Day: 25 October 2023

NATAE (Fostering agroecology transition in North Africa through multi-actor, evaluation, and networking) is an awarded project under the Horizon Europe programme. Set in motion in December 2022, NATAE will run for the next three years with aim to foster the adoption of science-based, locallytailored and co-designed agroecology strategies in North Africa. This is planned by creating a comprehensive and quantitative baseline on agroecology, providing a shared understanding, multidimensional performance measures, and analyses of agroecology potential for meeting consumers demand on the market. Coordinated by CIHEAM Montpellier, NATAE gathers 22 partners including research and education institutions from around the Mediterranean, international organizations, specialized NGOs and local associations with the participation of the private sector1 […]

Description of the work package and tasks
Under NATAE’s Work Package 4, a Living-Lab is set up in Egypt in the area of Luxor in order to identify
and evaluate, through a multi-actor participatory approach, the most suitable AE strategies for various
farming systems. Using the framework developed in WP1 and methodology defined in WP2 and WP3,
WP4 will identify most promising combinations of AEP and AE strategies, in representative farming
systems in Luxor, through an interactive multi-actor approach.

The Living-Lab will gather actors from a range of complementary profiles and perspectives on
agroecological transition, including farmers, farm household members, industries, administrations,
NGOs, consumer organisations, research institutions and local advisory services. The governance of
the Living Lab will include a Representative Board consisting of 8-12 people who represent the
diversity of actors in the Living-Lab, and a number of stakeholder groups, as locally relevant.
Under WP4, an entity (hereinafter ‘Service provider’) specialized in multi-actor group organization
and moderation, with focus on North Africa, is needed to implement and monitor the Living-Lab in
Luxor and to join efforts with the WP leader (Wageningen University) and project coordinator (CIHEAMIAMM).

Deadline for submission: the 15th. November 2023 at 12 pm (Paris time)

Proposals should be submitted in English by email with the subject “NATAE Living-Lab Egypt.

Proposal” addressed to:
Hatem BELHOUCHETTE, NATAE Scientific Member: belhouchette@iamm.fr
Georgios KLEFTODIMOS, NATAE Scientific Member: kleftodimos@iamm.fr

🔎  Here is the Term of reference.

On the 5^th of October, researchers, representative board members, farmers and representative of ICARDA gathered for the Living Lab launch in the peri-urban area of Meknes, in the valley of the river Ouislane. In this area farmers cultivate vegetables supplemented by tree crop cultivation and livestock rearing.

The launch meeting took place on a local farm offering outdoor environmental education activities for children and their families. Participants were welcomed with tea and breakfast and some opening words by professors of ENA and the regional representative of the National Agricultural Counsel Office (ONCA). He is engaged in the Association Nord de Plaisance (ANDPE), a local environmental organization, and emphasized the value of protecting the agricultural use in the valley.

The group headed out for a transect walk through farmer fields distributed along the river. The experience of the transect walk was appreciated by the farmers and it was considered very useful since it gave them an overall idea of what is happening in their valley rather than focusing on each one plots. Interactions evolved around the maintenance of available water sources and irrigation channels, the biological regulation of weeds and pests but also the usage of spontaneous vegetation in local dishes.

After the transect walk the participants gathered at the local agritourist farm below pavilions constructed using locally sourced reed sticks, a plant which grows vividly along the river. Sheltered from the hot sun, participants reflected on the observations made during the transect walk and discussed opportunities for action in the area. The participants showed interest in experimenting with crop association and agroforestry arrangements, organic fertilization with composts, and efficient water use techniques. A closer organization of farmers and developing touristic and culinary activities was also discussed. The meeting ended with a shared lunch and the exchange of ideas and contacts under the shadow.

Pictures from the Living Lab Launch in Ouislane, Meknès