Abstract
Tunisia, like most countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has limited renewable water resources and is classified as a water stress country. The effects of climate change are exacerbating the situation. The agricultural sector is the main consumer (80%) of blue water reserves. In this study, to better understand the factors that influence the food water footprint of Tunisian consumers, we used a multiple linear regression model (MLR) to analyze data from 4853 households. The innovation in this paper consists of integrating effects of socio-economic, demographic, and geographic trends on the food consumption water footprint into the assessment of water and food security. The model results showed that regional variations in food choices meant large differences in water footprints, as hypothesized. Residents of big cities are more likely to have a large water footprint. Significant variability in water footprints, due to different food consumption patterns and socio-demographic characteristics, was also noted. Food waste is also one of the determining factors of households with a high water footprint. This study provides a new perspective on the water footprint of food consumption using “household” level data. These dietary water footprint estimates can be used to assess potential water demand scenarios as food consumption patterns change. Analysis at the geographic and socio-demographic levels helps to inform policy makers by identifying realistic dietary changes.
Highlights
In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and in Tunisia, the limits of water resource use are being reached due to economic development, population growth, and water demands associated with new lifestyles [1]
The variance inflation factor (VIF) value obtained was close to one and, there was no evidence of multicollinearity [48]
Studies related to the water footprint have not highlighted the factors affecting these choices nor their contributions to the water footprint of consumers
Summary
In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and in Tunisia, the limits of water resource use are being reached due to economic development, population growth (expected increase in population of 20% between 2010 and 2050), and water demands associated with new lifestyles [1]. Unsustainable use has led to deterioration of resources and increasing water scarcity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), water stress begins when water availability per capita/year is less than 1700 m3. When availability is less than 1000 m3/inhabitant/year, there is a water shortage in the country. 500 m3/inhabitant/year, water becomes a constraint on development. Tunisia is in the latter case of maximal water stress. The situation is becoming more and more critical [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
