Diversify or specialize? Household livestock strategies along an oasis urbanization gradient in southeastern Algeria

Abstract Family livestock farming is an important component of livelihoods in many arid regions, where it contributes to food security and the diversification of household income. In the Saharan region of Ouargla (Algeria), socio-economic changes and increasing urbanization are gradually altering agricultural production systems. However, family livestock farming remains a common activity among households, including in urban areas such as the Ksar Ouargla. This study analyses the diversification of family livestock farming systems and their contribution to household income along a rural–urban gradient. Data were collected from 240 livestock-rearing households spread across four areas: Sidi Khouiled, Ngoussa, Rouissat and the Ksar Ouargla. Livestock diversification was measured using Simpson’s index, and economic determinants were analyzed using linear regression models. The results show that the average livestock diversification index is 0.46, with higher levels in rural areas. Herd size has a significant positive effect on livestock income (p < 0.001), while livestock diversification has a significant negative effect (p < 0.01). Family livestock farming also persists in urban areas, despite spatial constraints. These results highlight the existence of a trade-off between diversification for risk management and specialization for economic performance in family livestock systems in arid regions. The present work thus contributes to a better understanding of the role of family livestock farming in the livelihood strategies of households in Saharan regions and highlights the dynamics of transformation in livestock systems along the rural–urban gradient.