The social driving forces of desertification in the high Algerian steppe plains

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.