Résumé
Water management in rural areas is fragmented throughout spatially heterogeneous decision-making processes. This fragmentation is further exacerbated in Mediterranean regions due to the uneven seasonal distribution of rainfall. This study aims to understand the spatially explicit overlap of diverse stakeholders’ influence. Focusing on the Lebna watershed, in the Cap-Bon region of northern Tunisia, the research maps stakeholder influences using qualitative methods, revealing a network of actors spanning the academic, public, and private sectors. The stakeholder interest/influence diagram shows that farmers are central players with varying levels of interest and influence. For instance, the influence of downstream irrigated agriculture seems prevalent, potentially at the expense of upstream rainfed systems. Spatial analysis through a chorematic diagram reveals mismatches between national policies and local practices, highlighting the crucial role of intermediary actors. In terms of practical and theoretical implications, the study underlines the importance of incorporating local knowledge and practices into policy frameworks for sustainable agricultural water management and other spatially contextualised land management issues.