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– A typology of citrus farming systems in the oasis of al-ʿUlā, Saudi Arabia: implications for agroecological transition [temporary title]
– Maxime de Saint Roman, Léo Marty, Jeanne Bouvard, B. Bachès, M. Bachès, Emmanuel Bloquel, Vincent Battesti, Yann Froelicher, Laurent Julhia (in provisional rank)
This article is led by Maxime de Saint Roman and Léo Marty and brings together two research projects focused on the same oasis: al-ʿUlā AS and High Value Citrus for al-ʿUlā.
– Abstract:
Climate change and increasing pressure on water resources challenge the sustainability of citrus production in arid regions. Oasis agroecosystems have historically addressed environmental constraints through social organization, crop diversification, water management, and complementary forms of production. However, agricultural modernization and market-oriented development have transformed oasis regions, including al-ʿUlā (Saudi Arabia), reshaping resource management, labor organization, and the circulation of agricultural knowledge. We hypothesized that the diversity of citrus farming systems reflects adaptation strategies to environmental constraints, resource availability, and market opportunities, together with distinct knowledge systems and historical trajectories.
We conducted in situ semi-structured interviews and ethnographic observations on 38 farms purposively selected to capture variation in social group affiliations, establishment periods, and citrus planting configurations (under date palms, in monoculture, or both). Data covered farm organization, citrus management practices, commercialization strategies, knowledge sources, and sociotechnical characteristics. Multiple correspondence analysis followed by hierarchical clustering on principal components established a typology of citrus farming systems.
Four types were identified. Two clusters represent diversified oasis systems with citrus cultivated under date palms for social functions through gift exchange or emerging tourism-related purposes. Two monoculture clusters established through agricultural modernization differ in technical investment and fruit commercialization. Across these systems, agronomic practices are shaped by hybrid knowledge configurations combining expertise inherited within Sedentary families, experiential learning among Bedouin farmers, and technical knowledge contributed by foreign agricultural workers and advisers. These configurations shape management decisions and farming trajectories.
This first typology of citrus farming systems in al-ʿUlā shows how sociotechnical analysis can identify differentiated pathways toward agroecological transition in oasis environments. Rather than successive stages along a modernization gradient, the systems reflect distinct configurations of social organization, knowledge, agronomic practices, and economic objectives. Transition pathways could combine crop diversity and multifunctionality in diversified oasis systems with selected technical practices from specialized farms.
– Article to be submitted in autumn 2026.