The development of dairy production in the semi-arid agro-pastoral zone of Algeria is taking place in a particular environment of public subsidies coupled with the oversized use of concentrated feeds. In this context, the present thesis contributes to a better understanding of the current situation in which pastoral milk production systems in the Setif region are evolving and could be developed, with a particular reference to conversion to organic agriculture. A total of 20 holdings were included in a field survey that was complemented by an online survey with 19 experts. The statistical analysis allowed constructing a typology consisting of three classes of pastoral milk producers; the sources of variation are mainly the farm area, herd size, crops and practices, surface area of pastures, and opinion towards potential conversion to organic agriculture.
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Both field and online surveys reported socioeconomic and environmental issues that are profoundly modifying the Algerian pastoral systems. This study highlights certain strengths and weaknesses of these pastoral milk systems and provides diagnostics and recommendations mainly in relation to organic agriculture. The results can be used by decision-makers as well as stakeholders in the agricultural sector at different levels to design strategies from a sustainable development perspective.
