Technologies for the Transition to Smart Agriculture in Algeria: Reality and Challenges.

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the techniques of transitioning to smart agriculture in some Arab countries as pioneering experiences, and in Algeria as a strategic necessity to enhance national food sovereignty and achieve sustainable agricultural and rural development by integrating information and communication technology and artificial intelligence into agricultural work. It highlights the main challenges facing this transition that prevent the achievement of the desired goals in their complete form. The study relied on a descriptive analytical approach through reviewing available literature, official reports, and existing experiences. It concluded that Algeria, despite the available and promising resources and potentials that enable it to broadly adopt smart agriculture, supported by increasing governmental awareness and the emergence of many startups in the agricultural field, still faces numerous challenges, particularly regarding information technology infrastructure, the digital knowledge gap among farmers, and weak financing mechanisms. Accordingly, a number of recommendations have been presented that could contribute to accelerating the transition to agricultural technology and achieving sustainable agricultural development in Algeria.