Noura Nouioui is the chairman of SMSA Fontaines Bénies, a 91-member SMSA based in Jendouba that produces essential oils, artisanal cheese, and traditional food.

Established in 2017 by Mrs. Nouioui and other local farmers and producers, the SMSA encountered managerial and administrative challenges that caused a delay in initiating its operations. However, in 2020, a pivotal transformation took place as the SMSA underwent a shift in management, becoming an organization led and comprised entirely of women. This decision was driven by the fact that all the activities covered by the SMSA were carried out by women, making it more logical to align the SMSA's status accordingly.

In the first year, the SMSA members collaborated to distill medicinal plants, make artisanal cheeses, process multi-flower honey, and produce traditional food, such as harissa and bsissa. The SMSA focused primarily on ensuring sustainable incomes for its members throughout the year, despite the predominantly seasonal nature of their activities. 

To tackle this challenge, the SMSA has established extensive and interlaced value chains that cover the entire production cycle of goat cheese and essential oils. This involves sourcing raw materials from local farmers and artisans, followed by the transformation and commercialization of the final products. Additionally, the SMSA has expanded its product range to include gluten-free flour and derivatives. With such an extensive range of products, the SMSA has earned a loyal customer base, including both individual consumers and professional clients, such as hotels, bakeries, and restaurants.

Progressively, the SMSA became attractive for high-end buyers, such as La Cigale Hotel in Tabarka, which required a food safety management certification (ISO 22000) to finalize orders. In late 2020, JOBS helped the SMSA meet these international food safety management standards and trained its members in sales techniques and logistics. 

Following a difficult financial period during the COVID-19 pandemic, JOBS also awarded the SMSA a grant to fund equipment including a pasteurizer and a cold-storage room for its cheese production facility, enabling it to produce more artisanal cheese, in high demand from restaurants and gourmet food shops.  

With JOBS’ support the SMSA sustained all its members, integrated 41 new members, and significantly increased sales, despite the impact of the pandemic. 

“When we embarked on this journey, we were a group of 50 individuals, and thanks to JOBS’ assistance we became 91 economically productive businesswomen. Our ultimate goal is to encompass and empower every employment-seeking woman and provide significant impact in our region.”
Noura Nouioui
Chairman – SMSA Fontaines Bénies