Management of groundwater resources in relation to oasis sustainability: The case of the Nefzawa region in Tunisia

In Southern Tunisia Nefzawa region, the deep fossil aquifers have been used intensively to support agricultural activities and economic development. This resulted in the degradation of groundwater resources as well as in their conflicting uses. Efficient management strategies that allow for compromises between economic development and water resource preservation are needed. Such strategies require initial understanding of the interactions between stakeholders and water related processes. This paper aims to conceptualize the causalities between the management of deep fossil aquifers and the functioning of oasian agrosystems. By merging biophysical and socioeconomic issues, we propose an integrated assessment of public policies devoted to the management of groundwater resources. The failure of public policies emphasizes both the lack of consideration for individual initiatives and the long-term uncertainties on such policies, where farmer practices have been driven by economic and cultural factors. A set of indicators is next proposed for assessing the preservation of deep fossil aquifers that support agricultural and economic development. Further methodological improvements are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of constraints and incentives on the management of deep fossil aquifers.

► We used the DPSIR for analyzing the management of groundwater in oases agrosystems. ► Increasing the water supply for economic growth led to a change of land use and access. ► Pressures on groundwater have resulted in agri-environmental and societal problems. ► The policies of water preservation do not improve the collective water resource management. ► Optimal policies need to consider the actions of individuals and their long-term effects.