Tunisian case study site: the low plain of Oued Medjerda and the Lagoon of Ghar El Melh
The area is very interesting to the country and the Mediterranean region from different point of view: it is a reservoir of fresh water of both pluvial and underground origin for the development of agriculture in areas with water scarcity (dams have been constructed to supply water to southern arid areas of the country) and for the increasing urbanisation of the coastal zone.
The traditional agriculture of the zone has exploited traditional methods of irrigation, water saving and land reclamation, which are going lost with the general socio-economic changes in the country. The area also experiences severe soil erosion due to the general climate change (droughts and sea level rise), and deteriorating socio-economic conditions for the increasing urbanisation. Impacts also derived by the dam constructions and consequent salinisation of the lagoon and changed sedimentary budget. The local population would take advantage of education measures focused on the relationship with water, and rediscovering of their heritage of traditional agriculture practices.
Key stakeholders identified are:
local farmers who experience both water scarcity and irregular inundation of the land; this is aggravated by the fact that the cultures are highly dependent on water supply;
fishermen in coastal area;
local population for the deteriorating quality of water;
governmental authorities (Centre Régional Dévelopment Agricole).
Detailed presentation of the site (in French) by Partner 8.