The Project for the Development of Irrigated Areas of Northern Tunisia (DPINT)
Tunisia
Nefza (Béja Governorate), Sedjnane (Bizerte Governorate), Fernana (Jendouba Governorate) in Northern Tunisia
From October 1, 2010 to September 30, 2013
Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fishery (MARHP),
General Direction of Rural Engineering and Water Management (DGGREE)
Agricultural Training and Extension Agency (AVFA)
Most agriculture land in Tunisia is located in arid or semi-arid areas. Water supply for agriculture during the dry season in Tunisia is a major problem. Japanese three yen loan projects, which are "Water Pipeline Construction and Irrigation Project in the North of Tunisia"(L/A1996), "Irrigated Project of Goubellat"(L/A1998) and "Irrigated Project of Barbara "(L/A1998) have been conducted in order to improve the stability of agricultural production and to increase yields. After the completion of the construction of facilities, it was expected to use water resources efficiently, to stabilize agriculture production and to increase yields.
However, by the evaluation study in 2006 to 2007 on the above projects by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), the problems such as low extension rate of irrigated land, little increased yield, and low collection rate of water charge were observed.
Therefore, JBIC conducted Special Assistance for Project Sustainability (SAPS) to establish manuals and action plans for the full utilization of irrigation systems. These manuals and action plans presented to MARH. Due to lack of enough human resources and limited budget, etc. of MARH, certain progress has been made for some items indicated in the action plans but some other items have not been taken into action yet.
According to the above reasons, MARH requested to assist the implementation of the effective utilization of the irrigated areas in Béja, Bizerte and Jendouba.
In pilot sites of Nefza, Sedjnane and Fernana irrigated areas, the models of irrigation agriculture are achieved, and the extension system which can be adaptable in all the irrigated areas is developed.
1-1 | To conduct survey about the natural situations (meteorology, hydrology, landscape, etc.) and all farmers' situations (farm land, Crop, Irrigation, market, farm matter, ownership of land, income, opinion of farmer to future, etc.) in 3 irrigated areas |
1-2 | To conduct survey about the situation of management and maintenance concerning the facilities and organizational structures of CRDA and GDA |
1-3 | To analyze the data of surveys conducted on Activity 1-1&1-2 |
2-1 | To narrow down pilot sites |
2-2 | To survey farmers etc. in pilot sites selected on Activity 2-1 |
2-3 | To decide pilot sites and organize farmer group in each water bulb unit |
2-4 | To make the water management plan and farming plan in each pilot site and to improve every year |
2-5 | To conduct irrigation agriculture as model |
2-6 | To verify effect of irrigation, improvement of farm, activities of farmer groups, etc. |
2-7 | To improve market access |
2-8 | To develop appropriate water charge and collecting system of water charge |
3-1 | To conduct technical guidance and trainings for staff of CRDA and GDA |
3-2 | To conduct educational activities and technical trainings for members of GDA |
3-3 | To conduct educational activities for non-participated farmers to GDA |
4-1 | To carry out seminars concerning results of the Project activities to the organization and persons in all irrigated areas. |
4-2 | To confirm effects of the Project to participants on Activity 4-1. |