Diagnosis of the state of Jessours in the Matmata mountain chain (South-Eastern of Tunisia) and their landscape integration

The arid climate characterizing the South-Eastern part of Tunisia and the alarming water consumption rate that continues to increase are the main environmental problems affecting Matmata mountain chain. To face these challenges, authorities are promoting water and soil conservation techniques that contribute tremendously in a sustainable agriculture. This study presents a technical diagnosis of the current state of Jessours, that are considered as traditional anti-erosion structures and are implemented on the Matmata mountain chain, particularly in the region of Beni Kheddache located North-West of Medenine. In this context, data collection was conducted the spring of 2008 in around 50 Jessours, situated in three ravines (Chaaba Ksar Beni Kheddache 1, Chaaba Ksar Beni Kheddache 2 and Chaaba El Mechref). This diagnosis helps in understanding more clearly the way Jessours system functions, how runoff is collected and in assessing the landscape integration of these structures. This study shows how the majorities of farmers are conscious of the benefits of Jessours and are actively following the appropriate practices of an efficient utilization. However, the collected data indicates that a good number of Jessours lack proper maintenance. In fact, investigations point out that although, 62% of visited Jessours are in a good condition, a worrying percentage of them, around 16%, are in bad condition. Whilst, 22% of visited Jessours are in average condition. Thus, to improve the capacity of rainfall collection of the Jessours system and to ensure a good degree of landscape integration, it is necessary to rehabilitate the neglected Jessours.