CAMEL GELATIN PRODUCTION IN ALGERIA: FROM BIOLOGICAL POTENTIAL TO INSTITUTIONAL AND ECONOMIC CONSTRAINTS

Abstract

Gelatin is a strategic material for food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and biotechnology industries. Despite substantial camel resources, Algeria remains dependent on gelatin imports, causing significant hard currency drainage. This study analyzes the potential for valorizing camel slaughter by-products for gelatin extraction and identifies constraints hindering establishment of a sustainable national production project. Official data from the Ministry of Trade and Export Promotion revealed that Algeria's gelatin imports in 2021 reached 1.26 million $ (6,057 tons), while exports represented only 1% of trade. Primary demand concentrated in food industries (>1,000 tons annually), pharmaceutical sectors (60 tons), and electronics. Camel meat production in 2021 generated approximately 22,500 tons of bones annually, theoretically enabling production of 5,175 tons of gelatin at 22% extraction rate, alongside 794 tons of hides nationally. Critical constraints preventing project implementation include absence of proper collection and preservation protocols, lack of cold chain infrastructure, inadequate sanitary quality controls, and minimal coordination among value chain stakeholders. A comprehensive national strategy integrating industrial security and bioeconomy principles is required, with coordinated involvement of Agriculture, Industry, and Higher Education ministries, supported by pilot projects to transform biological potential into sustainable economic development in arid regions.