DESERTIFICATION VULNERABILITY IN ARID MEDITERRANEAN ECOSYSTEMS: A CASE STUDY OF THE BOUSSAADA SUB-BASIN, (SOUTHWEST HODNA, ALGERIA).

Abstract

Desertification represents a pressing global concern, with Algeria facing significant challenges in this regard. The Hodna region is undergoing rapid landscape transformation due to Desertification. Protecting against desertification and improving the living conditions of dependent populations have become national priorities in Algeria. The aim of this study is to assess desertification sensitivity, develop a set of thematic maps (including vegetation quality, soil quality, etc.), and established GIS-based of the study area using Geographic Information System (GIS) based on the MEDALUS (Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use) approach. The Desertification Sensitivity Index (DSI) is derived by integrating four primary indicators: Soil Quality Index (SQI), Climate Quality Index (CQI), Vegetation Quality Index (VQI), and Anthropogenic Quality Index (AQI). The analysis of the desertification sensitivity map for the Boussaada sub-basin identified five distinct zones: highly sensitive, sensitive, moderately sensitive, less sensitive, and non-sensitive. The findings reveal that 76% of the Boussaada area is categorized as sensitive to highly sensitive to desertification. This region is defined as a pre-desert zone, characterized by an arid climate with scarce and erratic rainfall, alongside inadequate land management practices.