For High-Yield Oasis Agriculture – Case Studies Of Taghit And Tiout (Algeria)

Abstract

This study aims to assess and compare agricultural yields across two representative oases of the Algerian Sahara—Tiout (Naâma Province) and Taghit (Béchar Province). Both regions, situated in arid to hyper-arid climatic zones, depend entirely on groundwater irrigation. Between 2021 and 2023, field surveys, direct plot sampling, and farmer interviews were carried out to evaluate key crops such as date palms, cereals, and vegetables. In total, 60 plots were monitored and phenologically sampled. Complementary data on agro-climatic parameters, soil profiles, and aquifer characteristics were also collected. Statistical analyses, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Correspondence Analysis (CA), were employed to identify yield structures and regional crop associations.

The results indicated that fruit crops—particularly date palms—achieved the highest yields at both sites. Tiout demonstrated greater crop diversification, especially in vegetables and orchard trees, attributed to relatively higher soil fertility and better water availability. Conversely, Taghit remained dominated by traditional date-palm-based systems, with limited potential for intensification due to elevated soil salinity and pronounced wind erosion. PCA identified three major crop groups accounting for over 76% of total yield variance, while CA revealed strong associations between specific crop types and local agro-ecological conditions.

Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of localized agricultural planning and the sustainable management of groundwater resources in Saharan oases. The insights gained can inform future strategies aimed at enhancing the resilience of oasis farming systems under escalating climate pressures.