MAENA promotes farmer-centered solutions at the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum

MAENA showcased its user-centered approach to overcoming barriers in implementing sustainable water management across Mediterranean farms.

Publication Date
05/10/2026
Reading Time
2 minutes

On September 29, 2026, MAENA project actively participated in the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum side event, titled “Cooperating for Mediterranean Water Security: Capitalizing on EU Funds through the Interreg NEXT MED Programme.” Held at La Nuvola Convention Centre in Rome, Italy and organized by Interreg NEXT MED, the event brought together regional project leaders, research institutions, and water governance authorities to address agricultural water security across the Mediterranean basin.

In the first panel session—designed as an interactive conversation among five Interreg NEXT MED water initiatives—MAENA highlighted its practical methodologies for implementing sustainable water management across diverse Mediterranean agricultural landscapes.

Representing the project, MAENA project manager Souha Ferchichi emphasized the operational necessity of restoring the Small Water Cycle (SWC) at the farm level. She illustrated how SWC restoration directly empowers farmers to achieve significantly more resilient ecosystems and higher agricultural yields.

MAENA’s approach to putting these principles into practice relies on a four-pillar framework: Proof-of-Concept Demonstrations, Participatory Planning & Design, Capacity Building and Peer-to-Peer Exchanges.

The discussion also addressed the primary obstacles encountered when introducing new practices to agricultural producers, identifying key systemic bottlenecks. Souha reiterated that centering projects around end-users through participatory implementation is essential to overcoming these barriers and ensuring long-term adoption.

The second panel gathered experts in water management and distribution across Mediterranean countries, including Prof. Zohra Lili CHABAANE President of the Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education (IRESA), to discuss equitable water allocation at national, regional, and local levels.

Prof. Lili, a professor also at the National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia (INAT)—a project partner in MAENA—shared valuable insights on enhancing water conservation in agriculture for both farmers and resource managers.

Prof. Lili highlighted ongoing efforts in Tunisia regarding the testing and deployment of space-based technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to support agricultural water management, optimize irrigation, and strengthen climate adaptation measures.

Gallery

  • Key takeaways from MAENA and other Interreg NEXT MED Initiatives: sharing collaborative approaches for water security
  • Key takeaways from MAENA and other Interreg NEXT MED Initiatives: sharing collaborative approaches for water security
  • The President of IRESA and professor at INAT, alongside Mediterranean decision-makers, sharing insights on how states can ensure a fair and efficient distribution of their most valuable resource.
  • The President of IRESA and professor at INAT, alongside Mediterranean decision-makers, sharing insights on how states can ensure a fair and efficient distribution of their most valuable resource.

Last Update

05/10/2026