Quelle agroforesterie dans les oliveraies de Tunisie ? Analyse des associations de cultures pratiquées et des perceptions des agriculteurs

Abstract

Crop associations within olive groves â ? ? â ? ? the olive tree being emblematic of the regionâ ? ? â ? ? is an ancient Mediterranean practice that provides multiple ecosystem services. In Tunisia, one of the most important olive oil producing countries, olive agroforestry systems are poorly documented. This study investigates the current agroforestry systems in northern and central Tunisia and analyzes the reasons behind their adoption by farmers. To this end, a cartographic analysis was first conducted to understand the diversity of olive growing environments on a national scale. Twenty-one different olive growing systems were identified. On this basis, an agronomic diagnosis on two sites representative of this diversity was undertaken to characterize the structure of the agroforestry systems at the plot level. Five types of associations were identified, differing by the associated element: market gardening, mixed crops, fruit trees, livestock grazing and field crops. In order to understand farmersâ ? ? layout choices and their perceptions of these systems, a series of surveys were conducted. The implementation of these practices and farmersâ ? ? cultivation habits are often dictated by economic and land constraints. Conversely, the agronomic and environmental interests of these systems did not appear to be determining factors in their implementation.