Solar Energy As A Lever For Desert Agriculture And Food Security In Algeria: An Economic Analysis Using The Swot Matrix
Auteurs : Bouguettaya Selma .
Résumé
This study examines the potential of solar-powered irrigation pumping to enhance food security stability in Algeria through the development of desert agriculture. Algeria performs well in term of food availability and relatively well in term of access, although about one in five people still face moderate or severe food insecurity; its main vulnerability, however, lies in stability, as wheat imports reach about 307% of domestic production. Agriculture in desert environments—the State's chosen approach—relies on groundwater pumping, making energy a crucial input. Based on a descriptive-analytical approach, a PVGIS simulation for the Bechar site, a comparison of the diesel price with the solar break-even threshold, and a SWOT matrix, this study concludes that the solar resource is excellent and stable year-round (5.27 kWh/kWp/day). However, solar-powered pumping remains unprofitable because the price of subsidized diesel (31 DZD/L) is about 42% below the break-even (53.98 DZD/L). To this fact, the obstacle is economic rather than technical. Unless coupled with prudent water management, the use of solar pumping risks accelerating the depletion of groundwater aquifers. The study recommends targeted funding, a gradual reform of diesel pricing, and the introduction of conditions regarding water use.
Mots clés
Desert agriculture ; food security ; solar energy ; solar pumping ; SWOT matrix
