A study conducted as part of the PAOMA project
As part of the PAOMA project, an in-depth study was conducted on traditional and innovative practices for the selection, propagation, and conservation of seeds and seedlings in the M’Zi Valley, located in the Laghouat province of Algeria. Conducted by the consortium composed of two consultants, Agriboost Conseils and Agridev-Expertise on behalf of CARI and El Argoub, this study aimed to better understand local dynamics related to local varieties, seed systems, and farmer know-how in order to strengthen the resilience of oasis agricultural systems in the face of climate change and the erosion of agrobiodiversity. The preliminary version of the study already provides interesting insights, some of which are summarized here.
The M’Zi Valley possesses a rich agricultural heritage stemming from centuries of oasis farming. Historically, the oases relied on integrated systems combining date palms, arboriculture, vegetable farming, and livestock raising, all supported by community-based water management through foggaras and seguias.
However, these balances are now being undermined by several factors: increasing urbanization, pressure on water resources, the transformation of agricultural systems, and the effects of climate change. The study notes in particular that the region is experiencing a marked rise in temperatures and a gradual decrease in precipitation, with direct consequences for agricultural calendars, yields, and the health of local crops.
In light of these developments, the PAOMA project views local agrobiodiversity as a key driver of adaptation and resilience for oasis regions.
A Still Very Rich Cultivated Biodiversity
Field surveys conducted as part of the study revealed a significant diversity of local varieties still cultivated in the M’Zi Valley. The report adopts a broad definition of “local varieties,” encompassing farmer-bred, heirloom, and heritage varieties, as well as heterogeneous populations that have long been adapted to local conditions.
This diversity applies to cereals as well as vegetables, fruit trees, medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) and date palms. Several local varieties continue to be preserved thanks to farmers’ practices of mass selection, grafting, vegetative propagation, and traditional seed saving.
The study also highlights the central role of local know-how in preserving this cultivated biodiversity. Farmers still possess detailed knowledge of varieties adapted to drought, poor soils, or extreme heat. Women also play an essential role in seed conservation and the transmission of knowledge related to food crops and family gardens.
Three major agricultural areas have been identified in the valley:
- the peri-urban areas of Laghouat, characterized by high crop diversity and a strong community-based movement;
- the orchard areas of El Assafia and Bordj Senoussi, marked by the development of arboriculture and agricultural investments;
- the ancient oasis gardens surrounding the ksour of Aïn Madhi, true repositories of heritage where communal agricultural practices and high intra-garden diversity persist.
The study thus demonstrates that these three areas serve complementary functions: conserving biodiversity, propagating local seeds, and economically promoting heritage products.
Significant challenges, but also concrete prospects
Despite this wealth, the report highlights several threats currently facing local seed systems and agrobiodiversity in the M’Zi Valley. Among the main risks identified are the gradual standardization of commercial seeds, the disappearance of certain heritage varieties, the aging of knowledge holders, the weak structuring of local supply chains, and increasing water stress.
The authors also emphasize that seed exchange systems remain largely informal and sometimes fragile, which limits the transmission of genetic resources and associated knowledge.
To address these challenges, the study makes several concrete recommendations for the coming years. Key proposals include:
- the creation of a plant conservatory;
- the development of a regional catalog of local varieties;
- the establishment of cooperatives dedicated to heritage products;
- capacity building for farmers and local stakeholders;
- the development of tools for capitalizing on knowledge and territorial data.
Beyond the diagnostic phase, this study serves as an important strategic foundation for the PAOMA project’s future actions. By documenting local agricultural practices and farmers’ knowledge, it helps preserve a living agricultural heritage and strengthen the resilience of the M’Zi Valley oases in the face of upcoming climate, economic, and social challenges.
A workshop to present the study’s findings will be held in June, attended by local stakeholders and farmers interviewed as part of the study. Based on the discussions at this workshop, the final report will be finalized by the consultants consortium and made available on CARI’s website
