BIOECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE DEFERRED GRAZING PROJECT IN THE STEPPE RANGELANDS OF THE DJELFA PROVINCE, ALGERIA

Abstract

In the province of Djelfa of Algeria, steppe rangelands are experiencing severe degradation. To address this issue, a twenty-year deferred grazing project was initiated. This study evaluates the project's impact on forage production, forage quality, and associated economic benefits. Data were collected during spring across four campaigns between 2017 and 2021, coinciding with the peak growth period of steppe species. A comparative methodology was employed to assess the floristic parameters of developed sites and nearby control areas. Additionally, economic indicators were developed using data from the developed perimeters (2001–2023).
The results demonstrate a significant improvement in developed areas compared to control sites: floristic diversity (104 vs 73 species), vegetation cover (72% vs 24%), phytomass (1.65 T DM/ha vs 0.52 T DM/ha), and forage production (174 FU/ha vs 33 FU/ha). Economic analysis confirms the project's viability and profitability, with a substantial reduction in the cost of forage production per unit.