrigation facilities (irrigation valve utilization rate) and area utilizing
irrigation have both increased steadily since 2007 due to the following reasons. First, many farmers
owning small parcels of land could not finance bank loans to purchase irrigation equipment
necessary for the use of irrigation facilities. With the law enacted by the Ministry of Agriculture2 to2Ordinance for the enforcement of the Act on property rights of farmlands was enacted by the Ministry ofAgriculture. A section in the Ministry of Agriculture is dedicated with a mission to group small and interspersed
parcels of farmlands.

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reorganize the farmlands, regrouping of scattered small farmlands were promoted. (1,141 farmlands
existed in 2010. The farmlands were regrouped from 1,448 farmlands to 426 farmlands in 2010.)
This regrouping of the farmlands created farmlands of greater area, enabling the farmers to apply forbank loans and purchase equipment for irrigation. This has made irrigation usage possible to thefarmers. Second, apart from the bank loan, there is a low-interest loan and subsidy (FOSDAP)
provided by the National Agricultural Bank (BNA). Bank guarantee is required in order to apply forthe loan, but the aforementioned regrouping of farmlands has enabled the farmers to obtain aregistration for a large parcel of land. This has promoted the use of FOSDAP. Concerning thesubsidy of FOSDAP, the subsidy covers up to 60% of the irrigation-related cost. FOSDAP has led to
the generalization of irrigation utilization. Third, because the farmers using irrigation arehighly-profitable, temporary farmers (such as industrial farmers: speculators) are renting farmlands,
which has led to the increased efficiency in land usage. Fourth, technical support of irrigation
agriculture by the CRDA has produced effects in diversifying highly-profitable crops.

3.1.1.1.2 Number of Beneficiary Households, Irrigation Utilization
The number of beneficiaries and the irrigation utilization has increased since the ex-post
evaluation (Table 4). The reasons for the increase are the rise in the profit of farmers utilizing
irrigation, and the success of the CRDA’s activity to generalize irrigation through demonstration ofmodel farmlands utilizing irrigation.

Table 4. Change in the number of Beneficiary Households and Irrigation Utilization
Planned 2006*

Fernana

2008(Unit: households)
2009 2010 2011

Benefitted Farm Households

320

327

327

327

327

430

430

Farm Households Using Irrigation

-

72

136

172

204

249

249

Irrigation Usage Rate(%)

-

22

42

53

62

58

58

Benefitted Farm Households

219

228

228

228

228

N/A

N/A

-

25

73

91

110

N/A

N/A

Irrigation Usage Rate(%)

-

11

32

40

48

N/A

N/A

Benefitted Farm Households

539

555

555

555

555

430

430

Farm Households Using Irrigation

-

97

209

263

314

249

249

Irrigation Usage Rate(%)

-

17

38

47

57

58

58

Hammam Bourguiba Farm Households Using Irrigation

Total

2007

Source: CRDA of Jendouba, GDA of Fernana*value from ex-post evaluation

Concerning the region of Hammam Bourguiba, data could not be obtained due to the same reason
mentioned in 3.1.1.1.1. According to the interviews with the CRDA and the GDA of Fernana,

5-5incomes of farmers in Fernana are higher than the neighboring regions due to the utilization ofirrigation. Farmers from surrounding regions and corporate farmers are increasingly renting
farmlands temporarily in Fernana. In 2010, irrigated area was expanded and new farmlands werecreated upon request from the farmers of surrounding regions.
These farmers from surrounding regions and speculators, renting the land for irrigation agriculture,
are relatively small in scale, or temporary farmers. Since the data for beneficiary farm households
after 2010 includes farmers of different scale and temporary farmers, the number of farmers utilizing
irrigation and utilization rate cannot be compared to those before 2010. Therefore, irrigation valve
utilization rate as indicated in Table 3 can be said to be the most effective indicator in representing
the generalization rate of irrigation utilization.

3.1.1.1.3 Cultivated Area and Yield per Unit Area
Cultivated area was steadily increasing until 2008; however, due to heavy rainfall and flood in2009 and 2011, the area has decreased (Table 5). There are no changes in the major crops since thetime of ex-post evaluation, but tobacco production has decreased and highly-profitable crops such as
potatoes, watermelons and green pepper have increased. Cultivated area for potatoes andwatermelons exceed the initial planned value.

Table 5. Cultivated Area of Major Crops in Fernana
2007

2008

2009

(Unit: ha)
2011

2010

Wheat

N/A

48.00

N/A

19.00

N/A

Oat (Fodder)

N/A

0.50

4.64

8.30

11.02

Barley

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Sugar Beet

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Tobacco

27.00

9.35

4.21

7.95

5.50

Potato75.00

100.00

97.56

95.75

174.21

Watermelon

44.00

37.40

14.50

40.33

33.55

Other

86.00

192.20138.39

90.55

98.17

Source: GDA of Fernana

In the ex-post evaluation, cultivated area was shown as a total of Fernana and Hammam
Bourguiba. As mentioned before, data for Hammam Bourguiba after 2010 could not be obtained, andtherefore, comparison and analysis could not be performed. Instead, analysis will be done on the datafor 2007 obtained by this study. Hereafter, for other indicators, the same will be done in cases which
the data was not obtained at the time of ex-post evaluation, or the reliability of the data presented in
the ex-post evaluation is questionable. In Fernana, cultivated areas of highly-profitable crops such as

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potatoes have increased compared to 2007. Green pepper constitutes most of the category “Others”
in 2008 and 2009. Concerning tobacco, tobacco is produced upon the annual production plan
decided by the Tobacco Monopoly Corporation. In Fernana, production of tobacco is decreasingfrom cancellation of the contract with the Tobacco Monopoly Corporation, which is the only buyer.
This is due to the instability in the production of tobacco resulting from farmers increasing thecultivation of highly-profitable crops, or the speculators’ tendency to cultivate only highly-profitable
crops. If annual production plan cannot be met, Tobacco Monopoly Corporation cancels the annual
purchase contract and switches the production to other regions.

Table 6. Cultivated Area of Major Crops in Hammam Bourguiba
2007

2008

2009

(Unit: ha)
2011

2010

Wheat

65

70

100

N/A

N/A

Oat (Fodder)

5

8

5

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Sugar Beet

0

0

0

N/A

N/A

Tobacco

30

35

45

N/A

N/A

Potato

5

3

10

N/A

N/A

Watermelon

0

0

5

N/A

N/A

Other

0

10

13

N/A

N/A

BarleySource: CRDA of Jendouba

In Hammam Bourguiba, productions of major crops, tobacco and wheat, are steadily increasing from2007 to 2009. Data after 2010 could not be obtained for the same reasons mentioned in 3.1.1.1.1,
and an interview also could not be conducted.

Table 7. Change in the yield per unit area in Fernana
2007

2008

2009

(Unit: tons/ha)
2011

2010

Tobacco

1

1

1

1

1

Potato

13

13

12

13

14

Watermelon

14

15

15

20

22

Source: GDA of Fernana

In ex-post evaluation, yield per unit area was presented as a sum of Fernana and Hammam
Bourguiba. In this study, data for yield per unit area could be obtained only for Fernana, and so,comparison and analysis will be done with the data for 2007 obtained by this study. Yield per unit

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area for watermelons, though lower than the initially planned value, is increasing compared to 2007
(Table 7).

From the above, although influence from external factors such as political instability and natural
disasters (flood) can be seen, the indicators are maintained at the same level or have increased fromthe time of ex-post evaluation. Therefore, it was confirmed that the quantitative effect of the projectcontinue to be produced.

3.1.1.2 Results of Calculations of Internal Rates of Return (IRR)
In the ex-post evaluation report, the economic internal rate of return (EIRR) was calculated as 7.0%.
EIRR will not be calculated in this ex-post monitoring since the basis of the calculation used for the
ex-post evaluation could not be obtained.

3.1.2 Qualitative Effects
The ex-post evaluation report did not indicate any qualitative effects. However, from interviews
with the CRDA of Jendouba and the GDA of Fernana, agriculture production stabilized and double
cropping of highly-profitable crops (such as potatoes) became possible through utilization ofirrigation.

3.2 Impact
3.2.1 Intended Impacts
3.2.1.1 Social and Environmental Impact
In the ex-post evaluation, unemployment rate, school attendance rate, and literacy rate werecompared between the time of ex-post evaluation and the time of project appraisal (1994) in order tomeasure the social impact of the project. However, direct relationship of those impacts could not befound. In this study, the latest figures could not be obtained, and comparison with the ex-post
evaluation will not be done. According to the CRDA of Jendouba, data for the entire Jendouba
governorate cannot be a logical indicator to represent the status of farmers utilizing irrigation
particularly in the Fernana region.

3.2.1.2 Impact on Job Creation
Ex-post evaluation reported positive impacts by this project of increase in employment of women
and women’s advance into society. During this monitoring study, it was confirmed that this projectcontinues to contribute to the increase in Women’s employment. According to the interview to the
CRDA of Jendouba and the GDA of Fernana, ten female workers were hired as seasonal workers forthree months for harvesting potatoes, which is labor-intensive work. Increased employment of

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women has led to rise in women’s income. Younger women save their money for marriage andindependence, and married women actively contribute to their household.

3.2.1.3 Annual Income from Farming
Ex-post evaluation mentioned increase in the annual agricultural income per household. In thisstudy, statistical data concerning rural household income could not be obtained, however, according
to the interviews with the CRDA and the GDA of Fernana, the income is increasing. According tointerviews with the GDA of Fernana and farmers, agricultural production stabilized from irrigation
as mentioned in 3.1.2, and double cropping of highly-profitable crops (such as potatoes) have led to
an increase in income. More farmers are building extensions to their houses or purchasing
automobiles. During the site visit to Fernana, relatively new houses and new cars could be seen. Also,
increase in income enabled the farmers to send their children to school, and, further, to college.
However, neither the CRDA nor the GDA possessed specific data on household income fromfarming, and so, the information could not be obtained.

3.2.1.4 Asset Ownership of Rural Households
Increase in the number of farmers possessing various assets, such as automobiles or mobile
phones, was indicated in the ex-post evaluation. During this monitoring study, newly built houses
and farmers owning automobiles were verified from the site visit.

3.2.2 Other Impacts
3.2.2.1 Organizational Impact
Improvement in the relations between the CRDA and the GDA is a new impact found by thismonitoring study. Before the revolution, the GDA were managed by farmers appointed by the former
government, and there were no substantial participation of other farmers to the GDA. After the
revolution, the GDA is managed by officials elected by an election. All farmers are actively
participating in the GDA activities, and communication with the CRDA has improved. By thisincrease in communication through irrigational activities and generalization efforts, relation between
the CRDA and the GDA has been improved.

3.2.2.2 Resettlement and Land Acquisition
There continues to be no resettlement nor land acquisition from the time of ex-post evaluation.

3.2.2.3 Salt Damage
There continues to be no salt damage from the time of ex-post evaluation.

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From the above, the impact of improvement in the lives of farmers in Fernana, reported in the
ex-post evaluation, continues to take effect.

3.3 Sustainability
3.3.1 Structural Aspects of Operation and Maintenance3.3.1.1 CRDA
There is no change in the organizational structure of operation and maintenance from the time ofthe ex-post evaluation. Staffs from Irrigation Development Section and the Irrigation Facilities
Operation and Maintenance Section of the Water Supply Rural Facilities Department, in addition toirrigation support staff from the Irrigation Generalization Unit (CTV) perform the operation andmaintenance.
10 staffs work for Irrigation Development Section and the Irrigation Facilities Operation and
Maintenance Section of the CRDA, an increase of 4 staffs from the time of ex-post evaluation. The
reason for the increase is the necessity to implement operation and maintenance by the CRDA inplace of the GDA of Hammam Bourguiba, which was dissolved after the revolution. Out of the four
staffs, three are responsible for operation and maintenance of pumping stations, and one is in chargeof network maintenance. In Fernana, operation and maintenance of the pumping station is carried out
by total of six staffs, three shifts with two staff in each shift. There is no problem with theorganizational aspect of operation and maintenance.
The CRDA has hired another three staffs to further promote irrigation in the Fernana region.
Currently, a total of 7 staffs (3 technicians, 3 workers, and 1 security guard) work for the CTV of
Fernana. Main activities are assistance with applications for subsidies as financial support, andassistance with loan application, and drafting contracts.
In the ex-post evaluation, delay in the organization assistance of the GDA, resulting frominsufficient staff of the CTV, was indicated. The CRDA was aiming to establish 10 GDAs. However,at the time of this monitoring study, the number of GDA has decreased from two GDAs to one. Afterthe dissolution of the GDA of Hammam Bourguiba, the CTV for Hammam Bourguiba region has notbeen organized; the prospect of resumption of Hammam Bourguiba GDA is unclear.

3.3.1.2 GDA
At the time of the ex-post evaluation, the GDA of Fernana was composed of one president, onetreasurer, four clerks, one engineer, and two security guards. The GDA of Hammam Bourguiba was
expected to have the same structure, but treasurer, clerk, and technician had not yet been hired.
Currently, there is only one GDA in Fernana. The GDA of Fernana consists of one president, onetreasurer, three engineers, and four officials. The number of staff is the same as the time of ex-post
evaluation, but the names of the positions have changed as have the substantial operation and

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maintenance roles; the officials, for example, conduct tasks based on necessity. After the revolution,
officials are elected by the farmers through an election. This has led to a strong conscience in theofficials to undertake the operation and maintenance as a team for the interest of the members. The
GDA is actively pursuing its activities, and, therefore, no problem can be seen in the structural
aspect of operation and maintenance.

3.3.2 Technical Aspects of Operation and Maintenance3.3.2.1 CRDA
The training for cropping techniques was insufficient at the time of ex-post evaluation. However,currently, training for cropping and training for repair and maintenance of irrigation facilities areconstantly being given to the GDA. The GDA’s cropping techniques have improved as the result.
Further, orientation seminar for irrigation for the farmers is held by the CTV .
Techniques for operation and maintenance of irrigation facilities have continuously improved
since the ex-post evaluation. 24 CRDAs in the country meet monthly to share and exchange
necessary knowledge such as new irrigation techniques or new measures concerning irrigation
agriculture.

3.3.2.2 GDA
Ex-post evaluation indicated the farmers’ insufficient knowledge concerning cropping, andinadequate knowledge and technique concerning irrigation facilities. From the interviews with the
GDA of Fernana, farmers have acquired the knowledge and skill for irrigation agriculture, andproduction through cropping has increased. Also, the GDA of Fernana has set an electric welding
equipment in its premises in order to further its independence. Prompt repair by the GDA became
possible in case of a malfunction in the irrigation equipment or machines. The GDA’s aim is tobecome independent from the CRDA. The GDA have also received training directly from thecontractor who prepared the irrigation equipment, and have acquired the knowledge to assemble
irrigation valves and irrigation equipment.

3.3.2.3 External Support
3.3.2.3.1 CRDA
During the ex-post evaluation, the Japanese Agency for International Cooperation (JICA) has set
in motion a technical assistance (SAPS) to the benefit of Jendouba CRDA with the cooperation of
Tunisian consultants. Following SAPS, a new project, Northern Region Aqueduct and Barbara
Irrigation Yen Loan Projects in Tunisia, was started in 2010. The CRDA has implemented the action
plan for the installation of agricultural facilities to contribute to stable production and stockpiling ofcrops, and created a model farmland, utilizing the operation and maintenance manual for sprinklers

5-11and drip irrigation facilities, at the GDA of Fernana. Since four parcels of model farmland weresuccessful in improving productivity, the CRDA has increased the number of model farmland toseven parcels, and raising new crops on the farmland. Furthermore, the CRDA is considering theestablishment of Mutual Society for Agricultural Services (SMSA) to market the produces and lower
the cost through joint purchase. Collecting further details concerning the assistance programs
through interviews with consultants were attempted; however, the interview could not be made dueto the limited timeframe of the study.

3.3.2.3.2 GDA
At the time of ex-post evaluation, JICA was conducting technical assistance to the GDA of
Fernana with the cooperation of Tunisian consultants. Assistance to Hammam Bourguiba was notconducted, but since the regions are geographically close, ripple effect through the interaction of
farmers was expected. Currently, the GDA has not been organized in Hammam Bourguiba, and thedegree of ripple effect, expected at the time of ex-post evaluation, is unknown. This ripple effect is
expected in the Northern Region Aqueduct and Barbara Irrigation Yen Loan Projects in Tunisia,
which is presently being implemented in the region.

3.3.3 Financial Aspects of Operation and Maintenance3.3.3.1 CRDA
At the time of ex-post evaluation, the CRDA was making a profit from budget allocated by the
Ministry of Agriculture, and the revenue from collected water fee. The income was showing a
growing trend, and no problems were indicated. Currently, the CRDA’s main source of income are
the same, revenue from (irrigation) water fee collected from the GDA, and budget allocated from the
Ministry of Agriculture. There is no change from the time of ex-post evaluation.
In Hammam Bourguiba, the GDA has not been reestablished after its dissolution during therevolution. Water fee is collected from the farmers in the region by the representative frompre-revolution time, but none is paid to the CRDA. The CRDA is currently paying the cost ofoperation and maintenance on behalf of the GDA. This cost is taken from the budget allocated from
the Ministry of Agriculture. Application for the cost for large-scale repair is made on a case-by-casebasis, and, according to the CRDA, there is no problem. The CRDA claims to have secured thebudget for 2013 to repair a facility (crack in the threshold of rainwater pumping station in Fernana);
however, this fact could not be confirmed at the Ministry of Agriculture. In addition, information on
the operation and maintenance cost and the amount of allocated budget of the CRDA could not be
obtained. According to the interview to the CRDA and the GDA of Fernana, there are enough funds
for the operation and maintenance, and is continuously sufficient to maintain the irrigation facilities.

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3.3.3.2 GDA
Water fee collection rate has decreased from 100% at the time of ex-post evaluation (Table 8).
Collection rate from 2007 to 2011 is between 43% and 90%. According to the CRDA and the GDA
of Fernana, there is no basis to the 100% presented in the ex-post evaluation report. Comparison
cannot be made since there is no record of the collection rate. In addition, there is no one who can
explain the data before the revolution. The GDA does not calculate the collection rate; the rate wascalculated from the aggregate data provided by the GDA. Therefore, adequate explanation on thechange in the collection rate could not be obtained. However, the reason for the decrease after 2010is due to the bankruptcy of an agriculture corporation.
According to the interview with local residents, in Hammam Bourguiba, a farmer, which was theformer GDA, seems to be collecting water fee from the farmers utilizing irrigation. However, none ispaid to the CRDA. In an interview with the CRDA of Jendouba, the cooperative relationshipbetween the CRDA and the GDA in management and maintenance of the facilities is lost. Request
for site visit and questionnaire through the Ministry of Agriculture were denied; the facts of thesituation could not be confirmed.
Although financial statements for analysis could not be obtained, according to an interview,
collected water fee is sufficient in covering the costs of operation and maintenance.

Table 8 Water Fee Collection Rate
PlannedWater Fee
Collection Rate
Source: GDA of Fernana

100

2006*
100

2007

2008

52

*value from ex-post evaluation

5-13

43

2009
90

2010
66

(Unit: %)201148

Pumping Station (Fernana)

Crack in the threshold of rainwater
pumping station (Fernana)

3.3.4 Current Status of Operation and MaintenanceAt the time of ex-post evaluation, operation and maintenance of irrigation facilities weresatisfactory. The following were found from the site visits. The current status of the facilities iswell-maintained with the exception of those presented below.
One pump in the pumping station was non-operational, and a crack in the threshold of rainwater
pumping station was found. (The threshold’s concrete was lacking the proper thickness from thecorruption at the time of construction. That portion of the threshold cracked from the devastating
flood in 2009, and has partially collapsed.) According to the CRDA, budget to repair the thresholdhas been secured for 2013; however, in confirming the matter, the Ministry of Agriculture answeredthat they will investigate the situation in the near future and take the necessary measures. Concerning
the pumps, since three of the four pumps are functional, the CRDA stated that there is no problem.

Thus, operation and maintenance in the Fernana region has been secured by the cooperation
between the CRDA and the GDA, and there continues to be no problem from the time of ex-post
evaluation. On the other hand, the GDA of Hammam Bourguiba, dissolved after ex-post evaluation,
has not been organized, and though there is support from the CRDA, the future prospects continue tobe uncertain and concerns remain.

3.4 Others
3.4.1 Follow-up of Lessons Learned
Ex-post evaluation report presented as a lesson, when implementing a new irrigation project in aregion unaccustomed to irrigation, while installing infrastructure, it is also important to provide
education concerning irrigation and to provide technical and financial assistance to stimulate actual
implementation of irrigation. From the results of this monitoring study, it was found that the lesson

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has been put into practice, and has contributed to the generalization of irrigation. According to the
Ministry of Agriculture, the educational campaign and technical/financial assistance to encourage theuse of irrigation is actively conducted through the CTV of the CRDA to the GDA and farmers.
Financial assistance is provided through aid in application for subsidies or loan and assistance indrafting a contract. As a result, this has produced an effect in the generalization of irrigation.

3.4.2 Follow-up of Recommendations
In the ex-post evaluation, recommendation was made to stimulate independent efforts by the
Tunisian government itself (i.e., gratis provision of seeds and irrigation water, provision of subsidies
for introduction of irrigation equipment, and assistance with loan applications at banks). Currently,
generalization of irrigation is carried out by irrigation education campaigns and creation of model
farmlands. Low-interest loan and subsidy of FOSDAP provided by the BNA under the Tunisiangovernment, and reorganization of farmlands by law have contributed to the promotion of irrigation
agriculture. However, gratis provisions of seeds and irrigation water have not been implemented at
the time of this study.

4. Conclusion, Lessons Learned and Recommendations
4.1 Conclusion
Irrigation generalization rate is steadily increasing. Further, through the combination of increased
agricultural productivity and income through improvement of cropping techniques and cultivation ofhighly-profitable crops, and the effort of Northern Region Aqueduct and Barbara Irrigation Yen Loan
Project in Tunisia (2010-2013), the project effect in Fernana continues to be produced. Concerning
Hammam Bourguiba region, information after the revolution in 2011 could not be obtained, andhence, the conclusion could not be drawn. The GDA of Fernana, organized for the operation andmaintenance of the facilities installed by this project, was cooperating with the CRDA and actively
engaging in the operation and maintenance activities. However, in Hammam Bourguiba, the GDA
was dissolved and the CRDA was conducting the operation and maintenance in its place. In Fernana,cracks in the threshold of rainwater pumping station and non-operational pumps were observed.
Although these problems do not impede the operation of the facilities, continuous monitoring of theexecuting agency is required.

4.2 Recommendations
4.2.1 Recommendations to the Ministry of Agriculture
In Fernana, the GDA was organized and was actively engaging in operation and maintenance of
the irrigation facilities; Also, their communication with the CRDA was satisfactory. This has madepossible the introduction of new agricultural techniques and superb maintenance of the irrigation

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facilities possible. In order to sustain the irrigational equipment installed by this project and continue
to produce the expected effects, establishment of a new organization to assume the responsibility offormer GDA in Hammam Bourguiba is necessary. To do so, , careful consideration of cultural andpolitical background is essential. In addition, monitoring and supervision should be continued toensume the repair of the crack in the threshold of rainwater pumping station and the non-operational
pump (one out of the four).

4.3 Lessons Learned
None

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Comparison of the Original and Actual Scope of the Project
Item
1. Output

Original

Actual(1) Regulating reservoir, 1 site(1) Regulating reservoir, same as left

(Haman Bourguiba: 150 m³)(2) Pump stations, 5 sites (3 pumps(2) Pump stations, same as left(4 to 5

each at 3 sites in Fernana; 6 pumps

pumps each at 3 sites in Fernana;and 3 pumps, respectively, at 2 sites

Haman Bourguiba, same as left)

in Haman Bourguiba)(3) Reservoir, 3 sites (2 sites of 7,000(3) Reservoir, same as left

m³ and 4,000 m³in Fernana; 1 site of
6,000 m³ in Haman Bourguiba)(4) Water pipes（5.9km）(4) Water pipes（6.6km）(5) Tertiary canals (80.4km)(5) Tertiary canals (78.0km)(6) Consulting services(6) Consulting services, same as left

14MM
2. Project Period

March 1998–December 2001

March 1998-August 2004

(46 months)(78 months)

3. Project Cost
Total

2,823 million yen

1,750 million yen

ODA Loan

1,913 million yen

1,518 million yen

1 dinar =110 yen

1 dinar = 85.96 yen(as of July 1997)(weighted average during project

PortionExchange Rate

period)5-17