CNH and Oxfam collaborate on key community projects in Tunisia and South Africa

CNH, a world-class equipment, technology and services company, is partnering with Oxfam to support two community projects in Africa:

• The Sumud project in Tunisia focuses on micro, small and medium-sized farms.

• The Social Factory initiative in South Africa aims to create a new model for plastic recycling and social integration.

Both projects are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Sumud (Arabic for “resilience”) is a three-year initiative aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Tunisia, in particular in the governorates of Sfax, Mahdia, Siliana and Tozeur.

The project will help implement resilience and development plans for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as well as social enterprises, in particular those run by young people, women or people with disabilities in the agriculture, tourism and crafts sectors. In the agriculture sector, it aims to support around 1,000 people in the most vulnerable Tunisian communities.

CNH and Oxfam Italy will provide financial, technical and training support to develop innovative crisis management strategies for these enterprises. The initiative is also supported by several Italian public and private bodies and Tunisian associations: Fondazione AVSI, Regione Toscana, SHANTI and APAD (Association for Sustainable Agriculture) and is co-financed by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.

As a member of the Advisory Committee, the CNH will actively participate in the selection phase of agri-business projects and will then provide its expertise and technology, as well as training and coaching programmes, to support the development of participants and promote the socio-economic integration of young people and women.

Small and medium-sized enterprises in the agriculture, tourism and crafts sectors have been particularly hard hit by the ongoing political and economic crisis in Tunisia.

“Participating in the SUMUD project is an expression of our commitment to building a more inclusive and prosperous future for all” said Carlo Alberto Sisto, President EMEA at CNH. “By bringing our expertise, technology and training opportunities to vulnerable communities, we can sustainably build on the noble work of farmers to develop innovative strategies that strengthen their resilience.”

“Every day, in every country in the world, women face discrimination and inequality and constitute the majority of people living in poverty“- added Roberto Barbieri, CEO of Oxfam Italy. “We believe that there is no economic, social and environmental justice without gender justice. That is why, through our programs, we work to ensure that women and girls are able to defend their rights and build a better future for themselves. With CNH’s contribution to our SUMUD project in Tunisia, we aim to positively change the lives of women agricultural entrepreneurs and local communities.”