News on the demonstration site

The Algerian demonstration site already launched workshops!

Workshop on 'Participatory Territorial Diagnosis', in Ghardaïa (October 8, 2025)

The aim of this workshop is to conduct a joint assessment with local stakeholders on the integrated management of water, energy, food and ecosystem resources (WEFE Nexus).

After presenting the project (objectives, expected impacts, performance indicators, etc.) and the advantages of the Nexus approach over traditional approaches, two thematic groups were formed (Water & Energy; Agriculture-Food & Ecosystems) to identify the priority issues of the WEFE Nexus, analyse the solutions already implemented at the local level, and discuss the solutions proposed by the project. The results of the thematic work were presented and discussed in plenary.

MORFeuS project launch workshop: Kick-off meeting in Ghardaïa (October 29, 2025)

The MORFEUS workshop highlighted several innovative solutions for sustainable agricultural development in Ghardaïa.

Discussions emphasised the potential of short supply chains for agroecological products, particularly thanks to the wealth of oasis-based expertise and growing demand (from hotels, canteens and hospitals). Among the levers identified are local resources and agricultural seeds, whilst the main challenges relate to mobilising stakeholders and establishing traceability and marketing systems, particularly via digital tools.

Participants also highlighted the development of hybrid drying solutions (solar-gas), which are particularly suited to saffron. This system, considered a priority in Ghardaïa, could improve product quality and be extended to other crops, despite technical constraints linked to Saharan conditions.

Other key solutions were discussed, such as the reuse of treated wastewater for the irrigation of fodder crops, with implementation planned by March 2026. The integration of moisture sensors was also presented as a key lever for optimising irrigation, particularly via drip or pivot systems, accompanied by training for farmers.

Finally, a number of innovations were presented: solar-powered pumping kits, improvements to the fertility of Saharan soils, the development of the saffron industry, and the promotion of short supply chains. All of these initiatives aim to foster collaboration between local stakeholders and support sustainable investment as part of the MORFEUS project.

Launch of experimental trials of solar drying of saffron (November 19, 2025)

On 19 November 2025, experimental trials of solar-powered saffron drying were launched at the URAER/CDER in Ghardaïa, as part of the MORFeuS project. This work is being carried out by a research team specialising in renewable energy applied to agriculture.

The first samples were provided by local producers, demonstrating the growing interest in this solution. The development of the saffron sector is indeed considered a key driver for the sustainable development of rural areas.

This project is based on a collaborative approach bringing together research centres, universities, producer organisations and institutional stakeholders, with the aim of supporting innovation and establishing a sustainable structure for the sector.

Workshop on 'Co-designing WEFE solutions' in Ghardaïa (January 28, 2026)

The objectives of the workshop were to: 1) report on the progress of the co-design process for WEFE solutions; 2) describe the concrete products and deliverables resulting from the co-design process; 3) to highlight the maturity level of the solutions; 3) to identify and discuss possible combinations of the different WEFE solutions; 4) to specify the next steps in the co-design process (deadlines); 5) to review the progress made in implementing the solutions.