Algerian Radio
The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries, Mr. Yacine Oualid, participated in the 34th session of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Regional Conference for Africa, held in Nouakchott (Mauritania) from April 13 to 17. During the event, he presented the Algerian experience in developing the agricultural sector, according to a ministry statement released this Thursday.
During his intervention at a high-level round table dedicated to the theme: 'Prospective Analysis: Drivers and Determinants of Agrifood Systems Transformation in Africa,' the Minister highlighted the dynamic growth of the Algerian agricultural sector. He emphasized its increasing contribution to the national economy and its role in controlling food inflation, alongside structural investments in precision agriculture, drip irrigation, and the expansion of arable land.
He also highlighted the successes achieved, particularly in the electrification of agricultural holdings, which has facilitated the widespread adoption of modern technologies and improved productivity. Furthermore, he noted the development of Saharan agriculture—now a cornerstone of food security—leveraging pivot irrigation systems and solar energy.
He added that progress in agricultural mechanization has contributed to increasing productivity and reducing reliance on traditional labor, emphasizing the achievement of significant levels of self-sufficiency in several agricultural products.
Mr. Oualid also addressed in his intervention the most prominent challenges facing the African continent regarding food security, amidst persistent rates of malnutrition and the rising cost of healthy diets. This is compounded by limited investments and insufficient financing directed toward the sector, despite its vital role in employing a significant portion of the workforce.
In this context, he emphasized the need for 'urgent' collective action through policy coordination, enhancing investments, and adopting innovative and sustainable solutions.
He also asserted that the African continent possesses significant potential, in terms of both natural resources and human capital, making the transformation of its agrifood systems a “real opportunity”. Furthermore, he underscored the importance of enhancing governance, developing nutritional awareness, ensuring a fairer distribution of wealth, and accelerating technological innovation within the sector.
Regarding international cooperation, the Minister reaffirmed Algeria's commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation as a mechanism for exchanging expertise and building partnerships based on mutual benefit, particularly in dryland farming, water resource management, and value chain development. He also highlighted the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in supporting economic integration and enhancing intra-African trade. Furthermore, he called for intensifying investments in the sector and linking prospective visions with practical measures, while placing youth and women at the heart of the agricultural transformation to achieve sustainable development and comprehensive food security across the continent.
