Hadhemi Salem is a passionate and visionary young woman, co-founder of the association PlantMéd, “Plant Doctors for Sustainable and Smart Agriculture.” Since the founding of this association, she has distinguished herself by her unwavering commitment to raising awareness among small farmers and rural women about the importance of good agricultural practices (GAP) and ecological alternatives to phytosanitary treatments. Under her leadership, PlantMéd has become a pillar in promoting sustainable organic farming in Tunisia and North Africa, while fostering an environmental dynamic among rural youth.
Hadhemi has garnered attention through her inclusive approach and initiatives that go beyond mere awareness-raising. She has notably created a green club and a botanical garden, places where young people learn to value plant heritage and actively participate in protecting biodiversity. Her efforts have helped foster environmental consciousness among elementary and high school students, laying the foundation for a new generation of eco-conscious leaders.
Her dedication does not stop there. As a multiplier within the Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture in North Africa (KHNA) project, Hadhemi plays a key role in disseminating organic agriculture knowledge. She organizes targeted interventions for rural women, offering them not only practical knowledge but also tools to develop sustainable income-generating activities. Her interventions stand out for their innovative approach, blending traditional agricultural training with the promotion of economic opportunities to make farming operations more profitable and resilient in the face of climate challenges.
One of her most notable achievements is organizing awareness days focused on the benefits of composting for soil health and long-term sustainability. Through these initiatives, Hadhemi has demonstrated the importance of small local actions in creating positive impacts on ecosystems and the livelihoods of rural communities.
Her role as a trainer at the Farmer Business School (FBS) has also been a crucial lever in her journey. Through an adult learning model, she helps small farmers transform their mindset, focusing on market opportunities, productivity improvement, and increasing family income. Her module dedicated to climate change impacts and agricultural resilience has particularly impacted farmers, offering them concrete solutions such as crop diversification, composting, and the adoption of conservation agriculture.
Hadhemi embodies the belief that every small action can generate significant change. As a rural woman, she has made it her mission to mobilize rural women, offering them sustainable income opportunities while safeguarding their health and inspiring the next generation of leaders. To her, organic farming is not just an option but a necessity to build a prosperous and resilient future for our communities.
Her work and leadership continue to inspire those who cross her path, reminding us that with passion and commitment, it is possible to transform agriculture, lives, and the environment, one step at a time.
Author: NAJLA DHEN
Digital Knowledge Officer and Rural Service Provider Coach within the Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture in North Africa (KHNA) Project. Postdoctoral researcher, PhD on Plant production-Organic agriculture.
