Cities Alliance Annual Report 2018

BOX 2:
Results from the
Madinatouna
CDS initiative
• The nine cities have technical teams
trained in participatory approaches
to planning for their cities.
• For the first time, the nine cities
have a CDS as a foundation and
initial roadmap to guide future
development.
• The cities are better able to
optimise choices in matters of local
development and identify and
prioritise projects.
• The nine cities have operationalised
participative, gender-friendly
democracy by involving citizens
and local stakeholders in economic,
social and local governance
planning.
• Elected local officials in the nine
cities understand the importance
of strategic planning for their cities.
• Cities Alliance has facilitated the
decision of the government of
Tunisia to develop a guide for local
development plans with investment
plans and a capital budget, based
on the CDS approach.
• A task force is currently being
established to coordinate and
supervise the implementation of
the CDS and infrastructure projects
across the country.
• Based on the CDS experience,
UNDP has dedicated US $3
million in follow-up funding to
strengthen the planning capacities
of municipalities and implement the
CDSs in three partner cities (Gabès,
Medenine, Tataouine).
Examples of projects already
identified for implementation:
• Medenine plans to organise an
annual investment and economic
development fair. In the mediumterm,
it intends to establish a
“Maison de l’entrepreneuriat”
(House of Entrepreneurship) to offer
support programmes for women
entrepreneurs in areas such as
the manufacturing of traditional
carpets, among others.
• In Sidi Bouzid, the municipality
has already identified Tunisian
partners to broaden and promote
a fruit and vegetable market to
support organic food production.
The market will serve as a platform
for producers to discuss value
maximisation, such as for export.
The city government also wishes to
develop a waste management plan
for improved waste collection and
revenue.
• Local authorities in Béja have
prioritised cleaning up the city’s
surrounding wadis (semi-dry
riverbeds). Pollution currently poses
significant threats to farmers and
their cattle, and so cleaning up the
wadis should benefit their health
and socio-economic situation
substantially.
A spatial analysis of the potential of lagging areas for regional
economic development
In 2018, the World Bank finalised a study that systematically identifies and analyses
development constraints and opportunities for improving outcomes for residents
of Tunisia’s lagging regions. The study also addresses reducing regional disparities
by focusing on the role of cities and local economic development. Undertaken in
support of the Ministry of Investment, Development and International Cooperation,
the World Bank assisted in closing knowledge gaps and informing and prioritising
key investments, policies and programmes for future interventions.
20 Cities Alliance