Analysis of vulnerability and disaster risk management capacities in Tataouine, Tunisia

Like many countries in the MENA region, Tunisia is severely affected by the effects of climate change. Extreme weather events are occurring more frequently, leading to extreme droughts and increasing flooding due to heavy rainfall. This is a challenge for development planning, especially at the regional level.

adelphi, in collaboration with its Tunisian partner ST2i, conducted a comprehensive risk analysis in the Region of Tataouine in southern Tunisia, with the aim of assessing the exposure and impact of the region, as well as existing risk management capacities and identifying entry points for an improved approach to risk management.

The results were cartographically processed and incorporated into the recommendations for the development of a risk management strategy. In addition, a geographical database and Web-GIS of risks and vulnerability were developed. In order to achieve this, previous findings on the risk situation as well as the natural-geographical and socio-economic characteristics of the Tataouine region were first compiled, mapped, and analysed with regards to hazards, exposure, and risks. On this basis, the geographical database / Web-GIS database was created, which will make the information available for further use. The sustainable use of the study’s results were enhanced by training users of the database as well as by the participatory approach of the analysis.