Socio-demographic Changes and Generational Renewal in Algerian Rural Areas: Challenges and Prospects for the Agricultural Sector
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52152/t4e1tf78Keywords:
rural migration, generational renewal, socio-demographic transformations, agricultural sector, rural development, Algerian agricultureAbstract
The agricultural sector in Algeria is experiencing significant socio-demographic transformations that directly impact its sustainability and the renewal of its agricultural workforce over time. It is important to note that the most significant of these changes include increasing rural-to-urban migration, the aging of the agricultural workforce, and declining interest amongst younger people in pursuing careers in farming. All of these issues negatively impact the continuity of farming and rural development. The objective of this study is to analyse the demographic and social transformations occurring in rural Algeria and to highlight their implications for the agricultural sector and generational renewal within agricultural holdings. The study also seeks to understand the factors driving rural youth away from agricultural work, in light of the economic, social and cultural transformations occurring in rural areas.The study employs a qualitative approach based on a documentary analysis of a range of sociological and demographic studies and institutional reports, in addition to relying on official data and statistics regarding the population structure and agricultural employment in Algeria. It is anticipated that the findings of the study will indicate the sustainability of the agricultural sector to be contingent upon the extent to which it is possible to promote the integration of young people into agricultural activities, modernize agricultural holdings, and improve living and working conditions in rural areas, alongside the valorization of local resources and the development of infrastructure and basic services. The study also reveals how socio-demographic shifts affect the population structure, as well as patterns of family organisation and agricultural work. These shifts lead to changes in the professional and economic trajectories of rural youth. The study concludes that addressing the challenges of generational renewal in Algeria's agricultural sector requires adopting an integrated development approach that combines demographic, social, economic, and spatial dimensions. This will contribute to the stability of the rural population and ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector amid current transformations.
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