Le commerce international comme stratégie d'adaptation à la rareté des ressources hydriques ? Utilité et application du concept de « commerce d'eau virtuelle » en Afrique du Nord

Climate change exacerbates major existing risks on water resources and agricultural capacities in the South Mediterranean region. This paper analyses the methodological impact of the concept of ?virtual water trade? by quantifying the water content of cereal imports in North Africa. It also emphasizes its relevance as a potential strategic tool aiming at developing adaptation policies to tackle growing water scarcity. The sectoral reshaping of the allocation of resources that would enable the importation of water-intensive products might be an integrated way to deal with water scarcity, but whether this provides a good opportunity depends on the configuration of trade agreements.