Governance of the Tunisian Inter-regions Water Transfer System in the Context of Climate Change

During the drought period, water transfer from north region to other regions is the main important decision of water policy in Tunisia. Also, decision makers arbitrate the water allocation between irrigation and drinking water. The last drought period 2015–2018 show a strong relationship between governance quality and water allocation performance. This paper aims to analyze the governance of the northern Tunisian water transfer system and assess its performance. Based on a systemic approach, a structural analysis uses the MICMAC method (Matrix of Cross Impacts, Multiplication Applied to a Classification) to identify the key configuration variables of this system. Then, we conduct a strategic analysis using MACTOR model (Method Actors, Objectives, and Force Reports) in order to explain the relationship and role of stakeholders involved in the water transfer system. Hence, we assess the power degree, the convergences, and the divergences between stakeholders. The main results of this study show that the current governance of water transfer network is characterized by the multiplicity of actors and the lack of synergy between stakeholders. The BPEH, STEG, and UTAP are the dominant players. However, SECADENORD, CRDA, and SONEDE as operational actors are dominated and dependent. Potential divergences in particular between SECADENORD and SONEDE, UTAP, and BPEH indicate a low cooperation level between the various stakeholders. The financial problems of national companies (SECADENORD and SONEDE), the conflict between actors, and water resource vulnerability confirm that governance problems affect negatively the performance of the Tunisian water transfer system.