Algeria-Italy: Towards Satellite Surveillance Project for Agricultural Lands

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

ALGIERS- Algeria aims to modernize its agriculture by providing professionals in the sector with innovative technological means to increase yields, especially for cereal cultivation. To achieve this, Algeria will be assisted by its Italian partner, who plans to develop a project based on the use of satellites in agriculture.

This was announced during the Italy-Africa summit held in Rome, with the participation of Algeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Ahmed Attaf, representing the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune. During the summit, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni unveiled a series of projects outlined in the new cooperation plan between African countries and Italy, named the “Mattei Plan for Africa.” One of these projects is the launch of a “satellite surveillance of agriculture in Algeria.”

This project will enable the agricultural sector to leverage cutting-edge technology to survey irrigated areas designated for cereal cultivation using satellite imagery. This will provide more accurate data on the actual peripheries in use, considering the vast expanse of land allocated for cereal production.

Agreement Between Algerian and Italian Space Agencies

The announced project in Algeria stems from agreements signed between the two countries in January 2023, during the working and friendship visit of Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Algeria. A memorandum of understanding and cooperation in the field of space activities for peaceful purposes was signed between the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) and the Italian Space Agency (ASI). In addition to space exploration, technology, training, and capacity building in space, this agreement also aims to promote cooperation in land observation.

With its technological expertise, the Italian partner will support the government’s initiative to modernize the means used in the agricultural sector, with the goal of developing this field to increase cereal production. Moreover, the use of satellites in the vast territories of the southern region is a crucial aspect to enhance cereal yields and encourage investments in this area.

Restructuring and Modernizing Agricultural Activity

In this context, it is essential to recall the government’s policy to breathe new life into the agriculture sector, considered strategic for ensuring the country’s food security. During the National Agriculture Conference held in February 2023, under the theme “Agriculture: Towards Sustainable Food Security,” President Abdelmadjid Tebboune emphasized the need to accelerate the modernization process of the agricultural sector. He highlighted that Algeria “is engaged in a race against time to restructure and modernize agricultural activity.”

President Tebboune also stressed the necessity of transitioning from traditional agriculture to investment-based agriculture. He affirmed that the southern regions of the country were capable of ensuring production comparable to countries covering the world’s cereal needs. In a cabinet meeting, he underscored the importance of supporting professionals in the agricultural sector by introducing modern technologies and changing mindsets, with the goal of revolutionizing this strategic domain upon which the state relies for developing the national economy.

Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly established itself as a prominent player among Algerian digital news sites, offering a diverse and enriching content experience. The platform, available in Arabic, French, and English editions, captures the attention of a wide-ranging audience, amassing over half a million daily clicks.

A testament to its commitment to excellence, Dzair Tube received the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This recognition underscores the platform’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism.

With a significant online presence, Dzair Tube boasts 350,000 subscribers on YouTube, over five million followers on various Facebook pages, and 450,000 subscribers on Instagram. Its digital channel has become a hub for diverse programming, covering news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a broad spectrum of audience preferences.

Equipped with state-of-the-art studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has garnered substantial viewership for its varied programs. Hosting interactive discussions with influential figures across different domains, the platform actively fosters public discourse and engagement. Beyond news coverage, Dzair Tube extends its commitment to the production of marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership programs.

The success of the print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further highlights the platform’s impact, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Recently honored with the Media Leadership Award from the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the landscape of Algerian digital news, maintaining a position of influence and impact in the media industry.