Algeria
Total IDRC Support
34 activities worth CAD4.7 million since 1974
Our support is helping
- bring telemedicine to remote regions of Algeria
- build local ecohealth research capacity
- cope with climate change impacts on the health and livelihoods of the poor
- develop an ecohealth methodology to control diseases stimulated by climate change
- develop better governance of the Algerian steppe to improve inhabitants’ socioeconomic conditions
- promote policies to protect minorities like the Kurdish and Amazigh communities, who represent 50 million people in the region
Our efforts in Algeria between 1974 and the early 1990s focused on improving agriculture and education, and building up information technology. After a decade-long absence from the country because of civil unrest, in 2002 we set out to re-establish relations with Algerian researchers. An important first step was to restore support for increased research capacity.
Several workshops introduced key skills to Algerian specialists in economics, agriculture, forestry, and water management. Workshops focused on incorporating communities’ research needs, and addressing the differing requirements of men and women.
Health services in the desert
In 2005, we resumed our research support in Algeria through grants to improve health care in remote areas. Our support helped develop software and a computer-based
platform to connect two hospitals in the capital of Algiers with two remote hospitals in southern Algeria.
The experiment helped rural doctors upgrade their skills in pediatric care. The trial’s positive results prompted Algeria’s Ministry of Health and Population to develop a strategy and plan of action for e-health services in the country.
Quality science journalism
Since 2006, we’ve supported science journalists in Algeria and other African countries. Our focus on quality science journalism aims to encourage informed debate and evidence-based policy-making on key development challenges.
With IDRC support, the World Federation of Science Journalists is honing journalists’ ability to report on health, environment, and agriculture. Algerian graduates of an extensive training and peer-mentoring program have created new television and radio programs, and are contributing articles to international science and development media.
Their investigative reporting has already influenced policymakers. For example, a story documenting the disuse of a traditional water management system led the Algerian government to promote the revival of this technology.