«Scénariologie participative » : Une démarche d'apprentissage social pour appréhender l'avenir de l'agriculture irriguée dans la Mitidja (Algérie)

Abstract

In order to help the actors of the agricultural sector think about the future, we developed a participatory approach in the Algerian Mitidja irrigation scheme. It focuses on the arrangements put in place by farmers to promote efficient management of water and land. Several types of participatory workshops were organized, bringing together farmers and representatives of local agricultural agencies. Following a social learning goal, this so-called "participatory scenariology" approach allows the participants to identify the actual constraints of agricultural development and explore evolution scenarios. This step leads to the definition of a common vision of the future between participants. This work reveals a recurring and essential need for farmers to continuously organize themselves around water and land through informal arrangements. The "participatory scenariology" also initiates a constructive discussion which constitutes the first step of a real co-management of irrigated agriculture in this area.