At the start of French colonization, from 1931, Swiss emigration began to settle in Algeria, mainly in the center of the country by creation of the Swiss hamlets of Koléa (Coleah) and in the east of the country in Sétif. Despite difficult conditions due to lack of infrastructure, some men have faced adversity thanks to their tenacity and will. This is the case of Jean Nicolas Décaillet, originally from Valais, who inherited the knowledge of his relatives to develop subsistence crops (potatoes, beans, etc.), practice cattle breeding, in particular, and especially for produce cereals. In 1881, he brought to fruition a project that was close to his heart: the creation of the first “Practical school of agriculture and viticulture” located on its estate, Rouiba (about 25 km from Algiers), aided by the State. Appointed director of this school, he undertook to provide education to the both theoretical and practical. He succeeded in giving him a reputation both in Algeria, France and even other countries. This Valais native received the title of “Commander of Agricultural Merit” thanks to to honorable results obtained through stubborn and lasting work. Benefiting from the technical progress of the time, he introduced a program of bold and efficient training. Over the years, he was one of the first agricultural experts in the Mitidja plain. (about sixty km from Algiers) to develop and select seeds. This is how he used modern equipment and trained a workforce highly specialized and qualified. This school will undergo a change to take the name of School of Agriculture Algerian, in 1905, from the National Agronomic Institute, in 1968.to become National Higher Agronomic School. in 2008. Finally, two schools higher education institutions in Saharan agriculture, in Adrar and El Oued will see the light of day in 2021.
Ngoussa is a small oasis (ksar) in Algeria located about twenty km north of Ouargla*, capital of the wilaya of the same name. Ngoussa currently has commune status. It was once on the Touggourt-Ouargla caravan route, one of the main departure points towards the great desert and Sahelian Africa. The traditional economy was based on the palm grove, the cultivation of cereals (wheat, barley, sorghum, millet) and caravan trade. Official Algerian statistics gave 1,700 inhabitants in 1966; 13,344 in 2002; the current population must slightly exceed 20,000 inhabitants. The local population is Berber-speaking and uses a variety of Berber, təggəngusit, very close to Ouargla. For Jean Delheure (1988, Introduction), the main reference for the Berber of this region: “The Berber of Ouargla [...] and that of Ngoussa [...] are one and the same despite some minimal particularities. ". These dialects have, for a long time (Basset 1893), been considered “Zénet” and, in fact, we find there numerous linguistic features common to all Berber dialects – often residual – of the area of extension of the Medieval Zenetes* (Mzab*, South Oranese, Oranie*, East Moroccan...). According to the already old survey by Alain Romey (1974), the use of Berber is very strong there. But Delheure (ibid.) specifies: “Most Berber speakers from Ouargla and Ngoussa, especially the men, are bilingual, also speaking central Saharan dialect Arabic”; ancient sociolinguistic configuration, which is very well understood given the predominantly Arabic-speaking North-Saharan nomadic environment and the caravan stopover status of Ngoussa and Ouargla. The almost total sedentarization of the region's nomads (Sa'id 'Atba, Mekhadma, Chaanba, etc.), all Arabic speakers, has certainly reinforced the weight and use of the Arabic language. As is the proximity of Ouargla, which since the early 1960s has become the Algerian hydrocarbon capital and a large cosmopolitan city. Ibadism was well established in Ngoussa, as in the entire region: around 911, Ya'qûb, the last Rostemide sovereign, founded Sedrata 10 km south of Ouargla. Ibadism declined rapidly from the 12th century and has now disappeared. The history of Ngoussa cannot be dissociated from that of the nomadic groups, Zenet Berbers, then Arabs and Arabized, of the region, and that of Ouargla with which it is closely intertwined. She has often been a satellite; sometimes also, a serious competitor, notably under the long reign of the Babia sheikhs/sultans, who imposed, in the 17th-19th centuries, the supremacy of Ngoussa over Ouargla, relying on alliances with nomadic Arab tribes (Sa'id 'Atba) of the region and/or the support of the Dey of Algiers. We will find some Berber texts by Ngoussa in René Basset (1893), Biarnay (1908), Delheure (1988 and 1989) but especially in Romey (1992/1974). The primitive Berber form of the name was most probably (masc. plural noun): Ngusən (or Ingusən).
N’ GOUSSA (Wilaya de Ouargla) Présentation : Située à une vingtaine de kilomètres au nord de Ouargla, N’Goussa est une charmante oasis, l’une des huit communes de la daïra éponyme. Sa population a évolué en fonction de l’importance graduelle de son expansion et de son développement agricole, notamment. Les statistiques officielles indiquent quelques repères : en 1966, sa population était de 1.700 habitants. En 2002, elle était de 13.350 habitants. On évalue à plus de 20.000 âmes en 2024. Un peu d’histoire : N’Goussa était, jadis, au carrefour de l’axe caravanier Touggourt – Ouargla, l’un des principaux points de départ vers le grand désert et l’Afrique sahélienne. Son économie traditionnelle était basée sur la palmeraie, la culture des céréales (blé, orge, sorgho, maïs, entre autres ) et le commerce caravanier. Mais sa proximité de Ouargla, centre principal des hydrocarbures, dès les années 1960 et grande ville cosmopolite, a contribué à sa prospérité sociale et économique. Son peuplement est d’origine berbérophone. Dès lors, ses parlers, existants depuis fort longtemps, sont considérés comme « zénètes » englobant le M’Zab et le sud oranais, notamment. L’arabe est également parlé introduit par la sédentarisation des nomades de la région. Aujourd’hui, grâce à la politique agricole de l’Etat, de vastes terres arides sont à disposition en vue de leur mise en valeur. C’est ainsi que VERDI AGRO, Sarl. gère et cultive 600 hectares dans le cadre des initiatives louables de l’Etat.
WILAYA OF OUARGLA The ancient town of Ouargla had a wall with gates which gave access to tracks leading to Ghardaïa, N’Goussa and El Goléa. It was a commercial crossroads where caravans of nomads moved towards sub-Saharan Africa. In 1962, the wilaya of Ouargla was created. 800 kilometers from Algiers, it is delimited: - In the North, by the wilaya of Biskra and the wilaya of El Oued. - In the South, by the wilaya of Illizi and the wilaya of Tamenrasset. - To the west, by the wilaya of Ghardaïa and the wilaya of Djelfa. It has become an important economic center thanks to the hydrocarbons of Hassi Messaoud, one of its eight municipalities. Its surface area is around 211,980 km2 while its population is estimated at more than 650,000 inhabitants. It is home to institutions with regional influence such as - The Center for Development of the Saharan Regions and - The University. Thanks to its fabulous landscapes and its tourist circuits, the wilaya of Ouargla will constitute a treasure trove of riches for Algeria.
PRESENTATION : Originally from America, squash is part of the Cucurbitaceae family and the Cucurbita genus. There are many species and varieties of squash which have different terms such as pumpkin, pumpkin, giraumon, colocynth, calabash, etc. Among these varieties, four of them: cucurbita, pumpkin, butternut squash and pumpkin squash. Siam have countless shapes and colors and a great diversity of sizes. They are generally cultivated for their edible flesh and for their oilseeds. They are used in cooking as a vegetable. They can be salty or sweet. Their bark is also used as food for animals. CULTURE : Forage plants, squash grow on the ground, under large green leaves. They are orange to white in color. Generally, squash are sown at the beginning of spring, every week until mid-July to benefit from a production spread from mid-June to the end of October. They are harvested in the fall and sold until spring. Therefore, they are available all year round. The category which has a ribbed and plump shape is sold whole or in slices. Its weight can reach 100 kilograms. Unfortunately, diseases and pests can affect their harvest. Let us add, finally, that squash can be stored for a long time, up to six months or more, depending on the location. USE : Squash is a low-calorie vegetable that can fit into any diet. It can be eaten in various kinds: from soup to gratin through all kinds of recipes as varied as rich, savory or sweet. In particular, mixed with couscous sauce, cooked into puree or prepared into jam. Derived products, preparations made from their flesh or seeds, squash can be used to relieve prostate problems, prevent dental caries and balance unsaturated fatty acids. In certain regions of the world, consumers of this vegetable – fruit cook exotic preparations during friendly gatherings. BENEFITS OF SQUASH: Squash concentrates beta-carotene, contains vitamins (A B, K, among others), rich in fiber and hydrating (water content: 92%). NOTE: ZUCCHINI Zucchini is a variety of flowering plants in the Cucurbitaceae family, like squash but smalle
THE S A F R A N The origins of saffron appear to be in Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. Thanks to travelers, production reached the Middle East, then India. Over the years, saffron has been introduced to many countries. Today, the leading producer is Iran. Its capacity is 150 to 200 tonnes per year, or 90% to 95% of world production. This country is followed by India (15 to 20 tonnes), Turkey (10 tonnes) as well as others with smaller quantities. Agricultural product, saffron is part of the spice family. It is obtained by cultivating Crocus sativus L and by removing and dehydrating the 3 red stigmas, 2.5 to 3.2 cm long. It generally grows in semi-arid or arid soils and requires regular watering. Naturally, it grows best exposed to direct sunlight. Its production can be adapted according to the prevailing climate in clay-limestone soils. Saffron is planted from June – July until the end of August and is harvested from mid-September or October. Its colors vary from purple mauve to gold red. It would take between 150,000 to 200,000 flowers to produce 1 kg of pure material. USE : Medically, saffron is used to treat a range of ailments: smallpox, plague, asthma, coughs, insomnia, among others. Anti-oxidant agent, it is anti-cancer. It is also used in confectionery, drinks and many other preparations. Likewise in dyeing. Called “red gold”, the best saffron, according to connoisseurs, is that of Kashmir.
The Golden Tree of the Sahara is a treasure of the desert. In the majestic landscapes of Ouargla, more specifically in the vast expanses of N’Goussa, where the sun reigns supreme, the carob tree will stand, in the future, as a symbol of resilience and generosity. This millennial tree, with its many virtues, adapts perfectly to our Algerian soil and will offer a promising opportunity for our sustainable agricultural activity. It is a Mediterranean tree that produces carob containing a fleshy pulp and a hard, impermeable pod of a beautiful dark brown color. Why is the carob tree exceptional? Endowed with remarkable drought resistance, the carob tree thrives where few other trees can survive. [ from prior context] It requires very little irrigation water, thus preserving our precious water resources. Its resilience allows it to withstand temperatures up to 50°C. Its height can reach up to 15 meters. Moreover, its deep root system fights erosion and improves soil quality. Its fight against desertification creates microclimats favorable to biodiversity. Its lifespan can reach up to 200 years. Multiple Qualities Isn't the carob tree a miraculous tree, offering multiple qualities? Let's see: Production of pods for human and animal feed. Carob flour used as a cocoa substitute. Gum used in the agri-food industry. Rich in natural fibers. Source of vitamins and minerals. Healthy alternative to sugar and chocolate. Quality firewood. For enthusiasts of this legendary product, you can explore various preparations of muffins, cakes, and breads. These are just a few observations that confirm the carob tree represents a precious opportunity to reconcile economic development, respect for the environment, and the greening of our beautiful and vast region. Our semi-desert space with its arid climate and particular soils thus offers perfect adaptation for a secured future and an ideal contribution to enrich the diversity of our plantations. Linasolo
It is permissible to dream: A MINIATURE ECOSYSTEM: LES SABLES D’OR EDUCATIONAL FARM Just a stone's throw from Ouargla, a fresh breeze is caressing the desert. There are places that simply long to reveal their soul. In N’Goussa, not far from vibrant Ouargla, our farm—featuring grain crops, palm groves, orchards, and livestock—holds a promise: that of a territory where people, agriculture, culture, and craftsmanship live in symbiosis. Across part of this expanse, a wish—or rather, a dream—is taking root in my mind: to create a unique and promising small complex, far removed from conventional models. A living space that does more than just produce; it weaves together connections, beauty, and enjoyment. It is designed using lightweight, modular, and demountable panels alongside reinforced tents. At the heart of the project lies a futuristic ecosystem. The idea is both bold and ambitious: to bring together—under a shared vision—activities that are as diverse as they are complementary, including: - A farm inn. - A place to savor products from the on-site cannery, taste honey from the estate’s hives, and drink mint tea under a pergola facing the palm trees. Ideal for passing visitors, families, or school groups. - A botanical garden of Sahara plants. To preserve and showcase the region’s rare or useful species (date palms, desert acacias, medicinal plants). An environment perfect for educational strolls in the shade of the trees. - An orchard cannery. To add value to the estate’s harvests (dates, local fruits, vegetables) and create local specialties: jams, syrups, dried fruits, and more. Artisan workshops: Potters and weavers working in a space where traditional Saharan craftsmanship is passed down, sold, and celebrated. - An art gallery: A space dedicated to artists from the region and beyond, showcasing works ranging from painting, sculpture, and photography to installations and other creations that highlight the beauty of the surroundings. - A small museum: Dedicated to the memory of N’Goussa—to the oasis, the water, and Saharan knowledge—and above all to this land. Far from ordinary, it bears a rich history and a strong Berber identity, creating an exceptional legacy embodied in its language and music—specifically *taggangusit*—which have survived the onslaught of centuries and waves of nomadic migration. - A sorting and composting station: In keeping with our environmental protection principles, this station will transform the complex’s organic waste (peelings, scraps, leaves) into compost for the orchards. Why is this project innovative? Because it brings people together. Here, the artisan works alongside the farmer. Visitors taste fruit processed just meters from the tree. Artists create their work under the watchful eye of a herder. The museum tells the story of the land, and the land nourishes the museum. This model for a living space does not seek maximum short-term profit, but rather sustainable richness: ecological, cultural, and social. This is where it all begins: with a wish. With the determination to prove that a different future can be invented in the Sahara—one that adapts to the challenges of aridity. It is the beating heart of an epic story yet to be written in the sands. Verdi Agro will nurture this project like a seed. It is up to us to water it! Lina
Träumen ist erlaubt: EIN ÖKOSYSTEM IM KLEINFORMAT Nur wenige Kilometer von Ouargla entfernt weht ein neuer Geist durch die Wüste. Es gibt Orte, die nur darauf warten, ihre Seele zu offenbaren. In N’Goussa, unweit der lebendigen Stadt Ouargla, trägt unser landwirtschaftlicher Betrieb – mit Getreideanbau, Dattelpalmenhainen, Obstgärten und Viehzucht – ein großes Versprechen in sich: die Vision eines Ortes, an dem Mensch, Landwirtschaft, Kultur und Handwerk in vollkommener Harmonie miteinander leben. Auf einem Teil dieses weitläufigen Geländes wächst ein Wunsch – oder vielmehr ein Traum: die Schaffung eines einzigartigen und zukunftsweisenden kleinen Komplexes, fernab herkömmlicher Modelle. Ein Lebensraum, der nicht nur produziert, sondern Beziehungen schafft, Schönheit hervorbringt und Lebensfreude vermittelt. Geplant ist er auf der Grundlage leichter, modularer und demontierbarer Paneele sowie verstärkter Zeltstrukturen. Das Herzstück des Projekts: ein zukunftsorientiertes Ökosystem Die Idee ist zugleich kühn und ehrgeizig: Unter einer gemeinsamen Vision Aktivitäten zu vereinen, die unterschiedlich und doch eng miteinander verbunden sind. Ein Landgasthof Ein Ort, an dem Besucher die Produkte der hauseigenen Konservenmanufaktur genießen, den Honig aus den Bienenstöcken des Anwesens kosten oder unter einer Pergola mit Blick auf die Palmen einen Minztee trinken können. Ein idealer Treffpunkt für Reisende, Familien und Schulklassen. Ein botanischer Garten der Sahara-Pflanzen Zum Schutz und zur Präsentation seltener oder nützlicher Pflanzenarten der Region – wie Dattelpalmen, Wüstenakazien und Heilpflanzen – in einer Umgebung, die zu lehrreichen Spaziergängen im Schatten der Bäume einlädt. Eine Konservenmanufaktur für Obst und landwirtschaftliche Erzeugnisse Zur Veredelung der Ernten des Betriebs – Datteln, regionale Früchte und Gemüse – und zur Herstellung regionaler Spezialitäten wie Konfitüren, Sirupe, Trockenfrüchte und weiterer Delikatessen. Werkstätten für Kunsthandwerker Töpfer, Weber und andere Kunsthandwerker arbeiten in einem Raum, in dem das traditionelle Know-how der Sahara weitergegeben, präsentiert und vermarktet wird. Eine Kunstgalerie Ein Ort für Künstler aus der Region und darüber hinaus, an dem Gemälde, Skulpturen, Fotografien, Installationen und andere kreative Werke ausgestellt werden, um die Schönheit dieses außergewöhnlichen Ortes hervorzuheben. Ein kleines Museum Gewidmet der Geschichte von N’Goussa, der Oase, dem Wasser und dem Wissen der Sahara. Vor allem aber einer außergewöhnlichen Landschaft mit reicher Geschichte und starker berberischer Identität. Ihre Sprache, ihre Musik und das Taggangusit haben die Jahrhunderte und die Wellen der Nomadisierung überdauert und bilden bis heute ihre einzigartige Seele. Eine Sortier- und Kompostierungsstation Im Einklang mit unserem Engagement für den Umweltschutz werden hier organische Abfälle des Komplexes – Schalen, Pflanzenreste und Blätter – zu Kompost verarbeitet, der anschließend den Obstgärten zugutekommt. Warum ist dieses Projekt innovativ? Weil es Menschen zusammenbringt. Hier arbeitet der Kunsthandwerker Seite an Seite mit dem Landwirt. Besucher genießen Früchte, die nur wenige Meter vom Baum entfernt verarbeitet wurden. Künstler erschaffen ihre Werke im Blickfeld eines Viehzüchters. Das Museum erzählt die Geschichte der Erde – und die Erde nährt das Museum. Dieses Lebensmodell strebt nicht nach maximalem kurzfristigem Gewinn, sondern nach dauerhaftem Reichtum: ökologisch, kulturell und sozial. Hier beginnt alles – mit einem Traum. Mit dem Willen zu beweisen, dass auch die Sahara ihre Zukunft neu erfinden kann, indem sie sich den Herausforderungen der Trockenheit anpasst. Im Herzen dieser großen Geschichte, die sich im Sand schreiben wird. Verdi Agro wird dieses Projekt wie einen Samen tragen. Es liegt an uns, ihn wachsen zu lassen. Lina