Agroecological soil management in North Africa: practices, challenges, and prospects for sustainable transition

Abstract

North Africa faces multiple environmental challenges, including soil degradation, climate change, desertification, and water scarcity. In this context, agroecology offers a sustainable and promising approach to land management by enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems and preserving natural resources and biodiversity. This review synthesizes current research on resilient agroecological practices implemented across North African countries and evaluates their benefits, limitations, and potential for local adaptation. Key practices include the use of organic amendments, composting, biochar application, agroforestry, direct seeding, mulching, crop diversification, and cover cropping. Beyond analyzing these practices, this study proposes a holistic framework that integrates agroecological soil management strategies with emerging technologies, such as remote sensing, smart soil sensors, and digital decision-support platforms. To advance the agroecological transition, it is essential to reinforce supportive policies, foster stakeholder participation, promote interdisciplinary research, and strengthen capacity-building initiatives. Encouraging collaboration among actors, sharing successful experiences, and developing context-specific solutions will contribute to establishing more resilient, sustainable, and equitable agricultural systems across North Africa.