1

Why the project matters

The Mediterranean region is experiencing escalating water scarcity due to climate change, frequent droughts, and a growing population. Inefficient water management and increasing demand are straining agriculture, reducing crop yields, and degrading ecosystems. This crisis threatens environmental stability and increases social tensions, leading to migration, job losses, and rising food prices. With many water sources crossing national borders, the risk of geopolitical conflict is increased. Historical droughts have exposed vulnerabilities even in northern Mediterranean countries, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated, sustainable water management solutions across the region.

2

What it aims to achieve

• To promote sustainable water management in agriculture by implementing smart irrigation, monitoring canals for leaks, ensuring levees’ integrity, and controlling water quality to detect chemical contaminants.
• To provide digital tools for water monitoring and management that help monitor water use and support fair sharing of water between cities and rural areas.
• To provide data and tools that help design better water allocation schemes and governance models.

 

3

Expected change

• Improved irrigation practices using drones, satellites, and on-site sensors to monitor soil moisture and crop conditions.
• Smart water solutions adopted by farmers, water authorities, and policymakers as a result of pilot demonstrations, increased awareness, and benefits.
• Improved decision-making and water governance through real-time data and transparent planning tools.

 

4

What the project delivers

• Smart water management system piloted in 4 countries (Tunisia, Türkiye, Egypt, Greece), with leakages/soil sensors, drones, and satellite data to reduce water waste and improve irrigation.
• Development of a Decision Support System (DSS) providing real-time guidance for irrigation, leak detection, and water quality control.
• Adapted WEFE framework and Life Cycle Assessment tools: Customized to assess sustainability and socioeconomic impact at the farm level.
• Baseline data collection on water use, agriculture, and socioeconomics: Used to evaluate project impact and guide future planning.
• Training classes for farmers and water authorities, with recorded sessions and materials made freely available online.
• Multi-stakeholder engagement activities: Including focus groups, workshops, surveys, and interviews to ensure local relevance and participatory design.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

Who benefits

• 200 farmers (at least 50% women) involved in training, stakeholder activities, and awareness-raising.
• 20 farmers directly participating in the pilot demonstrations and testing of the smart irrigation system.
• 4 water management authorities directly engaged in pilot sites for system deployment and monitoring.
• 20 staff from water authorities involved in training, multi-stakeholder activities, and knowledge exchange.
• Policy makers and governance actors supported with real-time data and tools to improve water allocation, pricing, and planning.
• Researchers gaining access to open data and a validated WEFE evaluation framework for future studies.