THE GHOUT IN THE SOUF: THE AGONY OF AN INGENIOUS SYSTEM

Abstract

The Sahara, a space characterised by a permanent water deficit, is often perceived as a wasteland and a repulsive territory in which living beings development has quantitative as well as qualitative requirements towards water. The protection and rational use of this resource are an obligation and a vital necessity. Thus, the Saharan agriculture is related to water mobilisation and its use control that aims to avoid wasting, getting a maximum benefit, and envisaging the exploitation and management of large surfaces. The Souf, an illustration model thanks to its singular agrarian geometry in which local genius is strongly distinguished by its extraordinary local know-how adequate to the Saharan conditions, has implemented ingenious techniques since millennia, especially those related to space management. Indeed, the Ghout, agrariancrater, remains functional hitherto and reflects durability where local producer is characterized by his wisdom and a perfect knowledge of the area he lives in. The current study aims to set an outgoing inventory through 5 zones of the large agro-ecological area (Souf) relying on criteria such as local potentialities, state and evolution of the Ghout system, and local key players strategies.