Marketing of Dried Agricultural Products: What Socio-Economic Opportunities for the Saharan Regions?

The production and marketing activity of dried agricultural products is widespread in the Saharan regions due to an antagonism created by an environment that is both favorable and restrictive, specific to this ecosystem. It is a source of food consumption that remains within reach of the poorest populations. Our study focused on diagnosing and studying the factors influencing the socio-economic and technical aspects of the production and marketing of dried agricultural products in the municipalities of the M'zab region (Wilaya of Ghardaïa). Based on a study method combining bibliographic data and the analysis of questionnaires established with all the stakeholders involved, they allowed us to highlight many issues not mastered. Its economic importance means it faces enormous difficulties related to handling, the lack of infrastructure, the inadequacy of the storage system, and the rudimentary processing techniques used. 73 % of retail salespeople had a vague idea of the techniques for processing dried products; 68% did not consider preserving their qualities worthwhile, while 9% made a commercial distinction on the physical appearance of the dried products. It was found that they managed their stocks in a mercantile manner without taking into account the quality. The study also found that 68% of retailers approved of the profitability of this activity and that 73% of them have a primary activity. Regarding educational level, 55% are illiterate and 25% have received so-called “Koranic” instruction. It emerges that 63% of retail salespeople were satisfied with their socio-economic situation and considered themselves in the social environment as “businessmen”.