THE CONTRIBUTION OF MARKET GARDEN PRODUCE TO THE DIVERSIFICATION OF ALGERIAN EXPORT: CASE OF ONIONS

Abstract

This study examines the onion value chain in Algeria as a strategic lever for agricultural export diversification, addressing the country's overreliance on hydrocarbon revenues. Employing a mixed-methods approach that integrates quantitative trend analysis of production, price, and trade data (2012–2024) with qualitative value chain mapping and a SWOT framework, the research identifies critical structural bottlenecks and untapped export potential within the sector. Findings reveal that Algeria ranks as the world's tenth-largest onion producer, with output reaching approximately 18 million quintals by 2024 and yields rising to 346 qx/ha, reflecting growing technical mastery. However, post-harvest losses estimated at 20–30%, chronic price volatility, fragmented intermediary-dominated supply chains, and inadequate cold storage infrastructure severely undermine sectoral efficiency. The value chain analysis further shows that producers capture only 25–35% of the final consumer price, indicating significant market power asymmetries. Export volumes, though increasing tenfold over the study period, remain marginal at less than 5% of total output, constrained by weak quality certification, limited logistics, and insufficient compliance with international sanitary and phytosanitary standards. Drawing on comparative international experiences from Peru, Senegal, Morocco, and India, the study proposes an integrated policy framework centered on cooperative organization, modern storage investment, sustainable water management, and targeted trade facilitation. These recommendations aim to transform the onion sector into a replicable model for broader horticultural export diversification in Algeria.