Climate change adaptation strategies of agro-pastoralists in the Algerian steppe (case of Ras El Ma area)

Abstract

Climate change adaptation strategies of agro-pastoralists in the Algerian steppe (case of Ras El Ma area)The effects of climate change have intensified in recent decades in Algeria, with major consequences for production systems. This is particularly the case in the steppe, where agropastoralism is highly depending on rainfall. From a field survey of 60 people, this study highlights the practices adopted by agro-pastoralists in Ras El Ma area to adapt themselves to climate change and the diversified strategies implemented both in the short term and in the long term. It is through these adaptation channels that Ras El Ma breeders rebuild their productive capital during environmental crises. But with unequal success depending on the means of production held by pastoralists. Our results show that the small-scale livestock farmers are much more vulnerable to climate change than transhumant big herders.

Vulnerability of pastoral ecosystems in northwestern Tunisia to climate change

“…According to Bensmira et al (2020), to respond to climate change impacts, the breeder adopts the conduct and practise that allows him to achieve his production objectives without departing from the traditional system characteristics. Livestock rearing depends on silvo‐pastoral resources.…”

“…According to Saboury (2019) and Bensmira et al (2020), the age of household head, household size, herd size and rainfall are determinants for adopting climate change adaptation strategies in the study area. Farmers are developing strategies based on their practises and livestock management to increase vulnerability.…”

“…Adverse climatic developments such as interannual variability of rainfall, decreasing rainfall, increasing temperature and frequent droughts, have had serious consequences on rangelands (Bensmira et al, 2020): progressive desertification, with a significant regression and impoverishment of the vegetation cover, as well as an alteration of the floristic composition, due to drought, overgrazing and accelerated clearing (Chaouch Khouane et al, 2018). Many studies have been carried out in North African countries on the vulnerability of pastoral ecosystems to climate change and on adaptation strategies for their improvement.…”

“…Examples include Ferchichi (2013). Studies on these themes directly question local populations while studying agro‐sylvo‐pastoral practises and addressing the issue of vulnerability‐adaptation to climatic risks (Bensmira et al, 2020). We can mention Jemaa et al (2016) for Tunisia, François et al (2016) for Morocco and Kanoun (2016) for Algeria.…”

“…In this context, farmers' ecological knowledge has proven to be a valuable tool to address specific challenges (Touré et al, 2020). Bensmira et al (2020) and Jemaa et al (2016) showed that livestock production systems have undergone significant changes as a result of the disruption of natural resources, which affects the communities' survival and exposes them to poverty. As a result, governments face the challenge of maintaining food security, minimising the food import bill and improving farm income (El Ansari et al, 2020; Hervieu et al, 2008).…”