Cultivating Aloe Vera: An Economic and Environmental Asset in a Changing Climate

Authors

  • Saib Ibtissem University of Abou Bekr Belkaid, Tlemcen, Algeria
  • Zeggai Houaria University of Abou Bekr Belkaid, Tlemcen, Algeria
  • Abdelmalek Nihad University of Abou Bekr Belkaid, Tlemcen, Algeria
  • Azzi Rachid University of Abou Bekr Belkaid, Tlemcen, Algeria
  • Nehar Benameur University of Abou Bekr Belkaid, Tlemcen, Algeria

Abstract

Aloe vera, a member of the Asphodelaceae family, is predominantly used for medicinal, pharmaceutical and cosmetic purposes, but its cultivation is now threatened by climate change. As global demand for this “green gold” keeps growing, extreme heat, unpredictable rainfall, and soil degradation threaten its sustainable expansion. This study examines the impact of climate change on Aloe vera production, while also evaluating its industrial consequences and exploring sustainable solutions. Aloe vera production is dominated by Mexico, which is the largest producer, and together with other major producers in the Americas, accounts for approximately 81% of the world's supply due to favorable climatic conditions. While nations such as India and China battle heat waves and unseasonal monsoons that reduce yield and quality of gel. The U.S. and Canada also rely on greenhouse technology to protect production from climate risk. Whereas Algeria, where this plant is known for its traditional use, shows potential as an untapped climate-resilient desert farming. As climate change triggers droughts and temperature fluctuations, the bioactive compounds are reduced in the Aloe vera resulting in altering the global supply chain that will affect pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The market analysis indicates an increasing demand, with the Aloe vera extract industry estimated at $2.99 billion by 2031. However, there are economic dangers associated with growing costs and unstable production. For these challenges, this study proposes sustainable alternatives like drought-resistant Aloe vera varieties, greenhouse farming, and advanced irrigation systems. Additionally, Algeria could use its vast desert regions to develop a climate-resilient Aloe vera industry.

Keywords: Algeria, Aloe vera, climate change, drought resistance, desert agriculture, greenhouse farming, sustainable solutions.

Author Biographies

Saib Ibtissem, University of Abou Bekr Belkaid, Tlemcen, Algeria

Saib Ibtissem is affiliated with the Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Life, Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Tlemcen, Algeria. She is a Master’s student in Applied Biochemistry at University of Tlemcen, Algeria – Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Department of Biology. Her current research focuses on medicinal plants, with particular emphasis on the biochemical characterization of Aloe vera and the impact of climate variability on its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Her work explores how environmental stress influences the stability of bioactive compounds, with the aim of contributing to sustainable industrial applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industry.

Zeggai Houaria, University of Abou Bekr Belkaid, Tlemcen, Algeria

Zeggai Houaria is affiliated with the Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Life, Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Tlemcen, Algeria. She is a Master’s student in Applied Biochemistry at the University of Tlemcen, Algeria – Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Department of Biology. Her research is centered on medicinal plants, with a focus on Aloe vera. She investigates how climate variability influences its biochemical composition, particularly its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Through this work, she aims to contribute to the sustainable development of Aloe vera applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors.

Abdelmalek Nihad, University of Abou Bekr Belkaid, Tlemcen, Algeria

Abdelmalek Nihad is affiliated with the Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Life, Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Tlemcen, Algeria. She is a Master’s student in Applied Biochemistry at the University of Tlemcen, Algeria – Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Department of Biology. Her research explores the resilience of medicinal plants under environmental stress, with a specific focus on how climate variability alters the phytochemical profile and bioactivity of Aloe vera gel. She aims to contribute to developing sustainable sourcing strategies for the plant's valuable compounds in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Azzi Rachid, University of Abou Bekr Belkaid, Tlemcen, Algeria

Azzi Rachid is affiliated with Laboratory of Antibiotics Antifungal Laboratory, Physical- Chemistry, Synthesis and Biological Activity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Life, Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Tlemcen, Algeria. He is a holder of a Doctorate in Biochemistry, he conducts his research in the field of medical biochemistry and medicinal plants, with a particular interest in bioactive molecules and their therapeutic applications. Currently Professor and Teacher-Researcher in biology, Biochemistry option, at University of Tlemcen. He leads Team 4 of Laboratory, which focuses on research into the biological activity of local flora. His scientific interests encompass biochemistry and medical biochemistry, with a particular focus on medicinal plants and bioactive molecules. His work is part of an interdisciplinary approach that combines chemical, biological, and pharmaceutical aspects to evaluate the therapeutic potential of natural compounds.

Nehar Benameur, University of Abou Bekr Belkaid, Tlemcen, Algeria

Nehar Benameur is affiliated with the Laboratory of Functional Agroecosystems and Agronomic Sector Technologies, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Life, Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Tlemcen, Algeria. Associate professor actively involved in international research collaborations, including The Global environmental exchange program in partnership with East Carolina University (USA). His work focuses on environmental management and biological studies of water systems, with ongoing interests in aquatic ecosystems, database integration, and sustainable environmental practices SDGs. Over 14 years of experience with companies, universities in teaching and researching topics related to natural resources, ecology, green skills, sustainability, and renewable energy. His mission is to educate the next generation on environmental sustainability and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to build a more sustainable future.

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Published

2026-02-24

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2026): Proceedings from the 9th Global Issues Conference

Section

Global Issues Conference Proceedings

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