The Impact of Climate Change on Erosion and Food Security in the Extrem West of Algeria (Tafna Basin)

Abstract

Water and soil are the most valuable capital for man. These fragile resources are undergoing unprecedented qualitative and quantitative degradation. The problem of soil degradation that no country seems to escape, dangerously affects agricultural production and therefore food security. In Algeria, the problem of water and soil degradation remains a major concern. The main causes are erosion and desertification, which are mainly linked to human activities and climate change. About 6 million hectares are exposed to active erosion today and averages of 120 million tons of sediment are washed away each year by the waters threatening the dams (Heddadj, 1997). Population sustenance is increasingly threatened by accelerating of erosion (Sari, 1977) mainly in mountains with more than 8 million people. (Taabni, 1998) In this research work, we will develop the subject of climate change and its impact on soil productivity.