The Camel in Algeria: Animal of the Past, Present and Future: What Is the Scope of Farming Systems? †.

In Algeria, the camel is one of the greatest riches and resource reservoirs of the Saharan territory. Compared to other farm animals, this species was relegated to the background, despite a past that testifies to a preponderant role in a hostile environment. Due to its legendary sobriety, it is the emblematic animal of the merchant caravan and is renowned for its versatility. It appears as an excellent means of locomotion, saddle, with interesting traction capacities in addition to being endowed with remarkable strength for plowing and the use of noria or delou. Today, the increase in numbers has been accompanied by changes in production systems, while the notable increase in the demand for camel products revealed by the socio-economic changes in nomadic communities, in terms of education and health, has contributed to modifying animal husbandry practices. Indeed, the emergence of new specialized camel systems has disrupted the habits that are now reflected in an increased interest in both the systems adopted and the products related to them. The future of the dromedary would be projected according to dimensions of renewal; the camel sector, local products, and camel services are many assets to consider. It is in this perspective that the present contribution, as a synthesis, attempts to highlight camel breeding in the Algerian Northern Sahara. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]