Elements for a Conceptual Model of National Water Security

Abstract

The Tunisian case provides a conceptual model of the National water security paradigm with its multiple dimensions. The main idea that emerges from the holistic view of water resources is that water scarce countries should cope with all water resources: improvement of water use efficiency, valorization of rainfed agriculture, development of alternative water resources, and optimization of virtual water fluxes. All components of water availability and water demand should thus be identified and accurately estimated. This integrated vision aims at valorizing all water resources and leads to achieve integrative Blue, Green and Virtual Water Management. Much of mobilized blue water is used in agriculture and irrigation sustainability requires decisive action in strengthening demand management measures. The green water contribution to food production is considerable (about 87%) and consolidation of food security cannot be conceived without decisive progress in the green water valorization. Last, virtual water flow, which appears on first analysis as an adjustment variable, must be optimized taking into account the limitations of internal water resources and the benefits of the comparative advantages that domestic agriculture can develop.