Algeria

Potato is one of Algeria’s most important vegetable crops and plays a major role in domestic food supply. Algeria has a diverse potato-growing geography, ranging from the Mediterranean coastal belt to the arid Sahara. The country’s production is concentrated particularly in El Oued, Aïn Defla, Mostaganem and Mascara, with additional production in areas such as Bouira, Tlemcen, Tipaza, Skikda and Boumerdès. The combination of Mediterranean climates in the north and winter-growing conditions in the Sahara allows potatoes to be produced across several seasons.

The Mediterranean and northern production belt is characterized by irrigated cultivation on relatively fertile agricultural soils. Aïn Defla, Mostaganem and Mascara are among the established production centers, while coastal wilayas such as Boumerdès, Tipaza and Skikda are important for early or primeur potatoes. Production is generally organized around seasonal cycles, with the main crop harvested from spring through summer and late-season production supplying markets during the cooler months. This regional diversity helps Algeria maintain a relatively continuous supply of potatoes throughout the year.

El Oued in the eastern Sahara has become Algeria’s most distinctive potato-growing region. Potato cultivation expanded rapidly there from a relatively small crop into a major commercial activity, with production supported by center-pivot irrigation and groundwater resources. The sandy soils and cooler winter conditions allow farmers to produce large areas of late-season potatoes, making El Oued a major supplier to the national market. Recent research shows that the cultivated area in El Oued increased from only 628 hectares in 1999 to more than 40,000 hectares by 2022. However, dependence on fossil groundwater, water scarcity, soil-borne pests and the sustainability of intensive cultivation remain important challenges for the region.

The potato (Solanum tuberosum) was introduced into Algeria during the mid-19th century, during the period of French colonial rule. Early cultivation developed mainly in the northern and Mediterranean parts of the country, where the climate was suitable for potato production. Initially, an important part of Algerian potato production was oriented toward supplying French markets, including early potatoes produced along the coastal areas. Historical records from the late 19th century already document potato cultivation in Algeria and problems associated with pests such as the potato tuber moth.

By the middle of the 20th century, potato had developed into an important commercial crop. Around the time of Algeria’s independence in 1962, national production averaged about 250,000 tonnes annually, with a significant share still destined for export. After independence, the role of the crop gradually shifted toward domestic food security as production expanded and consumption increased. From the late 20th century onward, potato cultivation spread beyond the traditional northern production areas, particularly into the Sahara. The rapid development of El Oued as a major potato-producing region transformed Algeria’s production geography and helped establish the country as one of Africa’s leading potato producers.