Natural Resources and Sustainable Development (Nov 2023)

KEY FACTORS INFLUENCING OLIVE YIELDS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN ARID REGIONS OF DJELFA AND M'SILA, ALGERIA

  • Saad Ahmed,
  • Lamine Manel,
  • Salamani Cheyma,
  • Saied Saied

DOI
https://doi.org/10.31924/nrsd.v13i2.137
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 2
pp. 311 – 330

Abstract

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In Algeria, there is an increasing extension of olive grove cultivation, it is essential to identify the key factors that contribute that drive olive grove yields in drought-prone regions, such as steppe. This necessity is becoming imperative for policymakers within the agricultural sector, as it will enable them to make informed decisions regarding more effective strategies for expanding olive tree plantations across the country. This paper focuses on analysing the olive tree production systems in two provinces in the Algerian steppes: Djelfa and M'sila. These provinces represent new areas for olive cultivation and demonstrate successful agricultural programs in Algeria. The paper proceeds to address the question: what are the primary factors influencing olive grove yields? This inquiry is pursued by investigating a total of 20 olive growers, ten from each province. The findings from our research indicate that olive groves situated at higher altitudes (above 600 meters above sea level), on gently sloping terrain (ranging from 0 to 0.03), and managed through the application of technical itineraries and effective management practices by well-educated and younger farmers, tend to yield better results in terms of olive production. Furthermore, the impact of governmental subsidies and policies related to land tenure regularization also exerts a significant effect on enhancing production and yielding improved outcomes.

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