Article – The oula tradition in Tunisia: a source of income for rural women
Tunisia’s ancestral oula culinary tradition lives on in rural parts of the country, offering women an opportunity to generate additional income. The oula consists of preparing artisanal preserves made from wheat, harissa and tomatoes, which serve as food reserves for periods when the ingredients are less available. In a difficult economic context, this practice is essential for some housewives.
In the coastal town of Kelibia, in northeastern Tunisia, a small exhibition highlights the products of the oula and the women who make them. Among them, Rihem, a 30-year-old stay-at-home mother, proudly sells her creations. She offers sun-dried tomatoes, chili powder, steamed harissa and even homemade tomato sauce, all made with her own hands.
However, Rihem is facing difficulties this year due to rising inflation. She struggles to find some ingredients, especially peppers, which are now more expensive. Despite these obstacles, she perseveres to secure a source of food supplies for her family.
At his side, Sarra, a resident of Menzel Temim, a small town located nearby, also markets oula products. For her, it is both a family tradition and a business opportunity. It offers quality, traceable and ready-to-use products to meet the needs of families who no longer have the time to prepare them themselves.
Sarra wants to encourage other women to follow this path and value the oula tradition. She launched her own brand two years ago and hopes to contribute to the economic empowerment of rural women.
Oula has many advantages, both culinary and economic. These artisanal products are appreciated for their quality and authentic taste. Plus, they offer an economical alternative for families, allowing them to stock up during times of low ingredient availability.
This secular tradition is a real culinary heritage in Tunisia. It also represents a solution to the economic crisis that the country is going through. Investing in the promotion of the oula and encouraging women to carry on this tradition could support the creation of sustainable incomes for rural communities.
Showcasing the richness of the oula through exhibitions, training programs and marketing initiatives could stimulate the local economy while preserving Tunisian know-how and culture.
The oula is much more than a simple culinary preparation, it is a source of pride and income for rural women in Tunisia. By supporting this tradition and recognizing its economic importance, we can help strengthen the social fabric and preserve the country’s culinary heritage