Modernizing Underground Tinaja Irrigation for Sustainable Agriculture

Traditional underground tank irrigation (*tinajas*) in Tunisia reduces water use by 50–70% through targeted root delivery, minimising evaporation and runoff. This sustainable method enhances soil health, reduces weeds, and supports salt-sensitive crops in sandy or clay soils across regions like Kairouan, Sfax, and Matmata. Used for olives and grapes, it requires careful maintenance, including rainwater use and acid cleaning. Challenges include pot fragility and labour intensity. Scaling via public-private partnerships, farmer training, and research on long-term yields is recommended. Supported by the EU and Swiss Confederation, *tinajas* offer a low-cost, energy-free solution for climate-resilient agriculture, aligning with food security and sustainability goals.