Kairouan, a historic city in Tunisia, is facing severe challenges due to desertification and water scarcity. The region's vulnerability to these issues is exacerbated by its climate, characterized by low rainfall and high temperatures, and intensified by overuse of water resources for agricultural and domestic purposes.

Statistics and Key Points:

Rainfall: Kairouan receives significantly less rainfall than the national average, exacerbating the risk of desertification.

Water Scarcity: The city's aquifers are overexploited to meet the demands of its population and agricultural sectors, leading to a rapid decline in water availability.

Impact on Agriculture: The region's agriculture, heavily reliant on irrigation, faces threats from decreasing water levels, affecting food production and local livelihoods.

The city's historical sites, like the Great Mosque of Kairouan, also suffer from these environmental pressures, threatening both their preservation and the tourism industry they support. Sustainable water management and conservation strategies are crucial to mitigate these impacts and ensure the long-term viability of the area.