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Abstract
Algeria's steppe rangelands, covering an extensive 32 million hectares, serve as a vital biological zone, functioning as a transitional buffer between the sub-humid northern areas and the parched Sahara to the south. These rangelands are crucial for preserving biodiversity and aiding local inhabitants, although they are progressively susceptible to desertification, a significant environmental peril in Algeria. The wilaya of El Bayadh, a significant steppe area, is notably impacted by this occurrence. This research examines land use alterations in the wilaya of El Bayadh from 1990 to 2022, using remote sensing methodologies and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) alongside Landsat TM satellite images. The aim is to observe the advancement of desertification and delineate the spread of sand deposits in three northern communes: Bougtoub, El Kaf Lahmar, and Tousmouline. The findings demonstrate a significant increase in silting over the research period, indicating substantial changes in land cover. These results emphasize the increasing severity of desertification and stress the need for prompt action to protect this delicate environment. This study offers significant geographical data and analysis, establishing a basis for formulating effective policies and methods to address desertification. Through the implementation of specific strategies, stakeholders and policymakers may alleviate the detrimental impacts of desertification, foster sustainable land use practices, and secure the enduring stability of Algeria's steppe areas. The research highlights the need of using modern geospatial technology to tackle environmental issues and enhance resilience in at-risk ecosystems.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
Zaidi, H., Berrouaguia , K., Guerroudj, A., Tennah, H., Kachabia , E. khansa, Hafidh, Z., & Touzri, K. (2025). Study of the impact of desertification on land use in the El Bayadh region, South-Western Algeria. Journal of Agriculture and Applied Biology, 6(2), 167-185. https://doi.org/10.11594/jaab.06.02.03
References
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Khalid F., Benabdeli K., Morsli B. (2015). Impact of the protection on the fight against desertifica-tion in steppe rangelands: case of the Naâma region (South-West Algeria). Revue d'Écolo-gie, 70(1), 16-31.
Kouba, Y., Merdas, S., Mostephaoui, T., Saadali, B., and Chenchouni, H. (2021). Plant community composition and structure under short-term grazing exclusion in steppic arid rangelands. Ecological Indicators, 120, 106910. CrossRef
Le Houérou H-N. (1995). Bioclimatology and biogeography of the arid steppes of North Africa: Biological diversity, sustainable development and desertisation. Mediterranean Options. Se-ries B, Studies and Research, No. 10, 396 pp. ref.572. Direct Link.
Le Houérou, H. N. (2009). Bioclimatology and biogeography of Africa (Vol. 506). Berlin: Spring-er.
Merdas, S., Kouba, Y., Mostephaoui, T., Farhi, Y., and Chenchouni, H. (2021). Livestock grazing-induced large-scale biotic homogenization in arid Mediterranean steppe rangelands. Land Degradation & Development, 32(17), 5099-5107. CrossRef
Moulay, A., Benabdeli, K., Morsli, A. (2011). Contribution to the identification of the main degra-dation factors of stipa tenacissima Steppes in Southwestern Algeria. Mediterránea. Serie de Estudios Biológicos , vol. 22, pp. 149-188. CrossRef
National Agency for Investment Development. (2013). Monographs of the province of El Bayadh.
National Agency for Territorial Planning. (2003). Study of prospective and development of the province of El Bayadh.
Naziha, B., Benaradj, A., Bouarfa, S. (2023). Ecological assessment of steppe rangelands in the ain sefra region (South-Western Algeria). Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, Vol 13, Issue 2, 2023. CrossRef
Nedjraoui, D., & Bédrani,S. (2008). Desertification in the Algerian steppes: Causes, impacts and control actions. Vertigo, 8(1), 1-15. CrossRef
Negm, A., Bouderbala, A., Chenchouni, H., & Barcelo, D. (2020). Water resources in Algeria - Part I: Assessment of surface and groundwater. Switzerland: Springer Nature. CrossRef
Osman, K. T. (2018). Management of soil problems. Springer. CrossRef
Pater, R. (2021). Desertification: Description, causes and impacts. Journal of Research in Human-ities and Social Science 9(7): 45-48.
Polettin, A. (2018). Combating climate change: The maghreb in search of a strategy. Jeune Af-rique. Direct Link.
Smith, P., Calvin, K., Nkem, J., Campbell, D., Cherubini, F., Grassi, G., et al. (2020). Which practices co-deliver food security, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and combat land degra-dation and desertification? Global Change Biology, 26(3), 1532–1575. CrossRef
Youssoufa, D. N. a. L. O. Yaou (2020). Qualitative study and vulnerability to groundwater pollu-tion in the El Bayadh region. Direct Link.
Zaidi, H; Azzaoui, M.E; Soudani, L; Maatoug, M; Bouziane, S. (2021). Mapping of soil quality and sensitivity to degradation by adapting the medalus method in the steppe zone of the prov-ince of Saida (Algeria). International Journal of Ecosystems and Ecology Science (IJEES). Vol. 11 (3): 453-462. Direct Link..
Zemour, H. (2022). La chaine de valeur de la viande ovine dans la région de Tiaret [The sheep meat value chain in the Tiaret region]. Doctoral dissertation, PhD Thesis, Faculty of Agro-nomic Sciences, University of Tiaret] Algeria.
Zemour, H., Sadoud, M., & Zoubeidi, M. (2020). Pratiques de l’activité bouchère dans la région de Tiaret, en Algérie: Cas de la viande ovine [Butcher activity practices in the Tiaret region, Al-geria: The case of sheep meat]. Revue Française de la Recherche en Viandes et Produits Car-nés, (36), 1-9.
Belmahi, M.N. (2014). Sand encroachment and land management in arid and semi-arid environ-ments on the Northwestern Margins of the Algerian Saharan Atlas. Doctoral dissertation, PhD Thesis, University of Oran 2, Mohamed Ben Ahmed, 276 p.
Benaradj, A., Boucherit, H., & Benabdeli, K. (2017). Effet de la réhabilitation de la steppe à Ham-mada scoparia dans la région de Naâma (Algérie) (Effect of steppe rehabilitation with Hammada scoparia in the Naâma region (Algeria). Botánica Complutensis, 41, 81-91.
Benaradj, A., Mederbal, K., & Benabdeli, K. (2010). Biological rise of the steppe course with Lygeum spartum after a period of protection in the South Oran steppe of Naâma (case of the Touadjeur station). Mediterránea, Serie de Estudios Biológicos, N. 21: 10-48. CrossRef
Benderradji, M. E. H., Alatou, D., Arfa, A. M. T., & Benachour, K. (2006). Problems of environmen-tal degradation by desertification and deforestation impact of the phenomenon in al in Al-geria. Journal of New Medit, 5(4):15 -22. Direct Link.
Benguerai, A. (2011). Development of the desertification phenomenon in Southern Oran (Algeria), University of Tlemcen, Algeria.
Bensmira, Z., Hellal, B., Bouju, S., & Maire, R. (2015). Les incidences du changement climatique sur l’espace pastoral steppique de l’Algérie occidentale (cas de la commune de Ras El Ma) [The impacts of climate change on the steppe pastoral area of western Algeria (case of the Ras El Ma commune]. Les Cahiers d’Outre-Mer. Revue de géographie de Bordeaux, (271), 319-348.
Berrichi F; Zaidi, H; Chamakhi, D; Hadj Sahraoui, O. (2021). Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Degra-dation and Forest Evolution Using Remote Sensing: The Case of Theniet El Had National Park – Algeria. Bulletin of Geographic Sciences - N° 32.
Bessaoud, O., Pellissier, J. P., Rolland, J. P., & Khechimi, W. (2019). Synthesis report on agricul-ture in Algeria, International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies Mont-pellier., pp.82. Direct Link.
Bouarfa, S., Farhi, Y., Youb, O. (2022). Spatio-temporal assessment of drought in the semi-arid region of Algerian steppe through index and remote sensing. Journal of Water and Land De-velopment, Vol. 210, no. 18. CrossRef
Bouiadjra, S. E. B., Zerey, W. E., & Benabdeli, K. (2011). Diachronic study of changes in vegeta-tion cover in a mountain ecosystem by remote sensing: The case of the Tessala mountains (Western Algeria). Physical Geography and Environment, 5, 211–225. CrossRef
Boukerker, H, Boumedjene, M. R; Doughbege, A. E; Belhouadjeb, F. A; Kherifi, W; Hecini, L & Be-kiri, F. (2021). State of pastoral resources in the Algerian steppe regions: main factors of degradation and definition of preservation and rehabilitation actions. Livestock Research for Rural Development, vol 33, Article 140. Direct Link.
Boussemghoun (2010). Invest in Algeria (EL bayedh). Report made by Ksar de Boussemghoun.
Dahmani. (2006). Estimation of the recharge of the infra-cretaceous water table in the Dhar Lahmar region (El Bayadh, Central Saharan Atlas). Master’s thesis, University of Tlemcen.
Derdour, A., Bouarfa, S., Kaid, N., Baili, J. (2022). Assessment of the impacts of climate change on drought in an arid area using drought indices and Landsat remote sensing data. Interna-tional Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies, vol. 17, pp. 1459-1469.
Directorate of Planning and Territorial Development (Bejaia, Algérie). (2010). Monography of the province of El Bayadh.
Dragović, N., & Vulević, T. (2020). Soil degradation processes, causes, and assessment approach-es. In Life on land (pp. 928-939). Springer International Publishing. CrossRef
Fialho, R. C., & Zinn, Y. L. (2014). Changes in soil organic carbon under eucalyptus plantations in Brazil: A comparative analysis. Land Degradation & Development, 25(5), 428–437. CrossRef
Habib, B., Saadaoui, M., Boumakhleb, A., Brahimi, M., Doghbage, A., Djoughlafi, A., Zemour, H., & Belhouadjeb , F. A. (2024). Aspects of the ecosystem services threatened by desertification in Algerian steppe rangelands: Concepts, status and stakes. Journal of Agriculture and Ap-plied Biology, 5(1), 1-17. CrossRef
Halitim A., (1988). Soils of arid regions of Algeria. Office of University Publications.384.
Hasnaoui, O., and Bouazza, M. (2015). Indicators of degradation of natural bio-resources of Western Algeria: Case of steppe of Saida Province. Algerian Journal of Arid Environment. 5 (1), 63–75. CrossRef
Khalid F., Benabdeli K., Morsli B. (2015). Impact of the protection on the fight against desertifica-tion in steppe rangelands: case of the Naâma region (South-West Algeria). Revue d'Écolo-gie, 70(1), 16-31.
Kouba, Y., Merdas, S., Mostephaoui, T., Saadali, B., and Chenchouni, H. (2021). Plant community composition and structure under short-term grazing exclusion in steppic arid rangelands. Ecological Indicators, 120, 106910. CrossRef
Le Houérou H-N. (1995). Bioclimatology and biogeography of the arid steppes of North Africa: Biological diversity, sustainable development and desertisation. Mediterranean Options. Se-ries B, Studies and Research, No. 10, 396 pp. ref.572. Direct Link.
Le Houérou, H. N. (2009). Bioclimatology and biogeography of Africa (Vol. 506). Berlin: Spring-er.
Merdas, S., Kouba, Y., Mostephaoui, T., Farhi, Y., and Chenchouni, H. (2021). Livestock grazing-induced large-scale biotic homogenization in arid Mediterranean steppe rangelands. Land Degradation & Development, 32(17), 5099-5107. CrossRef
Moulay, A., Benabdeli, K., Morsli, A. (2011). Contribution to the identification of the main degra-dation factors of stipa tenacissima Steppes in Southwestern Algeria. Mediterránea. Serie de Estudios Biológicos , vol. 22, pp. 149-188. CrossRef
National Agency for Investment Development. (2013). Monographs of the province of El Bayadh.
National Agency for Territorial Planning. (2003). Study of prospective and development of the province of El Bayadh.
Naziha, B., Benaradj, A., Bouarfa, S. (2023). Ecological assessment of steppe rangelands in the ain sefra region (South-Western Algeria). Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, Vol 13, Issue 2, 2023. CrossRef
Nedjraoui, D., & Bédrani,S. (2008). Desertification in the Algerian steppes: Causes, impacts and control actions. Vertigo, 8(1), 1-15. CrossRef
Negm, A., Bouderbala, A., Chenchouni, H., & Barcelo, D. (2020). Water resources in Algeria - Part I: Assessment of surface and groundwater. Switzerland: Springer Nature. CrossRef
Osman, K. T. (2018). Management of soil problems. Springer. CrossRef
Pater, R. (2021). Desertification: Description, causes and impacts. Journal of Research in Human-ities and Social Science 9(7): 45-48.
Polettin, A. (2018). Combating climate change: The maghreb in search of a strategy. Jeune Af-rique. Direct Link.
Smith, P., Calvin, K., Nkem, J., Campbell, D., Cherubini, F., Grassi, G., et al. (2020). Which practices co-deliver food security, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and combat land degra-dation and desertification? Global Change Biology, 26(3), 1532–1575. CrossRef
Youssoufa, D. N. a. L. O. Yaou (2020). Qualitative study and vulnerability to groundwater pollu-tion in the El Bayadh region. Direct Link.
Zaidi, H; Azzaoui, M.E; Soudani, L; Maatoug, M; Bouziane, S. (2021). Mapping of soil quality and sensitivity to degradation by adapting the medalus method in the steppe zone of the prov-ince of Saida (Algeria). International Journal of Ecosystems and Ecology Science (IJEES). Vol. 11 (3): 453-462. Direct Link..
Zemour, H. (2022). La chaine de valeur de la viande ovine dans la région de Tiaret [The sheep meat value chain in the Tiaret region]. Doctoral dissertation, PhD Thesis, Faculty of Agro-nomic Sciences, University of Tiaret] Algeria.
Zemour, H., Sadoud, M., & Zoubeidi, M. (2020). Pratiques de l’activité bouchère dans la région de Tiaret, en Algérie: Cas de la viande ovine [Butcher activity practices in the Tiaret region, Al-geria: The case of sheep meat]. Revue Française de la Recherche en Viandes et Produits Car-nés, (36), 1-9.