In the water-scarce landscapes of northeastern Tunisia, particularly in Oued Souhil, Nabeul, a dedicated team of researchers is advancing sustainable agriculture by rethinking how water resources are utilized in farming. As part of the PRIMA-SAFE initiative, this team has pioneered the use of treated wastewater for irrigating tomato crops, bringing cutting-edge practices to regions where fresh water is limited.
The PRIMA-SAFE project is driven by a multi-disciplinary team specializing in fields like agronomy, environmental health, and water management. Their expertise ensures that wastewater is safely integrated into agricultural systems without compromising crop quality or soil health. This is achieved by rigorously assessing the treated water’s nutrient composition and safety standards before applying it to the fields. Their work addresses essential questions: How can treated wastewater contribute to soil fertility? What safeguards are necessary to ensure crop safety? And how can these practices be adapted to other regions?
In Tunisia, the team’s work goes beyond the technicalities of wastewater treatment—it’s about creating sustainable agricultural systems that can support local communities and economies. By using tomatoes, a staple in the Mediterranean diet and economy, they are focusing on a high-value crop that showcases the potential for large-scale adoption of wastewater irrigation. This project not only conserves water but also provides a replicable model for water-efficient farming that other Mediterranean regions can adopt.