A story of hope and frustration: a wastewater-based agricultural frontier in the Algerian Sahara

This study explores how wastewater reshapes the dynamics ofagricultural settlement in the Algerian Sahara. It also discussesfarmers’ hopes and frustrations around these dynamics. The studywas carried out around the Berriane wastewater treatment facility. Itis based on interviews with officials and f...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inInternational journal of water resources development pp. 1 - 14
Main Authors Bekaddour, Sara, Hartani, Tarik, Mayaux, Pierre-Louis, Ait-Mouheb, Nassim
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Taylor & Francis (Routledge) 12.03.2024
Subjects
Humanities and Social Sciences
Political science
Agricultural frontier
Berriane
wastewater governance
Algerian Sahara
Ghardaïa
water reuse
arid region
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Summary:This study explores how wastewater reshapes the dynamics ofagricultural settlement in the Algerian Sahara. It also discussesfarmers’ hopes and frustrations around these dynamics. The studywas carried out around the Berriane wastewater treatment facility. Itis based on interviews with officials and farmers, a review of technicalstudies and direct field observations. We show how wastewaterreuse regenerates traditional practices, such as the use ofhuman waste as fertilizer and raw sewage to irrigate palm groves.We also discuss the problems that arise when the treatment plant isnot managed properly, and the political ambivalence of Stateauthorities regarding wastewater reuse.
ISSN:0790-0627
1360-0648
DOI:10.1080/07900627.2024.2311803