Description
Introduction
The Algerian steppes, spanning 20 million hectares between the Tellian and Saharan Atlas, are semi-arid to upper per-arid regions. They act as a buffer between coastal and Saharan Algeria, with soils prone to erosion and scarce water resources. Vegetation includes esparto, sparte, and white mugwort, offering moderate to valuable fodder. Sheep farming dominates the Naâma region’s economy, with the Ouled Djellal breed replacing the traditionally adapted Hamra breed, which now faces decline (Bencherif, 2011). Ouled Djellal lambs reach 30 kg by five months (Aïdoud et al., 2006). The preference for Ouled Djellal has led to the decline of other breeds, such as Hamra and Rembi (Bourbouze, 2000). This study aims to investigate sheep breeds in the Sfissifa area through surveys and interviews with local breeders.
Materials and methods
Study area:
The study is set in the western high steppe plains of Algeria, specifically in the Ksour Mountains in the south-west of the Nâama wilaya. The commune of Sissify, located about 30 km from Ain Sera, is characterized by low development potential due to its challenging terrain and border location with Morocco. Ain Sera, a more significant centre, has led to depopulation in Sissify, with its population declining from 8,479 in 1987 to fewer people according to the latest census (DPSB, 2024).
Methodology:
To conduct our study, we followed this methodological approach:
Bibliographic Research: We began with a thorough review of manuscripts, books, articles, and other relevant materials. We also consulted technical-administrative bodies, including the Directorate of Agricultural Services (DAS), Sfissifa's agricultural subdivision, and the Commission for the Development of Agriculture in the Saharan Regions (CDARS), to gather comprehensive information on breeding systems. A pre-survey was then conducted with key resource persons to further enrich data on livestock types and farming practices in the Sfissifa region.
Designing the Questionnaire: The survey included questions covering:
General information on the farmer and their herd (structure, size, average age, breeds).
Details about the animals kept (number, composition, breeds, and reproduction).
Farm characteristics (building type, location, housing conditions, hygiene).
Feed and nutrition (types of fodder, storage, grazing, concentrated feed, water availability).
Survey Implementation: The survey was a hand-written instrument administered through individual or group interviews with 50 randomly selected farmers, distributed across different zones of the region. Data was collected on-site, in the fields, stables, homes, or farms.
Results
Sheep rearing in the stepped environment is a valuable activity and an important living resource. The aim of this type of farming is to produce lambs and/or fatten them for the national and local market (more than 56% of the farmers surveyed). Wool, meat and a small amount of milk are secondary objectives.
The farmers surveyed can be divided into three categories according to the
Size of the herd. Large farmers with more than 300 head (up to 1000 head or more) represented only 3% of the survey population, medium farmers with between 100 and 300 head represented 58% and small farmers with less than 100 head represented 39% of the survey population.
The sheep breeds raised in the Sissify region are: Firstly, the Ouled Djellal breed with a population of 2,671 head, 2,114 head of the Rembi breed, 473 head of the Sardi breed and the Hamra breed (the red breed), represented by 126 head.
Discussion:
According to Kanoun et al. (2007), herders in the Algerian steppe are classified into small, medium, and large categories. At the beginning of Algeria's independence, fewer than 100 herders owned 70 or more sheep (Le Houérou, 1975). Currently, herd sizes in the steppe are generally medium (Laoun, 2007; Hadbaoui, 2013), unlike mountainous regions (Mouhous et al., 2015). In our study, 58% of farmers were medium-sized (100-300 head), 3% were large farmers with more than 300 head, and 39% were small farmers with fewer than 100 head.
Small ruminant farming is mostly small-scale, characteristic of family farming (Boubekeur & Benyoucef, 2013). In the Sfissifa region, most households rear sheep, with growing interest in beekeeping and horses. Sheep farming remains the dominant tradition due to their hardiness and the use of farm byproducts and kitchen scraps for meat and milk for self-consumption.
Most farmers are agro-pastoralists, using organic manure for soil enrichment. More than 68% of farmers raise only sheep, while 32% raise sheep alongside other livestock (goats, cattle). The older the farmer, the better the herd, confirming Le Houérou's (1975) observation that older animals are culled later.
The Ouled Djellal breed, representing over 50% of the local sheep population for more than a decade, shows strong adaptability, supporting findings by the RGA/FAO (2003) and Atchemdi (2008). This breed has increased through crossbreeding in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, replacing other breeds in agricultural, agro-pastoral, and sylvopastoral systems (Bencherif, 2011).
Unfortunately, the Hamra breed has nearly disappeared from the study area and southern Oran. Known for its hardiness and ability to thrive on pasture, it has been replaced by the larger and market-preferred Ouled Djellal breed (Aïdoud et al., 2006). Local farmers favor Ouled Djellal and Rembi breeds for their rusticity and ease of fattening, neglecting the Hamra breed, despite its importance in preserving the steppe environment and producing high-quality meat.
Conclusion:
Through our study, it has become clear that the Wilaya of Naâma, particularly the Sfissifa region, is rich in livestock, especially sheep. The diversity of sheep breeds found in this area reflects their ability to adapt to local environmental conditions, significantly contributing to the income of the region's inhabitants through the sale of meat, wool, and milk in local, regional, and national markets. However, the findings emphasize the need to focus on preserving the Hamra (red) breed, a remarkable local breed that is on the verge of extinction, despite its historical and environmental significance.
FARADJI Khalil, SLIMANI Noureddine, SENOUSSI Abdelhakim
Department of agricultural sciences, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Environmental and Health Biology Laboratory, university of El Oued 39000-Algeria
Department of agricultural sciences, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Saharan, Bioresources Laboratory: Preservation and Valorisation, university of Ouergla 30000-Algeria
References:
Aïdoud A, Le Floc'h E and Le Houérou H N 2006. Sécheresse 2006 ;17(1- 2):19-30.http://www.jle.com/e-docs/00/04/1F/03/vers_alt/VersionPDF.pdf
Atchemdi K A (2008). Impact of climatic variations on the price of sheep on the wholesale market of Djelfa (Algeria). Cahiers Agricultures, Volume 17, Number 1, 29-39.
Bencherif S (2011). Pastoral livestock and cereal farming in the Algerian steppe Evolution and development possibilities. PhD thesis, Institut des Sciences et Industries du Vivant et de l'Environnement, AgroParisTech, 294p.
Boubekeur A and Benyoucef M T (2013). Technology creation and Transfer in Small ruminants: roles of research, development services and farmer associations. Options Mediterranean’s, A, N° 108. 397-401. http://om.ciheam.org/om/pdf/a108/a108.pdf
Bourbouze A (2000). Pastoralism in the Maghreb: the silent revolution. CIHEAM/IAM (Montpellier).2000.19p. http://www.afpfasso.org/index/actinpage/id/33/title/Les-articles/article/1477
Chellig R (1992). Algerian sheep breeds. University Publications Office. 1 Place Centrale de Ben Aknoun (Algiers).
DPSB (2024). Monograph of the wilaya of Nâama. Department of programming and budget monitoring of Wilaya Naâma. 163p
Le Houérou H (1975). Problems and potentialities of the arid lands of North Africa. Option Mediterranean’s, n°26: 17-35.
Hadbaoui I (2013). Steppe rangelands in the M'Sila region: what management for what future? Thèse Magister. University Kasdi Merbah Ouargla (Algeria), 139p.
Kadi H (1998).Alfa in Algeria Syntaxonomy, environment vegetation relations, dynamics and future prospects. Thesis Doctor. State, Univ. H. Boumediene, Algiers, 228 p.
Kanoun A, Kanoun M, Yakhlef H and Cherfaoui MA (2007). Pastoralism in Algeria: Breeding system and adaptation strategy of sheep breeders. Rencontre Recherche Ruminants 14:181-184.
http://www.journees3r.fr/IMG/pdf/2007_04_pastoralisme_08_Kanoun.pdf
Laoun A (2007). Morpho biometric study of a sample of a sheep population
in the Djelfa region. Thèse Magister. National Veterinary School of El- Harrach, Algiers (Algeria), 174p.
MADR (2021). Agricultural Development in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Mouhous A, Kadi S. A and Brabez F (2015). Preliminary analysis of production practices of sheep farms in the mountain area of Tizi Ouzou (Algeria): case of feeding. Livestock Research for Rural Development, Volume 27, Article #132http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd27/7/mouh27132.html
RGA (2003). Animal Genetic Resources.
The Algerian steppes, spanning 20 million hectares between the Tellian and Saharan Atlas, are semi-arid to upper per-arid regions. They act as a buffer between coastal and Saharan Algeria, with soils prone to erosion and scarce water resources. Vegetation includes esparto, sparte, and white mugwort, offering moderate to valuable fodder. Sheep farming dominates the Naâma region’s economy, with the Ouled Djellal breed replacing the traditionally adapted Hamra breed, which now faces decline (Bencherif, 2011). Ouled Djellal lambs reach 30 kg by five months (Aïdoud et al., 2006). The preference for Ouled Djellal has led to the decline of other breeds, such as Hamra and Rembi (Bourbouze, 2000). This study aims to investigate sheep breeds in the Sfissifa area through surveys and interviews with local breeders.
Materials and methods
Study area:
The study is set in the western high steppe plains of Algeria, specifically in the Ksour Mountains in the south-west of the Nâama wilaya. The commune of Sissify, located about 30 km from Ain Sera, is characterized by low development potential due to its challenging terrain and border location with Morocco. Ain Sera, a more significant centre, has led to depopulation in Sissify, with its population declining from 8,479 in 1987 to fewer people according to the latest census (DPSB, 2024).
Methodology:
To conduct our study, we followed this methodological approach:
Bibliographic Research: We began with a thorough review of manuscripts, books, articles, and other relevant materials. We also consulted technical-administrative bodies, including the Directorate of Agricultural Services (DAS), Sfissifa's agricultural subdivision, and the Commission for the Development of Agriculture in the Saharan Regions (CDARS), to gather comprehensive information on breeding systems. A pre-survey was then conducted with key resource persons to further enrich data on livestock types and farming practices in the Sfissifa region.
Designing the Questionnaire: The survey included questions covering:
General information on the farmer and their herd (structure, size, average age, breeds).
Details about the animals kept (number, composition, breeds, and reproduction).
Farm characteristics (building type, location, housing conditions, hygiene).
Feed and nutrition (types of fodder, storage, grazing, concentrated feed, water availability).
Survey Implementation: The survey was a hand-written instrument administered through individual or group interviews with 50 randomly selected farmers, distributed across different zones of the region. Data was collected on-site, in the fields, stables, homes, or farms.
Results
Sheep rearing in the stepped environment is a valuable activity and an important living resource. The aim of this type of farming is to produce lambs and/or fatten them for the national and local market (more than 56% of the farmers surveyed). Wool, meat and a small amount of milk are secondary objectives.
The farmers surveyed can be divided into three categories according to the
Size of the herd. Large farmers with more than 300 head (up to 1000 head or more) represented only 3% of the survey population, medium farmers with between 100 and 300 head represented 58% and small farmers with less than 100 head represented 39% of the survey population.
The sheep breeds raised in the Sissify region are: Firstly, the Ouled Djellal breed with a population of 2,671 head, 2,114 head of the Rembi breed, 473 head of the Sardi breed and the Hamra breed (the red breed), represented by 126 head.
Discussion:
According to Kanoun et al. (2007), herders in the Algerian steppe are classified into small, medium, and large categories. At the beginning of Algeria's independence, fewer than 100 herders owned 70 or more sheep (Le Houérou, 1975). Currently, herd sizes in the steppe are generally medium (Laoun, 2007; Hadbaoui, 2013), unlike mountainous regions (Mouhous et al., 2015). In our study, 58% of farmers were medium-sized (100-300 head), 3% were large farmers with more than 300 head, and 39% were small farmers with fewer than 100 head.
Small ruminant farming is mostly small-scale, characteristic of family farming (Boubekeur & Benyoucef, 2013). In the Sfissifa region, most households rear sheep, with growing interest in beekeeping and horses. Sheep farming remains the dominant tradition due to their hardiness and the use of farm byproducts and kitchen scraps for meat and milk for self-consumption.
Most farmers are agro-pastoralists, using organic manure for soil enrichment. More than 68% of farmers raise only sheep, while 32% raise sheep alongside other livestock (goats, cattle). The older the farmer, the better the herd, confirming Le Houérou's (1975) observation that older animals are culled later.
The Ouled Djellal breed, representing over 50% of the local sheep population for more than a decade, shows strong adaptability, supporting findings by the RGA/FAO (2003) and Atchemdi (2008). This breed has increased through crossbreeding in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, replacing other breeds in agricultural, agro-pastoral, and sylvopastoral systems (Bencherif, 2011).
Unfortunately, the Hamra breed has nearly disappeared from the study area and southern Oran. Known for its hardiness and ability to thrive on pasture, it has been replaced by the larger and market-preferred Ouled Djellal breed (Aïdoud et al., 2006). Local farmers favor Ouled Djellal and Rembi breeds for their rusticity and ease of fattening, neglecting the Hamra breed, despite its importance in preserving the steppe environment and producing high-quality meat.
Conclusion:
Through our study, it has become clear that the Wilaya of Naâma, particularly the Sfissifa region, is rich in livestock, especially sheep. The diversity of sheep breeds found in this area reflects their ability to adapt to local environmental conditions, significantly contributing to the income of the region's inhabitants through the sale of meat, wool, and milk in local, regional, and national markets. However, the findings emphasize the need to focus on preserving the Hamra (red) breed, a remarkable local breed that is on the verge of extinction, despite its historical and environmental significance.
FARADJI Khalil, SLIMANI Noureddine, SENOUSSI Abdelhakim
Department of agricultural sciences, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Environmental and Health Biology Laboratory, university of El Oued 39000-Algeria
Department of agricultural sciences, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Saharan, Bioresources Laboratory: Preservation and Valorisation, university of Ouergla 30000-Algeria
References:
Aïdoud A, Le Floc'h E and Le Houérou H N 2006. Sécheresse 2006 ;17(1- 2):19-30.http://www.jle.com/e-docs/00/04/1F/03/vers_alt/VersionPDF.pdf
Atchemdi K A (2008). Impact of climatic variations on the price of sheep on the wholesale market of Djelfa (Algeria). Cahiers Agricultures, Volume 17, Number 1, 29-39.
Bencherif S (2011). Pastoral livestock and cereal farming in the Algerian steppe Evolution and development possibilities. PhD thesis, Institut des Sciences et Industries du Vivant et de l'Environnement, AgroParisTech, 294p.
Boubekeur A and Benyoucef M T (2013). Technology creation and Transfer in Small ruminants: roles of research, development services and farmer associations. Options Mediterranean’s, A, N° 108. 397-401. http://om.ciheam.org/om/pdf/a108/a108.pdf
Bourbouze A (2000). Pastoralism in the Maghreb: the silent revolution. CIHEAM/IAM (Montpellier).2000.19p. http://www.afpfasso.org/index/actinpage/id/33/title/Les-articles/article/1477
Chellig R (1992). Algerian sheep breeds. University Publications Office. 1 Place Centrale de Ben Aknoun (Algiers).
DPSB (2024). Monograph of the wilaya of Nâama. Department of programming and budget monitoring of Wilaya Naâma. 163p
Le Houérou H (1975). Problems and potentialities of the arid lands of North Africa. Option Mediterranean’s, n°26: 17-35.
Hadbaoui I (2013). Steppe rangelands in the M'Sila region: what management for what future? Thèse Magister. University Kasdi Merbah Ouargla (Algeria), 139p.
Kadi H (1998).Alfa in Algeria Syntaxonomy, environment vegetation relations, dynamics and future prospects. Thesis Doctor. State, Univ. H. Boumediene, Algiers, 228 p.
Kanoun A, Kanoun M, Yakhlef H and Cherfaoui MA (2007). Pastoralism in Algeria: Breeding system and adaptation strategy of sheep breeders. Rencontre Recherche Ruminants 14:181-184.
http://www.journees3r.fr/IMG/pdf/2007_04_pastoralisme_08_Kanoun.pdf
Laoun A (2007). Morpho biometric study of a sample of a sheep population
in the Djelfa region. Thèse Magister. National Veterinary School of El- Harrach, Algiers (Algeria), 174p.
MADR (2021). Agricultural Development in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Mouhous A, Kadi S. A and Brabez F (2015). Preliminary analysis of production practices of sheep farms in the mountain area of Tizi Ouzou (Algeria): case of feeding. Livestock Research for Rural Development, Volume 27, Article #132http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd27/7/mouh27132.html
RGA (2003). Animal Genetic Resources.
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