Call for Tender: Production of an Audio Documentary Series on Seed Sovereignty in Tunisia

Issued by: Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS), North Africa Office
Date: 09/02/2026
Submission Deadline: 20^th of February 2026

Background

Seeds are the living heart of all food systems. As the result of thousands of years of collective selection and exchange, they constitute a common heritage essential to food sovereignty and global biodiversity. However, this heritage is currently under threat from a combination of economic, legal, and political factors.

Since the late 20th century, the concentration of the seed market has accelerated, with four multinationals now controlling over 50% of the global market. In Tunisia, as in much of the Global South, legal frameworks like the UPOV 1991 Convention restrict the rights of peasants to save, exchange, or sell their seeds, favouring uniform industrial varieties over resilient local ones.

To counter these threats, movements for agroecological resistance are emerging. From community seed banks to participatory guarantee systems, Tunisian farmers and activists are reclaiming their agricultural autonomy.

The Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS) North Africa seeks to make these voices audible through an audio documentary series that explores the ecological, social, and political dimensions of seed sovereignty.

Object of the tender

The Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS) North Africa Office is seeking a qualified production team, journalist, or audio artist to produce at least eight (08) pedagogical and immersive audio documentaries (15 to 20 minutes each) investigating the struggle for seed sovereignty and agricultural justice in Tunisia.

General Objectives

• Document the diversity of practices and traditional knowledge related to local seeds in Tunisia.
• Analyse the environmental, economic, and political stakes surrounding seed preservation.
• Raise awareness among the general public and policymakers regarding ecological justice and food sovereignty.
• Provide a platform for the voices of the South—farmers, researchers, and activists—in the global debate on agricultural models.

Target Groups    

The series aims to reach a broad audience, including:

• Concerned citizens and consumers interested in food origins.
• Small-scale farmers and agricultural activists and rural communities.
• Students, academics, and civil society organizations (NGOs) focused on environmental and social justice.
• National and international cooperation actors and policymakers.

The series will consist of at least 8 episodes, blending field recordings, interviews, and original soundscapes.

The production should cover the different thematic areas related to peasant seeds and seeds sovereignty.

Scope of Work

The series will consist of at least 8 episodes, blending field recordings, interviews, and original soundscapes.

The production should cover the different thematic areas related to peasant seeds and seeds sovereignty.

Proposal, Award and Tender submission deadline

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in audio production, radio journalism, or podcasting.
• Strong storytelling skills with the ability to blend analytical depth and sensitive narrative.
• Knowledge of the Tunisian agricultural landscape and socio-environmental issues.
• Ability to conduct field recordings in various Tunisian regions (North, Center, South).

Submission Requirements:

• A methodological and artistic note (including the proposed narrative approach).
• A portfolio of previous audio/journalistic work (links to podcasts/reports).
• A CV of the lead producer/team members.
• A detailed budget proposal.
• Valid business registration, tax identification, and professional certifications.

Deadline for Submission: February 20, 2026.

Languages: Applications can be submitted in English, French, or Arabic.

Send to: Procurement.NorthAfrica@rosalux.org with the subject: Tender: Seeds Audio Series.

Note:

*Only applications with valid administrative documentation (Tax ID/Registration) will be considered.

*Incomplete applications will be ignored.

*Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussion.

Languages

Arabic (including Tunisian Derja) is encouraged to produce the series.

Submissions utilizing a multilingual approach to reflect the reality of the field are highly encouraged.

Publishers

The Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS) shall be the primary publisher. RLS reserves the right to translate, transcribe, or share the content across its global networks and partner platforms.

Timeline and deliverables

Contact

For inquiries, please contact: Procurement.NorthAfrica@rosalux.org with the subject line: Questions: Seeds Audio Series