1

Why the project matters

According to the European Environment Agency, for the last decade, several countries have been over the water scarcity threshold set by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Jordan, Tunisia, Malta, and others are close to this threshold (Spain, Lebanon and Italy). Besides, in most of these countries, the agricultural sector uses more than 80% of freshwater resources, while having very low efficiency rates, reaching less than 50%.
Given the strategic importance of agricultural water in food security jointly with its social implications, a sustainable management of this resource represents a huge challenge and immediate concern in the region.
In fact, the affordability of water has resulted in careless and unconscious usage by farmers, while water scarcity continues to cause permanent stress for farmers who are forced to intensify irrigation without a proper strategy.

 

2

What it aims to achieve

To showcase the effectiveness of restoring the small water cycle (SWC) that has been disrupted by disproportionate and inefficient use of water, as one of the most impactful and far-reaching methods of conserving agricultural water and adapting to the ongoing effects of global warming in the Mediterranean region.

 

3

Expected change

• Improved water-use efficiency and agricultural productivity.
• Increased knowledge and skills, of agricultural actors involved, on small water cycle restoration.

4

What the project delivers

• Agricultural practices implemented for small water cycle restoration.


• Training & capacity building delivered and planned, for 60 agricultural actors, supporting the adoption of the proposed practices (provide knowledge and skills on small water cycle restoration at farm scale).


• Strategic Mediterranean Hub setup, gathering around 400 members, to coordinate knowledge sharing and stakeholder collaboration on SWC restauration.

5

Who benefits

• 60 Authorities (national, regional & local) and development organis ations (national & regional agencies, research cooperation & dissemination entities) dealing with agriculture and water management


• 30 socio-economic operators, including solutions and services providers and private farm advisors


• 12 funding agencies & donors


• 300 Farmers/associations of farmers


• Surrounding local communities


• 12 Decision-makers interested in the small water cycle restoration