Ensuring self-sufficiency in water and energy needed (Water, Food, Energy, and Ecosystem)

Renewable sources of energy can help countries mitigate climate change, build resilience to volatile prices, and lower energy costs. Although Tunisia has prepared a plan for the use of renewable energies by 2030, this plan is still struggling to materialize on the ground due to several difficulties. According to the objectives of this plan, Tunisia planned to reach 35% use of renewable energies by 2030. We are today in 2022, and we have only been able to reach 3%. Unfortunately, this renewable source of energy, moreover like most of Tunisia, is not used in the study area. In the spreading perimeter, farmers used gravity irrigation, which does not require energy. However, farmers in the “Matmata 5” perimeter have replaced rainfed agriculture with irrigated agriculture using water pumped from the aquifer using the deep well of “Matmata 5”. Pumping water more than 100m deep requires a lot of energy, therefore paying a fortune. At present, farmers pay tariffs at a very high cost, in addition, with the global energy crisis, Tunisia announced the reduction of subsidies for electricity. Thus, the rates are doubled and tripled. Consequently, the farmers will abandon all agricultural activities. However, groundwater could be extracted more cheaply using solar energy E.g. photovoltaic films. Therefore, the focus will be on the investigation of the ability to use solar energy for all agricultural activities such as pumping water from the deep well "Matmata 5", as well as lighting up rural houses. This challenge can preserve the environment while supporting the farmer to stay in rural areas. Thus, guaranteeing the sustainability of rural areas.

 

Figure 1. Particular initiative for lighting up a troglodyte house in Matmata using solar energy (Photo: Abdelli, 2017)

Ensuring rural development (tourism, HMAP production) (Water-Food-Ecosystems)

At this level, the focus will be on: Promoting and protecting the underground houses of Matmata

One of the specific features of the socio-ecological systems in the region is the troglodyte houses. They are dwellings dug in the mountains. This type of construction already existed 3000 years ago. On January 10, 2020, the Tunisian government proposed listing this habitat for future classification on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This culture helps people know about Tunisia. Its preservation, restoration, and improvement promote the development of the local economy and support employment generation. Unfortunately, droughts and the tourism crisis in Matmata region have caused rural exodus (National) and emigration (International) which is reflected in particular by the abandonment of troglodytes. There were national maintenance programs to promote the site. Unluckily, after the revolution, there are only individual initiatives of rehabilitation. Therefore, our objective will be to promote troglodyte habitat.  

Figure 5: Troglodyte house in Tijma - Matmata (Photo: Abdelli, 2016)

Promote rural women’s activities

In Tunisia, economically speaking, handicrafts as a significant sector, employing about 11% of the total workforce at the country level. About 85% of the workers engaged in the sector are women. In the study area, the activity of rural women is concentrated in handicrafts and agriculture (just worker) activities. Therefore, the focus will be mainly on the promotion of rural women’s handicrafts. This challenge has three main goals: to work with entrepreneurs on improving the quality of their handicrafts, organize additional activities that will empower them financially, and train them in design. The exchange participants will contribute their practical and historical knowledge about their own handicrafts

(iii) Preserve biodiversity, promote the use of HMAP, and create business opportunities

The study area flora is very rich in plant species that produce natural substances, essential oils, and organic and wide-ranging aromas, all of which are vital to the agro-food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. Farming these plants in a rational manner is very complex and requires scientific knowledge with the objective to satisfy the needs of the inhabitants and manage products in a rational and sustainable way. Neffati and Sghaier, (2014) show that in arid and desert areas, medicinal and aromatic plants have the potential to reduce rural poverty due to their greater water use efficiency and higher economic returns compared to traditional crops. In addition, medicinal and aromatic plant products provide various employment opportunities. Therefore, the focus will be mainly on the promotion of the use of HMAP. This challenge has three main goals: Preserve biodiversity, reduce rural poverty, and provide various employment opportunities.