The vulnerability of the oases of the South of Kébili to natural risks and anthropogenic pressures: impacts of climate change and water scarcity

Abstract

The oases of the South of Kébili are subjected to serious problems related to climate change and water scarcity resulting from the rise in temperature and the decrease in rainfall. Thus, the region suffers from a significant shortage of irrigation water due to long periods of drought affecting this already fragile area, but also due to human behavior. Our study aims to discuss and analyze the issue related to the impacts of climate change and social changes on water scarcity in the oases the South of Kébili, as well as to contribute to the assessment of the impact of these changes on palm productivity and groundwater quality. The results obtained during the spatiotemporal monitoring of climate indicators and hydrogeological data showed an increase in the vulnerabilities of the oases. In particular, the fragility of the water sector through the excessive exploitation of groundwater has led to the deterioration of the quality of irrigation water and the loss of biodiversity. On the other hand, the high rates of degradation that have been observed in the study area indicate another source of vulnerability in addition to pollution, which is agricultural activity. Water scarcity, due to various factors, both climatic and anthropogenic, requires defining a strategy for managing water resources in the oases of this region. Some of the results of research and development activities in the study area which mainly aim to support the preservation and sustainable development of the oases of the Kébili region will be presented.