The Tunisian expert in livestock farming, Amel Makni, specializing in sheep, cattle and goat farming systems, was recently selected by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) among the 100 pioneer women in the fields of agri-food systems and rural development.
Amel Makni founded a model farming operation dedicated to livestock, which serves as a demonstration, training and dissemination space for good practices. This initiative aims to support farmers, breeders as well as young agricultural entrepreneurs.
Regarded as a pioneer of the agricultural sector, she has also provided technical and social support to rural women and has trained more than 100 students and interns from higher education institutions and training centers.
Her efforts have contributed to strengthening local competencies, promoting the economic empowerment of women, and developing more sustainable and resilient agricultural and food systems in Tunisia.
On its official site, the FAO notes that the initiative of the “100 Pioneer Women in Food and Agricultural Systems and Rural Development” is an international distinction launched on the occasion of the International Year of Women Farmers 2026.
This initiative honors 100 women selected for their remarkable contributions to agriculture, to food systems and to rural development.
Coming from the various components of the agri-food value chain, the distinguished women have contributed, through their actions, to facilitating access to markets, to strengthening food security, to preserving traditional and indigenous knowledge, to protecting natural resources, as well as to creating employment and training opportunities for the benefit of rural communities.
