TN-RURAL FINANCE

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The primary objectives of the National Rural Finance Project are to assist Tunisia and BNA (Banque Nationale Agricole) in promoting viable private investment in rural areas and in strengthening, on a sustainable basis, the financial viability and institutional reform process of BNA in order to improve its development impact on the country's rural sector. Specifically, the project will fund: 1) medium- and long-term credit to private farmers and investors to finance a wide range of investments including irrigation development with water conservation measures, livestock and forage development, tree crop plantation, forestry development, farm equipment, storage facilities, greenhouses, agro-processing plants, coastal fisheries, rural housing, and rural non-farm investments; and 2) project-related training, consulting services for the strengthening of BNA management, planning, computerization, rural outreach, and internal controls. A mid-term review will assess progress made during implementation.