Water scarcity in the Mahdia region of Tunisia: Are improved water policies needed?

The region of Mahdia in Tunisia has experienced fast urban growth accompanied by agricultural, industrial and tourism development but remains the most socio-economically disadvantaged region of the Tunisian littoral. The main objectives of this study are to analyze hydrologic data and the juxtaposition of the aquifer management model of the Mahdia region with the principles defined by Ostrom. For these purposes, geographic information system (GIS), remote sensing tools, and the Ostrom conditions for successful collective action are used. Data are obtained from the Regional Commissariat for Agricultural Development (CRDA), satellite imagery, and literature reports. Results show that water scarcity is a major constraint to socio-economic development; it is mainly due to the climatic but also topographical conditions and improper management of water resources. The shortage of water in the region has led to a situation of groundwater overexploitation. Moreover, the current water management regime contributes to increased pressure on groundwater resources taking into consideration the unfulfilled conditions of collective action. Thus, efficient water management policies must be applied in order to satisfy the water needs of future users and solve this unsustainable situation. Shallow groundwater exploitation in the region of Mahdia in 2016. Data were obtained from CRDA (2016). Overexploitation and scarcity of water resources may lead to a situation that decreases the economic development of the Mahdia region if emergency measures are not taken. Water policies in the region must be changed from a strategy of increasing water supply to a water demand management strategy through effective collective action and water saving measures especially in the agricultural sector. [Display omitted] •Groundwater overexploitation in the Mahdia region is due to water scarcity but also improper management of water resources.•Current groundwater management policies do not facilitate collective action as a solution.•New policies, such as reducing water subsidies, should be implemented in the region to ensure groundwater sustainability.