11 Saharan Agriculture in the Algerian Oasis …
241
do old techniques for the exploitation of natural resources still survive? What are
the weaknesses of the new state-led development model? Can lessons be learned to
better mitigate the effects of human activity on sustainable adaptation?
2 Method
This study is a synthesis of the research carried out in the Adrar region in order to
determine the basis of the oasis system and its evolution over time. It also examines
many case studies identified through continuous investigation of oases over more
than two decades.
Two approaches were used:
– An evolutionary approach in order to identify the transformation of the oasis
system through different historical phases, with an emphasis on the postcolonial
period. This is the period during which our study reveals the most profound
socioeconomic changes.
– A multi-factorial approach that accounts for an increasingly arid environmental
framework, dynamic social capital and the actions of the State in different contexts.
Direct surveys were conducted at the household level to determine the basic
activity and challenges faced by individuals and families. What has driven and
informed people as they develop strategies to protect their livelihoods? Who are
the actors involved? What is the role of the State (passive and/or active)? How do
oasis adaptation systems fit into global mitigation of climate change?
Areas for the survey were selected based on field observations, the dynamics
of agricultural land use, the use of new irrigation techniques, the improvement of
traditional means of access to water, and other factors. The twenty oases studied
represent the nexus of traditional and new techniques in water use.
3 Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
Based on the different solutions adopted by the oasis societies studied, this research
seeks to learn how “social technologies” can be applied to water use adaptation in
the face of climate change. This is a concept that bridges the social values of solidarity and modern technological solutions for sustainable adaptation. It was first
characterized at the University of Chicago by Albion Woodbury Small in the late
19th century, who described social technology as using knowledge and laws of social
life to apply rational social objectives (Small 1898). Today, “social technology” has
come to mean the use of technology in service to social, societal and citizen action,
such as mitigating inequalities, building social solidarity and catalyzing social innovation. Investment in technological capabilities promises the ability to act in the
public interest. This concept, with the similar concept of “social innovation”, is used
241
do old techniques for the exploitation of natural resources still survive? What are
the weaknesses of the new state-led development model? Can lessons be learned to
better mitigate the effects of human activity on sustainable adaptation?
2 Method
This study is a synthesis of the research carried out in the Adrar region in order to
determine the basis of the oasis system and its evolution over time. It also examines
many case studies identified through continuous investigation of oases over more
than two decades.
Two approaches were used:
– An evolutionary approach in order to identify the transformation of the oasis
system through different historical phases, with an emphasis on the postcolonial
period. This is the period during which our study reveals the most profound
socioeconomic changes.
– A multi-factorial approach that accounts for an increasingly arid environmental
framework, dynamic social capital and the actions of the State in different contexts.
Direct surveys were conducted at the household level to determine the basic
activity and challenges faced by individuals and families. What has driven and
informed people as they develop strategies to protect their livelihoods? Who are
the actors involved? What is the role of the State (passive and/or active)? How do
oasis adaptation systems fit into global mitigation of climate change?
Areas for the survey were selected based on field observations, the dynamics
of agricultural land use, the use of new irrigation techniques, the improvement of
traditional means of access to water, and other factors. The twenty oases studied
represent the nexus of traditional and new techniques in water use.
3 Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
Based on the different solutions adopted by the oasis societies studied, this research
seeks to learn how “social technologies” can be applied to water use adaptation in
the face of climate change. This is a concept that bridges the social values of solidarity and modern technological solutions for sustainable adaptation. It was first
characterized at the University of Chicago by Albion Woodbury Small in the late
19th century, who described social technology as using knowledge and laws of social
life to apply rational social objectives (Small 1898). Today, “social technology” has
come to mean the use of technology in service to social, societal and citizen action,
such as mitigating inequalities, building social solidarity and catalyzing social innovation. Investment in technological capabilities promises the ability to act in the
public interest. This concept, with the similar concept of “social innovation”, is used