Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.21861/HGG.2022.84.02.05
The social driving forces of desertification in the high Algerian steppe plains
Adel Boussaïd
orcid.org/0009-0005-9393-093X
; Ziane Achour-Djelfa University, Nature & Life Sciences Faculty, Earth & Universe Sciences Department, Djelfa, Algeria
Serge Schmitz
orcid.org/0000-0002-3412-818X
; UR SPHERES, University of Liège, Department of Geography, Laboratory for the Analysis of Places, Landscapes and European Campaigns (Laplec), Liège, Belgium
Abstract
The sedentarization of shepherds at the margins of the desert and the introduction of private land ownership in the high Algerian steppe plains has led to profound lifestyle transformations and increased desertification. Based on policy analysis, field observations and oral surveys with 188 household heads, this paper underlines the social drivers of desertification where short-term economic strategies and political misunderstanding are the key elements. Agro-forestry-pastoral practices are no longer in balance with the local environment. Assembling the puzzle pieces has underlined that political leaders and administrators are only partially familiar with the local geosystem, have implemented multiple unsuccessful measures, and have been unable to sufficiently learn (from their efforts) due to political instability. The paper shows that the sedentarization occurring in this fragile environment with low soil fertility creates rural systems that are less resilient to climate fluctuations, which severely impacts both the environment and the most vulnerable inhabitants.
Keywords
desertification; sedentarization; steppes; land ownership; political instability; Algeria
Hrčak ID:
302649
URI
Publication date:
23.12.2022.
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