Class, Sector, and International Food Trade: Political Mobilisation of Farmers in Tunisia

This paper explores coalition formation among Tunisian farmers, highlighting the historical and economic contexts that have shaped their policy preferences. It argues that the effects of international trade – from the late 19th century to today – have fundamentally changed the nature and structure of agrarian relations. More specifically, the legacy of colonial-capitalism and neoliberal policies has deepened divisions between export-oriented sectors and those competing with imports, leading to fragmented political mobilization. Through a comparative analysis of four agricultural product categories – wheat, olive oil, barley, and dates – the study reveals that contemporary farmer attitudes are more influenced by sectoral interests than by class affiliations. The findings shed light on structural disparities that are essential for understanding food security and sovereignty debates.