Agriculture in Algeria composes 25% of Algeria's economy and 12% of its GDP in 2010. Prior to Algeria’ colonization in 1830, nonindustrial agriculture provided sustenance for its population of approximately 2-3 million. Domestic agriculture production included wheat, barley, citrus fruits, dates, nuts, and olives. After 1830, colonizers introduced 2200 individual farms operated by private sectors. Colonial farmers continued to produce a variety of fruits, nuts, wheat, vegetables. Algeria became a large producer of wine during the late 19th century due to a crop epidemic that spread across France. Algeria's agriculture evolved after independence was achieved in 1962. The industry experienced multiple policy changes modernize and decry on food imports. Today, Algeria's agriculture industry continues to expand modern irrigation and size of cultivable land.
Despite Algeria's geographical size, less than 4% of its total land area is cultivable. Prior to 1987, all cultivable land was possessed by the state. The state divided this land into sections recognized as the domain's agricoles socialistes. These farms were abolished after 1987 and the state sold the cultivable land to individuals. However, the government of Algeria retains control over one third of all cultivable land.
Production
Algeria produced, in 2018:
4.6 million tonnes of potato (17th largest producer in the world); 3.9 million tonnes of wheat; 2 million tons of watermelon (6th largest producer in the world); 1.9 million tons of barley (18th largest producer in the world); 1.4 million tons of onion (16th largest producer in the world); 1.3 million tons of tomato (18th largest producer in the world); 1.1 million tons of orange (14th largest producer in the world); 1 million tons of date (4th largest producer in the world, second only to Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Iran); 860 thousand tons of olives (6th largest producer in the world); 651 thousand tons of pepper; 502 thousand tons of grape; 431 thousand tons of carrot; 388 thousand tons of pumpkin; 262 thousand tons of tangerine; 242 thousand tons of apricot (4th largest producer in the world, second only to Turkey, Iran and Uzbekistan); 207 thousand tons of cauliflower and broccoli; 202 thousand tons of garlic; 200 thousand tons of pear; 193 thousand tons of cucumber; 190 thousand tons of peach; 186 thousand tons of pea; 181 thousand tons of aubergine; 124 thousand tons of artichoke (5th largest producer in the world, losing only to Italy, Egypt, Spain and Peru); 118 thousand tons of oats; 111 thousand tons of plum (20th largest producer in the world); 109 thousand tons of fig (4th largest producer in the world, second only to Turkey, Egypt and Morocco);
In addition to smaller productions of other agricultural products.
Agriculture prior to colonialism
Prior to the colonial period, Algerian agriculture produced fruits, nuts, and vegetables using nonindustrial methods. Most of Algeria's agriculture is produced in the east on the plains around Bejaia and Annaba. Agriculture workers sustained Algeria's population of two to three million people without importing high quantities of food. However, following Algeria's population surge during and after the colonial period, Algeria imported high quantities of wheat, dairy, and meat.
Agriculture during colonialism
Algeria's agriculture system was not profitable for France during the colonial period, except during the vineyard epidemic of the 1880s. This lack of profit is marked by the Bank of Algeria's refusal to offer credit to industrial farms in Algeria. During this period, however, Algeria continued to produce fruits, vegetables, wine, and animals to sustain its population. However, during the epidemic, Algeria became a major producer of wine.
During the colonial period, Algeria was transformed into “an enormous vineyard”. Vineyards were limited during the early stages of colonialism. Farmers often only grew vineyards for personal and social consumption near their other crops. France's prolific metropolitan gardens did not necessitate wine imports from its North African colonies. However, Algeria's role in wine production transformed during the late nineteenth century. Phylloxera gripped vineyards across France and sparked an agricultural epidemic. This epidemic struck France at an inopportune time as it was evolving into a world leader for wine exports. France's economy plummeted and the agricultural sector began searching for opportunities.