Governance of Cyber and Environmental Risks in Algerian Food Security

Abstract

Algeria faces a multifaceted challenge in securing its national food system, situated at the intersection of environmental stressors and emerging cyber threats. Traditionally, food security assessments have focused primarily on production and consumption dynamics; however, contemporary risks extend beyond physical resources to encompass digital vulnerabilities and governance complexities. This study explores how environmental pressures, including water scarcity, climate variability, and desertification, interact with cybersecurity threats targeting critical agricultural and logistical infrastructures, forming a compound risk environment. By adopting an integrated risk governance framework, this research examines the readiness of Algeria’s food systems to absorb shocks, maintain operational continuity, and ensure sustainable access to safe and nutritious food for its population. The study employs a descriptive analytical approach, drawing on national production statistics, supply chain analyses, and regulatory frameworks, to illustrate the interdependencies between environmental and cyber dimensions. The findings highlight critical gaps in digital resilience, institutional coordination, and strategic integration, revealing that existing policies inadequately address the intersection of technological, ecological, and geopolitical vulnerabilities. Ultimately, this research argues for a proactive governance model that aligns environmental adaptation strategies with cybersecurity measures, strengthening both physical and digital sovereignty over agricultural resources. By framing food security through a lens of complex risk interaction, this study provides actionable insights for policymakers, demonstrating how integrated governance mechanisms can enhance Algeria’s capacity to anticipate, mitigate, and respond to simultaneous environmental and cyber threats, thereby safeguarding national resilience and long-term food stability.