Land Suitability for Crop Options Evaluation in Areas Affected by Desertification: The Case Study of Feriana in Tunisia

Abstract

The study was carried out in the Tunisian site of a Cooperation Project, aiming to implement techniques for combating desertification. The approach of the project is based on promoting drought-resistant fodder shrubs as an alternative crop, in areas where the expansion of traditional cereal and olive trees in not suited rangelands constitute a land degradation factor. A land evaluation procedure was implemented based on a Map of Pedo-morphologic Units purposely created and on GIS based suitability models specifically adapted to the local conditions. The suitability maps obtained showed that about 18% of present rainfed cereal crops and 12% of olive plantations are located in not suited areas. The results also highlight the areas where further crop development could be more or less advisable and fodder shrubs could be introduced as an alternative and sustainable income generating option.