Une innovation incrémentielle: la conception et la diffusion d'un pivot d'irrigation artisanal dans le Souf (Sahara algérien)

Abstract

In the Algerian Sahara, several horticultural production areas emerged on the margins of traditional oases over the past twenty years through the use of deep groundwater. In the Souf valley, farmers produce potatoes irrigated by small artisanal center pivots. The aim of the article is to analyze the innovation process that led to the design and diffusion of artisanal center pivots by local craftsmen. An analysis was made of the material composition of the different center pivots that were implemented consecutively, followed by semi-structured interviews with 24 farmers and with 10 local craftsman, four skilled workmen and traders. The design and the diffusion of these pivots came about through an incremental innovation process that started by deconstructing the large-scale conventional pivots introduced by the State, which were costly and unsuited to the ambitions and technical capacities of farmers. This resulted in a flexible system adapted to the local socio-economic realities. The association of local pivots and potato farming contributed to the agricultural dynamics in the Souf with the annual production of over 1 million tons of potatoes in more than 35 000 ha, which represents 35% of the national production. Nevertheless, this farming system depends on the use of little renewable groundwater and on volatile agricultural markets, which questions its sustainability.