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Abstract
This study aims to measure the farm specific irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE),
through non parametric DEA model; and to evaluate the potential irrigation cost
reductions and the main factors causing variations in IWUE among a sample of
irrigated farms in Tunisia. Cross sectional data collected from a sample of 75 farms
participating in the the WaDImena project in adhour region (northern Tunisia) was
used. The results showed that the average level of IWUE across the farm sample was
around 61.2%. Farmers would be able to reduce their actual cost by 5% if they adjust
irrigation water to its efficient level. This low level of cost reductions is consistent with
the existing literature about IWUE in Tunisia. Moreover, education level of farmers,
access to credit and agricultural extension service showed a positive relationship with
the IWUE in our case study.