During this reporting period, wheat and other winter crops reached maturity and were harvested in May. The second season for melons and vegetables, cultivated predominantly in the western and central of Algeria, reached its peak growth period in March and April, with harvesting commenced in May and June. The process of preparing the land and conducting late-season planting for potatoes, artichokes, and cauliflowers in Mostaganem and Relizane was slated to commence toward the end of the monitoring period.

Algeria experienced warmer-than-usual weather (TEMP +1.2ºC]. The country received an average rainfall of 118 mm, which is 13% below the 15-year average from April to July. Drought conditions had already prevailed during the previous monitoring period. Radiation was 1% below 15YA. Significant below-average rainfall, in combination with the above-average temperatures, resulted in a 4% reduction in potential biomass. 

NDVI profiles show that the crop conditions were far below average starting in April to mid-May and reached a close-to-average level by the end of June. The spatial distribution of NDVI departure from 5YA  showed average crop conditions for the north of Algeria, while the other regions presented continuously below-average conditions. Accordingly, the VCIx map also presented lower values. At the national level, VCIx was 0.49. CALF was 48% below the 5YA, Indicating severe overall effects of the drought.

The crop production index of Algeria is 0.60, which is the lowest value during the last 10 years.  Hence, the rainfall deficit caused poor crop conditions in Algeria.

Figure.1 Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure.2 Time series rainfall profile

Figure.3 Time series temperature profile

Figure.4 Cropped and uncropped arable land

Figure.5 Potential biomass departure from 5YA

Figure.6 Maximum VCI

Figure.7 Spatial distribution of NDVI profiles

Figure.8 VHI minimum

Figure.9 CPI series for Algeria

Table 3.20 Algeria’s agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season’s values and departure from 15YA, April to july 2023

Table 3.21 Algeria’s agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season’s values and departure from 5YA, April to july 2023