干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

The Saharan oases experienced particularly profound and destabilizing changes in the second half of the 20th century, accompanied by social, economic, agricultural and environmental transformations. New extensions and agricultural projects have been implemented through a multitude of state or local initiatives. In a context where the most modern and traditional forms of agriculture are juxtaposed, it is important to analyze not only the ruptures, but also the continuities between these different forms of Saharan agriculture. It is precisely with the aim of improving and sharing knowledge on the agricultural and territorial dynamics underway in the oases in North Africa, that we organized an international symposium in Zagora, a millennial settlement oasis. This thematic issue continues the discussion of these dynamics within the old and new oases and their interrelations with farming and non-agricultural activities. The various contributions to the thematic issue show the risks of rapid change. They also reveal living oases, whose sustainability will undoubtedly depend on the coexistence of diversified initiatives.