Factors influencing the adoption of innovation in agriculture in Algeria. Case of two strategic crops: durum wheat and potato[Facteurs influençant l’adoption de l’innovation en agriculture en Algérie. Cas de deux cultures stratégiques : le blé dur et la pomme de terre]

This paper aims to investigate the influencing factors of different types of innovation in Algerian strategic crops. In the framework of the Algerian policy for agriculture modernization, targeting production increase, import substitution, increased export volumes and a new socio-economic configuration of investors in agricultural activity, this research focuses on innovation by durum wheat and potato producers. To this end, we conducted a survey of a hundred farmers in high production areas and a qualitative survey of local stakeholders in development and agricultural support. The results show that the level of innovation in conventional farming techniques is appreciable: adoption of crop rotation, introduction of new plant protection products, weed-killers and fertilizers for durum wheat; adoption of new varieties of potato, introduction of new machines and planting techniques for potato growers. However, innovations in marketing and sustainable techniques are non-existent for durum wheat producers, while some organizational and marketing innovations are observed among potato producers. Overall, potato producers are financially self-sufficient, younger, more educated and exploit larger areas than durum wheat producers, which seems to explain their propensity to further innovate. Subsidies and marketing guarantee policies for wheat producers are limiting innovation in this sector, whereas strong competition between northern and southern areas of the country are stimulating innovation among potato producers. Conversely, the unsecured status of land in this sector would act as a brake on innovation and long-term investments.