The historic oasis of Gafsa covers 700 ha and dates back to ancient times of history. In this oasis, crop diversification and cultivation and the integration of livestock and breeding animals are commonly practiced as means for livelihood subsistence. Crop diversification is conducted in three stages: the first stage is dedicated for vegetable crops, the second for fruit trees and the last one for date palms. The historic oasis of Gafsa was the result of adapted traditional management practices of the oasis people.

This agro-ecosystem is characterized by a water management system based on its control and distribution and in the use of adapted tools and technologies.

However, over the past years, the existence of the Gafsa oasis has been threatened by socio-economic changes such as the market demand for new agricultural varieties and an irrational use of water resources. Local biodiversity has been affected by the market forces which have pushed farmers to cultivate new introduced varieties. Furthermore, customary organizations that have equitable access to irrigation water have followed irrational water management practices