Climate change and adaptation strategies of oasis agriculture: the case of the coastal oasis of Gabès, south-eastern Tunisia

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the perception of climate change and individual adaptation strategies in the coastal oases of Gabès, South-Eastern Tunisia. Three groups of autonomous and reactive strategies are distinguished. The first strategy qualified as adaptive or defensive (S1) and the second as offensive or “flush” (S2 and S3). The first strategy (S1) aims to adapt the production systems to the water availability, taking into account the existing wells and boreholes. This is done either by reducing the irrigated area, irrigating at night, introducing new crops that require less water and/or which tolerate more salinity, or sow early to benefit more from the rains. The second strategy (S2) corresponds to the diversification of irrigation water supply sources on the farm, either by deepening existing wells/boreholes or by cleaning new structures on the farm exploitation. The S3 strategy corresponds to bringing water from outside to the farm, and renting plots in areas rich in fresh groundwater. The analysis and understanding of different strategies could guide public policies and effectively improve the resilience of farmers to climate change in drylands.