Journal of Agriculture and Applied Biology ( JAAB)
Vol. 6 No. 2 (2025): Journal of Agriculture and Applied Biology

Study of the impact of desertification on land use in the El Bayadh region, South-Western Algeria

Hachemi Zaidi (Higher School of Agronomy Mostaganem, Algeria)
Karim Berrouaguia (Higher School of Agronomy Mostaganem, Algeria)
Amina Guerroudj (Higher School of Agronomy Mostaganem, Algeria)
Helima Tennah (Higher School of Agronomy Mostaganem, Algeria)
El khansa Kachabia (Marine and coastal eco-biology laboratory, Badji Mokhtar University Annaba, Algeria)
Zemour Hafidh (Institute of Applied Science and Technology, University of Larbi Ben M’hidi, Oum El Bouaghi, Algeria)
Kenza Touzri (Laboratory of biological and agricultural sciences, department of biology, faculty of sciences, University of Laghouat, Algeria)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Mar 2025

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.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

jaab

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry

Description

Journal of Agriculture and Applied Biology (J. Agric. Appl. Biol.) is striving to disseminate recent techniques and applications in agriculture and applied biology for researchers, students, and scholars in research institutes and universities worldwide. Journal focuses on crops, from seed to ...