Etude sur les pratiques d’utilisation du caroubier par les habitants de la region d’Ain Témouchent

Abstract

The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), an evergreen tree or shrub from the Fabaceae family, is a Mediterranean species domesticated over 4,000 years ago. It is highly valued for its sugar-rich pods, which are 90% pulp and 10% seeds, making them incredibly versatile. This tree plays a significant ecological role due to its remarkable ability to adapt to water scarcity, making it ideal for reforestation in arid and degraded areas. Economically, the carob tree is immensely important because of its diverse industrial applications in the agri-food, medical, cosmetic, and chemical sectors. In Algeria, while carob cultivation is primarily found in the Saharan Atlas, it often remains marginal. According to FAO statistics for 2020, Algeria was the fourth-largest global carob producer, with an estimated 3,280 tons, accounting for about 6.6% of the total global output. These figures highlight the resource's importance and show it deserves more attention for its significant socio-economic and agro-ecological value.