Upland watershed management in developing world

Managing upland watersheds in developing countries is still a complex process dealing with soil conservation and natural resource preservation, water management policies, land use planning, legal and institutional frameworks, regional economic development, and improvement of living conditions of rural communities. A detailed review of Tunisia soil and water conservation policies over the last three decades is presented to show the considerable potential needed by developing countries to balance conservation and preservation of landscapes, food security, and rural development objectives. In the last few years onservation priorities took a new form in Tunisia based on an integrated agriculture development approach. Other relevant issues and challenges facing developing countries are also addressed in order to highlight certain constraints and underline the need to focus on local social and environmental issues.