Healthy soils and sustainable water use in rainfed agriculture are central elements in achieving several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), such as zero hunger (SDG 2), clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), and climate action (SDG 13). Rainfed agriculture in Tunisia is facing challenges of soil erosion and degradation, as well as of water scarcity, both exacerbated by climate change. Moreover, the production system and soil and water management practices are often not aligned to the specific ecosystems. In this dry country, the protection and management of natural resources, i.e., soil, waters, plant and animal biodiversity under the context of climate change is crucial. As a way to address existing research needs in this context, and to contribute to long-term sustainable land and water use, this project evaluates firstly, the role of policies, policy coherence and institutions for interrelated soil and water protection in Tunisia (Part 1). Secondly, the project contributes to the development of an interdisciplinary curriculum for sustainable agriculture, with an emphasis on soil and water protection (Part II). The project will be carried out in close collaboration with partners from Tunisia.
