Diagnostic des pratiques culturales et des contraintes de production de l’orge dans la wilaya d’Ain Témouchent : perspectives d’amélioration de la durabilité

Abstract

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plays a strategic role in Algerian cereal farming, serving as an essential grain and fodder resource, especially in semi-arid areas like the Aïn Témouchent province. However, this crop remains highly dependent on climate conditions and relies on conventional farming methods, the agronomic, economic, and environmental limits of which are still insufficiently documented at the local level. This study aims to provide an overview of barley farming practices and production constraints in this province, in order to identify opportunities for improving the sustainability of production systems. A field survey was conducted among 80 cereal farmers across seven communes representative of the province’s agroclimatic diversity. The data, collected using a structured questionnaire, were processed with Microsoft Excel. The results reveal an aging farming population (76.3% over 55 years old) with low education levels, using largely conventional technical methods: medium-depth plowing is dominant (76.3%), almost exclusive monoculture of the Saïda 183 variety (93.8%), seeding density below recommended levels (117.1 kg/ha), and flat-rate, unplanned fertilization. Water deficit (60.0%) and input costs (35.0%) are the two main reported constraints, in a context where access to agricultural credit is almost nonexistent (2.5%). The median observed yield is 22 qx/ha, well above the national average, but irrigation provides a +60% gain compared to strictly rain-fed conditions, while direct seeding shows higher yields than conventional plowing. The sustainability analysis highlights signs of weakening across the environmental, economic, and social dimensions, as well as a significant gap between awareness of conservation agriculture (43.8%) and its actual adoption (16.3%). These results support the cautious expansion of irrigation, the gradual adoption of no-till farming and suitable crop rotations, as well as stronger training and access to agricultural financing.