Algerian Minister of Labour, Employment, and Social Security, Abdelhak Saihi, declared that bolstering care for farmers and increasing their social security enrollment is a national priority. The Minister made the statement during a meeting held at the Ministry's headquarters, which he personally chaired. The meeting focused on evaluating farmer-centric measures, following up on social coverage programs, and strengthening integration into the social protection system using digital and field solutions. Specifically, the discussions addressed measures to expand farmer enrollment and their utilization of digital services such as 'Hamayati 5.0' and 'Hamayati +'. This initiative is part of the state's broader direction towards consolidating social justice and supporting food security.
Digital Transformation of Social Security
Minister of Labour, Employment, and Social Security, Abdelhak Saihi, stressed the necessity of transitioning from traditional methods to an integrated digital and field approach. This new approach aims to enhance efficiency, speed, and simplify procedures for social protection services. He emphasized that this transition is key for modernizing the delivery of social security benefits. Directives from the Ministry included reinforcing the role of "assistant" agents stationed at agricultural chambers to facilitate farmers' access to digital services. These agents are tasked with providing direct support and guidance, ensuring that farmers can effectively navigate and utilize the new digital platforms. Mr. Saihi further emphasized the importance of continuing the field efforts by the National Social Security Fund for Non-Salaried Workers (CNAS) to expand membership among farmers. These efforts are intended to strengthen a fair and sustainable social protection system, built upon principles of digitization, simplification, and efficiency in service delivery for all agricultural workers.
Expanding Farmer Coverage
The meeting reviewed the activities of the National Social Security Fund for Non-Workers (CNAS), focusing on strategies to enhance social protection for farmers. An awareness campaign commenced on May 3, 2026, targeting various wilayas across the country to promote social security enrollment and broaden coverage for agricultural workers. This extensive campaign aims to reach a wide audience, ensuring that farmers are fully informed about the benefits and processes of social security. Officials issued directives to establish permanent social and professional support for farmers, implemented through a flexible system designed to accommodate the specific characteristics of agricultural activity. This flexible system acknowledges the unique challenges and seasonal nature of agricultural work, providing tailored support. Additionally, there was a call to intensify fieldwork through increased visits and meetings, conducted in close coordination with local agricultural chambers, to facilitate farmer integration into these schemes. These intensified efforts are designed to build trust and provide direct assistance to farmers in rural and remote areas.
Strategic Goals and Monitoring
Officials noted the necessity of establishing a precise phased evaluation system. This system is intended to monitor the implementation and impact of the ongoing campaign to enhance social protection for farmers. The evaluation mechanism will allow for continuous assessment of progress and effectiveness as digital services and field efforts are rolled out. This monitoring is key for ensuring that the initiatives meet their objectives of boosting farmer social protection and contributing to food security. The system will track key indicators related to farmer enrollment, utilization of digital platforms, and the overall reach of social security services within the agricultural sector. This systematic approach ensures accountability and allows for adjustments to be made to optimize the program's success and reach.
Minister's Vision for Farmers
The initiatives to bolster social protection for farmers align with the Algerian state's broader direction, according to officials. This strategic alignment aims to consolidate social justice and reinforce national food security. The integration of digital services and expanded social coverage for agricultural workers is seen as a key step in supporting the sector. This approach seeks to ensure farmers receive necessary social benefits, thereby contributing to the stability of the agricultural workforce and output. The state views these efforts as integral to its commitment to equitable development and sustainable food production across Algeria, ensuring that those who work the land are adequately protected and supported.
