Dr. Rania Soula is an agricultural and environmental economist specializing in groundwater management, hydroeconomic modeling, and the evaluation of agricultural and environmental policies in arid and semi-arid regions. Her publications appear in international journals, and she serves as a peer reviewer for multiple journals in water policy and environmental economics. She previously worked as a contractual assistant in the Department of Rural Economy and Development at the Higher Agronomic Institute of Chott Mariem (ISA-CM). Dr. Soula earned her Engineering degree from the National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia (INAT) in 2012, a Master of Science from the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza (IAMZ) in 2014, and a PhD from ISA-CM, University of Sousse in 2023.
She joined the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) in July 2025 as a Senior Research Associate in Agricultural Economics, where she conducts socio-economic research on desert farming systems and pest management, including studies on the red palm weevil. Her work includes field research, data analysis, literature review, and the preparation of technical reports, training materials, and policy briefs that support sustainable agriculture and capacity development in dryland regions.
Dr. Soula has participated in international projects such as the FOODLAND project, which strengthens food systems and local value chains, and Parole aux Femmes, which promotes women’s leadership in development. She has also been active in the Groundwater Youth Network (GWYN), a UNESCO-affiliated platform for capacity building and knowledge sharing among early-career groundwater professionals.
Through her research, project engagement, and scientific service, Dr. Soula contributes to enhancing resource sustainability, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, and advancing inclusive development across the MENA region.