Conflict and Coexistence between Urban Agriculture and Urban Expansion: The Case of N'Gaous City, Northeast Algeria (1966–2024)

Abstract

Urban Agriculture (UA) has recently attracted growing attention from researchers and policymakers as a strategic component of sustainable urban planning and food systems [1, 2]. This research explores the complex dynamics of coexistence and conflict between urban expansion and agricultural practices in the city of N'Gaous (northeast Algeria)—a small city characterized by urban agricultural pockets deeply interwoven with the urban fabric, which has experienced significant spatial growth and demographic pressure between 1966 and 2024 [3, 4]. Using a mixed methodology combining quantitative spatial analysis (Land Use/Land Cover classification—LULC, and AHP-GIS multi-criteria decision-making model) with qualitative field verification (interviews and participatory mapping), the study aimed to identify and assess areas prone to conflict or coexistence between these two land uses. Findings reveal that N'Gaous lost approximately 239.4 hectares of agricultural land (37%) between 1966 and 2024, driven primarily by demographic growth and urban expansion. The AHP-GIS model (weights: building density 25%, population density 20%) identified three main zones: high-conflict zones (23%), moderate coexistence zones (41%), and high-compatibility zones (36%). Field verification confirmed the model's accuracy. The study also reveals that the continuity of urban agriculture in N'Gaous is linked to the resilience of adaptive farming practices and a shift towards high-value crops. These findings offer a robust methodological framework for decision-makers in small and medium-sized Algerian cities facing similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of recognizing urban agriculture as an essential component of urban resilience and food security [8, 9]. The study contributes to current literature on peri-urban transitions in North Africa and offers methodologically applicable insights for similar contexts.