Algeria

Algeria is the largest country in Africa, covering about 2.38 million km². Its geography is dominated by the vast Sahara Desert, which occupies roughly 80% of the territory, while the more fertile northern regions lie along the Mediterranean coast. Mountain systems such as the Atlas Mountains influence climate and land use. The northern coastal zone has a Mediterranean climate suitable for farming, while the interior becomes increasingly arid.

Before French colonisation in the 19th century, agriculture was largely based on traditional systems. Under colonial rule, commercial farming expanded, particularly for export crops such as wine and cereals. After independence in 1962, land reforms aimed to strengthen domestic agricultural production. 

Today, the primary sector contributes about 10–12% of GDP and remains important for employment. However, only about 3–4% of Algeria’s land is arable due to desert conditions. The main crops include wheat and barley, which are essential for domestic consumption. Olives, dates and citrus fruits are also important, especially in irrigated coastal and oasis regions. Livestock farming includes sheep, goats and cattle, with sheep being particularly important in semi-arid areas.

Forests cover less than 2% of the country’s territory, mainly in northern mountainous regions.

Algeria’s Mediterranean coastline supports fisheries, including sardines and tuna, though this sector is relatively small compared to agriculture.

Overall, Algeria’s primary sector reflects its challenging geography: crop farming concentrated in the fertile north, pastoral livestock in semi-arid regions and limited forestry resources. Despite the dominance of oil and gas in the economy, agriculture and fisheries remain vital for food supply and rural livelihoods.

2024, Klaudia and Gerold have been 14 days in Algeria. They visited the old roman area of Tipasa close to the mediterannean sea, the modern Algier with the Cabash, the 2024 opened huge new mosc and the monuments. The main time they spent in the desert of the Tassili n'Ajjer in trekking with camels and Tuareg guides through a marvelous landsape of sandstone, ergs (sand dunes). The national park is a world heritage because of the stone carvings and the beautiful sandstone landscape.