Shedding the Light on Irrigation Systems Degradation in the Algerian Desert

In Algeria, the food security challenge requires exploring new agricultural lands that belong to arid and Saharan climate zones. These areas are located around ancient oases or in the extension area of irrigated perimeters, taking advantage of the existing infrastructure (wells, roads, energy power, etc.). Many resounding trials have been conducted since the beginning of the 2000; they were encouraged either by the programs of agricultural institutions or by smallholders’ unplanned initiatives using their own resources. There were many successes and stories about environmental degradation. In fact, as the innovations traveled between users, there was a high mobility of agricultural practices (irrigation, fertilization, disease treatment, etc.). This chapter aims to analyze the environmental effects of farmer-led projects, particularly in rapidly evolving smallholder green housing horticulture and palm date groves. This study focuses on the two districts of Biskra and Ouargla, one of the most important horticultural areas of the country. Many surveys with institutions and farmers have been conducted there, and at the same time, pilot experiments have been conducted during the last 5 years. Our results show that non-degradable deposits and toxic waste spoiled the landscape. In addition, the rising salinity in the new extension lands is critical and compromises the agricultural dynamics. Finally, the whole aquifer is overexploited, and this is illustrated by a general drop in the water table levels in some parts and waterlogging in other parts. This study should help public policies to propose standards and environmentally friendly practices.