Identifying solutions to face groundwater overexploitation and degradation: A policy design experiment in Tunisia

Abstract

Groundwater plays an important role in achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in the Maghreb. There, groundwater management policies have been unable to stop groundwater degradation and overexploitation. In this context, it is urgent to propose concrete methodologies allowing local stakeholders to identify solutions that (1) take into account water issues but also energy and food production (i.e. solutions that are “bundled”); (2) are innovative; and (3) create a sense of collective belonging among participants. This article analyses to what extent the P-KCP method, derived from policy design, can tackle this challenge. P-KCP was used in the Lymaoua area in Tunisia. The article analyses the 39 solutions identified by Lymaoua participants and discusses the limitations and lessons learnt from this experiment. These concern the choice of the geographical area, farmers' engagement, gender representation and the use of models. The conclusion includes recommendations for coupling P-KCP with participatory planning to detail how the solutions can be concretely implemented and monitored, as well as the governance arrangements needed. Another recommendation is to expand the scope of collective groundwater organizations to encompass energy, agricultural production, land use, social equity and ecosystem preservation issues. Finally, avenues for future research are suggested.