Economic Importance of Common Dates (Phoenix Dactylifera L) and Their Impact on the Sustainability of Palm Date’s Biodiversity in Ouargla Oasis (Algeria)

Abstract

This study carried out inOuargla oasis which constitute an important genetic reserve in South-Est Algeria. It is aim to examine common date chain, dates from cultivars other than Deglet Noor; based on identifying production parameters, socio-economic environment; especially in terms of marketing. And to quote constraints that hinder its good functioning. It also aims to analyze biodiversity within oasis. Reasoned sampling was considered in order to have a certain representativeness by area. Surveys were carried out during direct interviews with farmers. Descriptive statistics have been used to find the results.Our results suggest that the production of common dates throughout the region is fluctuating. It often exceeds 77%. Indeed, the, Ouargla region is well known for its production in Ghars variety.Majority of the farms surveyed are small in size, less than 1ha, from 100 to 300 plant. Of middle age (40-60 years), irregular planting represented by 26% the type that dominates in old system. It also appeared predominance of an oligovarietal system, consisting of three varieties Deglet Noor, Ghars and Tafezouine, which receive a very important interest in terms of preservation because of their market value. The other common date varieties represent only a small percentage 7.80%. Many of these cultivars are rare and old, and the rate of endemism is high. The importance of this endemism is related to the dynamics of peasant selection and the state of the palm groves. However, these oases are increasingly experiencing an accelerating loss of agrobiodiversity. The research contributes to the empirical work by providing an evidence on importance of the common-dates as an alternative for safeguarding oasis ecosystem and their impact on the sustainability of palm date’s biodiversity. Indeed, the environment is subject to multiple technical and commercial problems. Several varieties of dates are devalued and are subject to uprooting.