Evaluation of Meskat System Functionality as Water Harvesting at Wadi Hamdoun Watershed (Sousse, Tunisia) Using the Geographic Information System

A significant decline in the functionality of the traditional Meskat water harvesting system in Tunisia's Wadi Hamdoun watershed has been attributed to urban expansion, road densification, and improper land use practices. The study, utilizing GIS analysis and field investigations, identified that urbanization in sub-basins like Wadi Ed Diq (1.86 km²) and Wadi Haj Abid (1.05 km²), along with olive planting in impluviums (Borjin Sub-catchment: 0.81 km²; Bellani Wadi Sub-basin: 0.56 km²), has disrupted the system's performance. Additionally, the destruction of Mankaas structures in Hmadet El Borijin and Wadi Bin Shahed sub-basins (0.77 km² and 0.66 km² respectively) further exacerbates its inefficiency. These findings highlight the critical need for preserving traditional water conservation techniques amid rapid urbanization.

Salem, A. B., M’Nassri, S., Asma, E. A., Bouaziz, R., & Majdoub, R. (2020). Evaluation of Meskat System Functionality as Water Harvesting at Wadi Hamdoun Watershed (Sousse, Tunisia) Using the Geographic Information System. Applied Environmental Research, 58–70. Internet Archive. https://doi.org/10.35762/aer.2020.42.1.5