Abstract
This article provides a critical analysis of the transformations generated by digitalization in the contemporary Algerian food system. Based on contributions to the symposium "Digital and Food Practices" organized by the Social Sciences and Health Research Unit (GRAS) of the University of Oran 2 (Algeria) in January 2026, it reconstructs and analyzes the debates around four main themes: digitalization and representations of food; digital food environments and consumption practices; health, nutrition, and algorithmic mediation; and agricultural digitalization and territorial disparities. The article offers a thematic and critical read of the analogies, contradictions and complementarities among the various approaches discussed at this academic forum. It implies that the notion of digitalization is not limited to the pure range of technological evolution. In contrast, it is a notion of socio-technical transformation of markets, customers, cultures, public health, agriculture, etc. Digital technology has opened up fresh avenues of innovation, connectivity and economic modernization, but also brought new inequalities, increased algorithmic power and technological dependency. The case of Algeria exemplifies the way global digital transformations are appropriated and negotiated locally in an emerging economy marked by fast digital adoption and profound socio-economic inequalities.
Date Received
February 7, 2026
Date Revised
October 1, 2026
Date Accepted
October 5, 2026
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Chikhi, Kamel
(2024)
"Digital Transformation of Food Systems in Algeria: Challenges, Opportunities and Managerial Implications,"
Markets, Globalization & Development Review:
Vol. 11:
No.
1, Article 5.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/mgdr/vol11/iss1/5
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Author Bio
Kamel Chikhi is a full professor of management science at the Higher School of Management in Tlemcen, Algeria, where he is also the research director and head of the Master's program in agri-food marketing. He is also an associate researcher at the Social Sciences and Health Research Unit (GRAS) at the University of Oran 2 (Algeria). His research focuses on consumer behavior and attitudes toward management and marketing practices, with particular attention to emerging trends, evolving consumption patterns, and strategic decision-making in the agri-food sector. His work explores the interactions between marketing, management, and food systems, both locally and globally. He has published numerous books and articles in national and international academic journals and regularly contributes to the mainstream press, thus helping to bridge the gap between academic research and public debate.