Rezzoug Cherif, Remini Boualem, Hamoudi Saad
Water is a crucial resource in the Algerian Sahara, sustaining life in its arid environment. In the oasis of Beni Abbes, farmers have historically relied on groundwater for irrigation and urban supply. However, the palm grove area has diminished by over 50% due to various factors including groundwater overexploitation via unregulated pumping, increased salinity of water and soil, and socio-economic challenges such as land inheritance and agricultural inefficiencies. Traditional water management techniques, such as foggaras, shadoof wells, and open channels, have been integral to the region's sustainability. This study evaluates the current state of the oasis and assesses the impacts of modern irrigation practices on its water resources and soil conditions.