A new reading of the animal production subsidy program for the Saharan regions: Opportunities and constraints

Abstract

Like in other Saharan regions, the Animal Production Subsidy Program has increased the herd in Ghardaia. The creation of breeding farms in such areas has generated specific dynamics through a set of measures that have had different impacts on the components of this sector. The data from the guides addressed to the various stakeholders illustrates that the management of the breeding farms presents shortcomings at different levels and even compromises its sustainability. In our model, around 49 % of farmers are renting their farmland, while 51 % are managing their own land. A significant portion of breeders (approximately 75.88 %) expresses the view that the main obstacle hindering the progress of these treatments is the insufficient availability of outreach programs. Applying this management results in young breeders abandoning the farms and using them for other activities. As a solution, the government must revise its agricultural programs and investments in order to achieve the long-term development goals that have been set. The measures to be taken are discussed to preserve the sector and explain the substantial investments made by the public authorities.