Infodoc : Sciences, Techniques et Culture

The climatic and structural constraints that weigh on irrigated farming in Algeria impose a rigorous and rational management of the water resources. The aridity of the climate makes the cultivations hazardous, even in zones of potentially rich soils. Rainfall is badly distributed in time and space. 80% of the hydrographic network is located in the Northeastern regions of the country. The rate of filling of the dams does not exceed 50 to 70% . The loss of water from the networks (drinking and irrigation) varies between 40 and 50%. The situation of ground and water potentials obtained from investigations and reports from specialized structures show the growing pressure coming from the city and industries on mobilized of agricultural water. This pressure hinders the possibilities of deve[...]

The climatic and structural constraints that weigh on irrigated farming in Algeria impose a rigorous and rational management of the water resources. The aridity of the climate makes the cultivations hazardous, even in zones of potentially rich soils. Rainfall is badly distributed in time and space. 80% of the hydrographic network is located in the Northeastern regions of the country. The rate of filling of the dams does not exceed 50 to 70% . The loss of water from the networks (drinking and irrigation) varies between 40 and 50%. The situation of ground and water potentials obtained from investigations and reports from specialized structures show the growing pressure coming from the city and industries on mobilized of agricultural water. This pressure hinders the possibilities of development of irrigated agriculture based on surface water. To ease the pressure and in order to be able to satisfy water requirements for the AEP, industry and agriculture, several
measures are followed. of water loss from the adduction networks, the modernisation of irrigation techniques, to reconsider the management of undergroundwater, the possibility of artificial refill, the desalination of sea water to provide water supply to coastal zones, the recycling of used water which has been done for several years, regional transfers between dams. These mesures should among others, meet to request for water, maintain renewal capacities of water resources and preserve their quality in order to reduce the constraints on the natural environment.