Public acceptance of wastewater use in agriculture: Tunisian experience

Abstract

Use of wastewater in agriculture has become commonplace in many countries where fresh water scarcity is already a reality. Public acceptance plays a key role in such projects and due attention should be paid before, during, and after the project implementation. This chapter aims at: (i) giving an overview on the status of the agricultural use of treated wastewater in Tunisia and the main hurdles hampering its progress and, (ii) showcasing one of the most successful irrigated areas in the region of Ouardanine, to determine the factors that have made it prosperity, while focusing on the social dimension and the perception of end-users. Aspects related to education, knowledge, risk perception, culture, regulation, and communication need to be seriously addressed for a more viable and efficient use of wastewater in agriculture. The use of wastewater in Ouardanine has flourished, exceptionally well and seven factors were identified as the drivers of this success. The perceived financial benefit was ranked first while the lack of fresh water resources in the region was the second. Environmental awareness and the impact of non-reuse option in the region should be underscored. While the acceptance of farmers was high, the reluctance of consumers was still impeding market share; more relaxed regulation together with good practices is suggested as option to improve the situation.