Cereal sector in Tunisia: challenges with regard to water resources

Cereal growing in Tunisia is an ancient and essentially rain-fed activity; its sowing and yields are largely dependent on climatic conditions, particularly rainfall. The area sown annually averages around 1.45 million ha. Cereal production is largely conditioned by the use of rainwater and irrigation. A good match between the potential of the environment, the varieties marketed, cultivation techniques and water availability could constitute an alternative for improving and stabilising yields and water use efficiency in this sector.