Social Analysis in Progress…

One of the most important aspects of the Bir Al-Nas approach is the integration of social analysis into hydrogeochemical and hydrogeological investigations.

In this regard the first step is the identification  of the actors involved in a specific issue, the assessment of their links, their influence and the possible existence of conflicts among them. Said in other words:  a Stakeholder Analysis.

For this purpose, within the Bir Al-Nas approach, I’ve chosen to perform a Social Network Analysis (SNA), applying the Net Map toolbox (Schiffer et al., 2008).

Net-Map is an interview-based mapping tool that helps people understand, visualize, discuss, and improve situations in which many different actors influence outcomes

Working in collaboration with a MSc. student in Environmental Sciences from Ca’ Foscari University, Ms. Chiara Tringali, I’m trying to identify all the stakeholders involved in groundwater management issues in the region of Cap Bon (Tunisia). In particular we are focusing our analysis on one specific problem of the Grombalia aquifer: nitrate pollution due to agricultural impacts.

Chiara and I are currently performing individual interviews and group exercises for the creation of influence maps. The main goal is to clearly assess the links among the relevant stakeholders, evaluate their perception of the problem and to identify who will have the major influence in the implementation of new management practices finalized to groundwater contamination reduction.

Work in progress at ENIS

The first map

Next week we will go to the field to retrieve more data and to interview local stakeholders. Results of this work will be part of Chiara’s thesis (Gestione delle risorse idriche e promozione della partecipazione pubblica: stakeholders analysis nella Penisola di Cap-Bon, Tunisia – Water resources management and public engagement: stakeholders analysis in the Peninsula of Cap-Bon, Tunisia) at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, supervised by me, Dr. Giuseppina Siciliano (SOAS, London) and Dr. Caterina Tuci (UNIVE, Italy and ESPE, Ecuador).