Structural typology of camel farms in the Northern Algerian Sahara - case of Ghardaïa willaya[Typologie structurale des élevages camelins au Sahara septentrional Algérien - cas de la willaya de Ghardaïa]

A survey was conducted to determine the structural typology of animal husbandry in Northern Algeria. One hundred camel breeders spread over the three regions of Ghardaïa province were surveyed. Statistical analysis of the collected data revealed 5 types of camel breeders, classified by the diversity of their herds. Type 1: representing 33% of the breeders surveyed; are breeders who have mixed herds (camels, sheep and goats) with a small camel population or only camels. Type 2: representing 19% of breeders, these breeders have mixed herd dominated by camels. Type 3: representing 18% of breeders, these breeders have mixed herd dominated by sheep, with a moderate number of camels. Type 4: representing 11% of breeders, these breeders own only sheep and camels. Type 5: representing 19% of the breeders, they own mixed herd with ovine dominance and few camels. The promotion of sustainable livestock activities in southern Algeria is essential to help ensure a steady supply of animal protein for the oasis populations.