Context: In Algeria, the pressures coming from the development of human activities and socio-economic changes are accelerating the loss of plant varieties and types of animal population, which causes a natural imbalance, land degradation and the genetic depletion of many species.

Objectives: To involve pilot farms in preserving genetic resources

Outputs: : A source analysis of the genetic resources degradation, the species protection priority, the pilot farms current situation and their role, resulted in the following recommendations:

establish a supervision and a new management for the pilot farms
raise funds to preserve genetic resources in a dynamic and proactive way
develop R&D partnership programmes

Team members:

Name Institute Discipline
Soumia ADAMOU EURL Latraco Animal production

Noureddine BOURENNANE INRA Algeria Agronomy
Farida HADDADI SAGRODEV Agronomy
Soraya HAMIDOUCHE BNEDER Agronomy
Sabeha SADOUD G.D.S.P. Agronomy

Reviewer: Dr Nour Sellamna (France), ICRA, Francophone Programme Coordinator

Abstract: Algeria is a large centre of bio-diversity; its geographical position and the structure of its bioclimatic layers harbour an important stock of genetic resources. However, its accelerating demography together with hard climatic conditions and land degradation have caused food insufficiency, leading to over-exploitation of natural resources and to detrimental cultural practices such as over-grazing, land clearing, etc… Massive food imports have further contributed to the erosion and neglect of local varieties and breeds. Since the 1980s, Algerian scientists have felt the necessity to protect local genetic resources and have conducted research which still remains scattered and not diffused to main stakeholders, such as farmers, animal breeders and pilot farms.

Pilot farms are State farms, formally devoted to public services such as extension, seed multiplication and the preservation of genetic resources. However, they face constraints that prevent them from accomplishing their initial mission: lack of resources, ambiguity of statutes, lack of a decision centre, land tenure status.

This study examines conditions under which pilot farms can be involved in the preservation of genetic resources. It reviews the present situation of genetic resources in Algeria and presents stakeholders involved in their preservation. It also reviews the situation of pilot farms through an analysis of 9 of them, located in north-central Algeria. A listing of resources to be preserved was drawn and prioritized in participatory stakeholders workshops. Finally, it proposes several options for the implication of pilot farms in preservation, specially the need to bring them all under the same organisation and the creation of a multi-stakeholder coordination body. It concludes with recommendations of research and development activities.

Key words: Algeria, Genetic Resources, Preservation, Conservation, Pilot farms .

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Download the full report in French Field study report Algeria 2005 (pdf, 1567K)