Jeffara Plain,
Tunisia

The Jeffara Basin faces chronic water scarcity, with 80% of available water dedicated to drinking water, leaving only 20% for agriculture. The region’s agricultural systems—vegetables, cereals, forage, and fruit trees—are often hampered by inefficient irrigation practices, soil salinisation, and increasing competition for groundwater.

ACQUAOUNT is actively working with four pilot farms. All the farms are equipped with sensors for monitoring the soil moisture content, consumed water per irrigation event and water extracted from aquifer through irrigation wells and with electro-valves to have automated irrigation systems and schedule irrigation remotely. A weather station was also installed in one of the selected farms.

At the basin level, 4 sensors have been installed for monitoring groundwater level and quality allowing continuous monitoring which supports integrated basin-scale water management. In addition, six drilling units operated by National Water Distribution Utility (SONEDE) were also equipped with impulse water meter sensors to monitor water withdrawals from the triassic aquifer for domestic uses.

A Living Lab was launched to bring together farmers, local authorities, and researchers, focusing on co-designing tools and training programs that fit the local context. Early feedback indicates that the deployment of ACQUAOUNT’s tools has helped reduce water losses and improve farmer understanding of optimal irrigation scheduling. The project’s comprehensive approach supports both tactical (field-level) and strategic (basin-level) improvements, aiming to boost climate resilience and long-term water sustainability in this fragile environment.