Contribution of Palm Grove Ecosystem Services in the Establishment and Sustainability of Rural Settlements Threatened by Spatial and Social Transformations in Adrar Province, Algeria

This research focuses on the relationship between inhabitants and their environment in the extreme conditions of the desert, and the ways in which the community has organized itself for centuries to confront its weaknesses in the Adrar region. We have relied on participatory observation, and on knowledge in the human sciences and economics to highlight the diverse ecosystem services and goods provided by the palm grove and the lengthy list of its beneficiaries. Our work has also sought to go into the details of the Ksourian society, marked by a mutual solidarity that symbolizes the Ksourian identity, rarely found in such conditions anywhere other than in authentic ancient societies. Finally, we have presented a brief description of some aspects of the housing programmes that the state has implemented in order to improve the well-being of the population and its quality of life in terms of rural housing and the promotion of agricultural activity.