Algeria has initiated a national thematic network focused on animal production and health to promote applied research, valorize national competencies, and enhance food security. This initiative, launched at the National Higher School of Agronomy (ENSA) in El Harrach, Algiers, is a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries, and involves the High Council of the National Scientific Community Abroad. The network seeks to bridge the gap between scientific research and field needs by mobilizing researchers, university teachers, veterinarians, professionals, and concerned institutions around common projects.
The network's primary objective is to develop scientific and technological solutions tailored to the needs of breeders, improve livestock productivity, and strengthen its health status. This approach involves identifying national research priorities, elaborating joint applied projects between universities, research centers, and technical services, and valorizing scientific results and technology transfer to farms. Preventing animal diseases, improving breeding practices, feeding, and herd management are among the priority areas. The mobilization of Algerian competencies established abroad aims to contribute to the development of economically viable research projects and facilitate the transfer of knowledge and expertise.
According to Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kamel Baddari, this meeting marks the first activity on the ground of the High Council of the National Scientific Community Abroad since its recent installation. The initiative aligns with the President of the Republic's orientations to strengthen intersectoral work and mobilize scientific research and innovation for national development. By bringing together scientific competencies and field needs, the authorities aim to enhance the performance of the animal sector, reduce economic losses due to diseases, and contribute to food security and sovereignty.
A new ovine breed is being developed to improve the productivity of farms and strengthen the national ovine sector's performance. This breed, resulting from the alternating cross between the Ouled Djellal and D'man breeds, aims to combine the advantages of both lines, including growth, fertility, and productivity, while ensuring good adaptation to local conditions and quality meat. The project seeks to improve farm yields and increase breeder incomes by better valorizing the national ovine genetic heritage. This new breed can be integrated into traditional and modern farms, as well as meat production circuits for the agri-food industry.
Digitalization is crucial for ensuring the traceability of the animal sector. Researcher Mohammed Gagaoua from the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE) in France, and member of the High Council of the National Scientific Community Abroad, emphasizes the central role of digitalization in structuring data and developing traceability. He notes that existing data often remains dispersed and under-exploited, requiring coordination between concerned administrations and specialists to structure available information, identify missing data, and improve management.
Gagaoua highlights the potential of artificial intelligence in facilitating data structuring and exploitation. However, he stresses that the main challenge lies in data processing and extracting useful information to meet specific objectives. He advocates for national strategies based on reliable quantitative data to better assess the situation and guide decisions. Digitalization of the sector is a prerequisite for improved traceability and more efficient management of the entire value chain.
The network's success relies on the mobilization of young competencies, in addition to the expertise of experienced researchers, to drive restructuring and co-construction dynamics. Gagaoua emphasizes the importance of cooperation between the Agriculture and Higher Education and Scientific Research sectors, as well as the involvement of socio-economic actors. The goal is to federate efforts around a common objective: strengthening Algeria's food sovereignty and security.
Key points
- Algeria launches a national network to enhance animal production and health through applied research and collaboration.
- The initiative aims to improve livestock productivity, prevent animal diseases, and strengthen food security.
- Digitalization is crucial for ensuring the traceability of the animal sector and improving its management.
