To combat desertification and land degradation in arid and semi-arid zones, the government has adopted an approach of rehabilitation of pasturelands through forage plantations. This program was launched at the beginning of the 1990s and, to date, there has been no global or national study on the sustainability of the program, particularly its economic profitability. Our work’s principal objective was to perform an economic analysis of the forage plantation program across the different periods since the creation of the program until the year 2020, focusing on the economic evaluation parameters of the projects, such as mean annual net income, net present value, annuity of the net present value, profitability index and payback period, based on the data collected from the official institutions. The results showed that the forage plantation program significantly contributes to sustainable development in steppe areas.

This study focuses on the imminent threat of desertification within Djelfa's steppe grazing lands, emphasizing its implications for land management and the sustainability of livestock practices. The methodology adopted employs a stringent approach that commences with a precise definition of desertification as a critical risk. It then proceeds to thoroughly assess the susceptibility of the local ecosystem to this phenomenon and delineates its consequential impact on both the human inhabitants and the surrounding environment. This comprehensive analysis effectively contextualizes human activities within the sphere of desertification's influence. Methodologically, the study employs a multidimensional framework to categorize the array of environmental goods and services rendered by these grazing lands. By identifying the beneficiaries associated with each service, the research aims to elucidate the complex threat posed at various levels. Crucially, the findings highlight the severe jeopardy that desertification imposes, not only endangering essential resources vital for extensive livestock production but also triggering a decline in invaluable environmental goods pivotal for the sustainability of the ecosystem and activities supporting human welfare. Statistically substantiated through an integration of diverse methodologies such as field surveys, satellite imagery analysis, and stakeholder consultations, this study validates the correlations between desertification and the degradation of ecosystem services. It provides empirical evidence showcasing the gradual decline of grazing lands, thereby compelling an urgent call for intervention strategies. In summary, this research underscores the urgent need for holistic strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of desertification. Its findings provide critical insights into the complex dynamics between human activities, ecosystem vulnerabilities, and the looming threat of desertification. It emphasizes the necessity for immediate collective action and sustainable resource management practices to safeguard ecosystems, ensure long-term sustainability, and protect the well-being of communities in Djelfa and beyond.

Over the past three decades, substantial efforts have been made to implement public programs aimed at developing pastoral areas in Algeria. This study seeks to investigate the impacts of rangeland restoration projects, specifically deferred grazing, in the steppe regions. To achieve this objective, a comprehensive financial evaluation of pasture management techniques was conducted in the steppe. The study focused on identifying the most important ecosystem goods and services provided by deferred grazing project and the main beneficiaries compared with free-range grazing through observations in the areas concerned. Also, a detailed analysis of the cost structure for the deferred grazing technique, and four key criteria: Net Present Value NPV, Internal Rate of Return IRR, Invested Capital Recovery ICR, Profitability Ratio PR, and the productivity threshold for which breeders have an interest in using deferred grazing areas. Through scenario simulations, the financial profitability of these restoration projects was assessed by formulating various hypotheses. Additionally, the study evaluated the benefits of taking action to combat steppe land degradation. The results of the analysis yielded valuable insights into the economic implications of the restoration projects. Furthermore, this study draws important policy implications for the Algerian pastoral economy.