A report from World Economic Forum (Davos) published in this month of January 2023 class Algeria among the “precursor” countries in the fight against the food crisis. Since 2000, Algeria has doubled its food production per capita, while the undernourishment went from 8% of the population to less than 3% — the lowest rate in Africa — says the report.
The World Economic Forum — in English: World Economic Forum — (or Davos Forum) is a non-profit foundation created in 1971. The forum is famous for its annual meeting in January in Davos (Switzerland) which brings together influential people from world (bosses, bankers, politicians, intellectuals). Alongside meetings, the WEF publishes a number of reports on the state of the global economy.
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The latest was released today, January 17, 2023. It is titled “Food, Natural and Health Transitions — Replicable Country Models”. The latter identifies repeatable actions and investments that can accelerate the transition to resilient, sustainable and healthy food systems ; systems that ensure dignified livelihoods for producers, benefit the economy and preserve biodiversity.
Among models of successthat can contribute to faster, more holistic transitions that lead to better food systems, the report of the Davos Forum cites that of the Maghreb countries, especially from Algeria …
What makes Algeria a “precursor” country in the fight against the food crisis?
Thus, the Davos Forum ranks Algeria in the category of model countries in terms of the use of innovative technologies and practices that improve the resilience of agricultural systems.
The 2023 report of the WEF places Algeria in the box of ” emerging and diversifying countries “. These are characterized by: (1) the increase in the number of medium- and large-scale commercial farms; (2) the availability of processed foods in cities and in many rural areas.
According to the World Economic Forum, Algeria has one of the most advanced food systems in Africa.
Since 2000, Algeria has more than doubled its food production per capita, while undernourishment fell from 8% of the population to less than 3%—the lowest rate in Africa.
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The study notes a number of positive indicators on the management of food security in Algeria. They relate to four aspects:
- Economy : 114% increase in food production per capita.
- Nature : 1st greatest value created per unit of water among emerging and diversifying countries in Africa.
- Weather : 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from crops.
- Nutrition : Lowest undernourishment rate in Africa (3%).
Food security: the success of the Algerian model in 3 key points
In the chapter entitled “How to establish sustainable, healthy and productive food systems? “, the WEF report summarizes the success of the Algerian model which knew “ overcoming resource scarcity through innovation in the following three points:
The quantified indicators confirm Algeria’s leading position in food security.
— With low rainfall, spreading desertification and only 17% arable land, Algeria has invested in innovative irrigation systems to boost productivity, improve food security and maximize water use efficiency.
– Of the government programs multi-year plans, ranging from incentives for farmers and land subsidies to removing barriers to foreign ownership and equipment imports, have focused on boosting the production of staple and higher-margin crops and reducing the country’s dependence on imports.
— The innovations — in the choice of crops, seed varieties, greenhouses and drone technology— are actively pursued to improve productivity and food security, while minimizing CO2 emissions and resource use, and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
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According to the report, the introduction ofinnovative irrigation systemshas been an essential complement to agriculture in Algeria. He cites the example of the use in the desert region of El Oued of rotary sprinklers that draw on groundwater, an ideal system for growing fruit and vegetables in areas with full sun; but also the deployment of several satellites and drones to identify irrigation needs.
(i) To downloadthe full report in PDF format(in English), click on this image:
Food, Nature and Health Transitions – National Replicable Models (2023)
