This space is dedicated to share video testimonials of different participants in the project.
Ms. Mélanie Requier Desjardins is the Scientific Coordinator of the NATAE Project at CIHEAM-IAMM, UMR SENS, in Montpellier. She leads research and coordination efforts focused on agroecology, sustainability, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, driving innovative approaches to support the agroecological transition in North Africa.
Mr. Aimable Twagirayezu is a representative of the Pan-African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO) from Rwanda. He actively advocates for farmers’ interests, promotes sustainable agricultural practices, and fosters collaboration to strengthen agroecological transitions and food systems across Africa.
Mr. Hédi Chebili is a senior representative of the Directorate General of Environment and Quality of Life at the Ministry of Environment in Tunisia. He plays a key role in shaping and implementing national environmental policies, promoting sustainable development, and supporting initiatives that enhance ecological quality and resilience across the country.
Professor Assane Soumare is a former professor at the University of Nouakchott and former Minister of Fisheries of Mauritania. With a distinguished career in academia and public service, he has contributed significantly to advancing research, policy, and sustainable management of natural resources in the region.
Mr. Amin Ben Abdallah is a certified organic farmer with over twenty years of experience in agroecology in Tunisia and serves as co-animator of the Tunisian Agroecological Transition Network.
Professor Mohamed Mefti is a lecturer at the Higher National Agronomic School in Algiers, specializing in plant production, agroecology, and sustainable agriculture, with active involvement in regional research and innovation initiatives. Mr. Mahnane Said is a committed farmer from Sétif, Algeria, contributing valuable field experience to sustainable agriculture and local agroecological initiatives.
Tunisian farmer Adnane Traber, from the Siliana region, shares his journey of over 20 years practicing conservation agriculture, with a focus on direct seeding. He explains how he moved away from conventional farming methods that caused soil erosion and degradation, and adopted more sustainable techniques that work in harmony with nature and help retain water, a scarce resource in his region.
Meet J. Bitri from Tebourba, Tunisia, the creator of L’irédium, a 6.5-hectare regenerative farm. After inheriting old olive trees, J. and his brothers decided to preserve them while diversifying the farm with vegetables, livestock, and sustainable practices rooted in permaculture.
Cheik Sidya is the Neural Development Focal Point for the GTER and P7 groups based in the southern region of Nouakchott, Mauritania. He plays a key role in coordinating agroecological initiatives within the PK17 Living Lab, supporting sustainable farming practices, market access, and policy engagement.
Christos Galanis, a PhD student from CIHEAM-IAMM working within Luxor Living Lab, is working in the characterization of production systems and agricultural activities in the area of the Luxor LL, Egypt.
Seyhan Cagiran, a PhD student from CIHEAM-IAMM working within Laghouat Living Lab, is involved at the Assessment of farmers’ adoption process on the transition to agroecology in North African countries (Algeria and Tunisia).
Lilia Benzerara, a PhD student from CIHEAM-IAMM working within Tizi-Ouzou and Laghouat Living Lab, is participating in the project involving the Social acceptance of ecological practices in Algeria.
Marilena Reinhard-Kolempas, a PhD student from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) working in several Living Labs (WP4), is involved in fostering agro-ecological transition in North Africa through multi-actor design, evaluation and networking (focus on Mountain ecosystems in Morocco).
Fatima Belhadj, head of the phytosanitary inspection office and head of the rural women’s unit at the Directorate of Agricultural Services (DSA) of Laghouat, presents the major challenges that the living lab must face for agriculture, and how the DSA can support the agroecological transition in the territory.
Moulai Moulai, farmer and expert in phoeniciculture, shares with us the methods of optimal management of water resources in the living lab of Laghouat, in an oasis environment. In this desert environment marked by irregularity and low rainfall, water is the main limiting factor to agriculture.
Fatiha, a farmer from the replicant lab in Tizi-ouzou, talking about the agroecological practices she adopts: adoption of local seeds, intercropping, etc. She also talked about how agroecology has improved household income and living conditions.
Ghania, a farmer from the replicant lab in Tizi-Ouzou, talks about passing on and sharing agroecological practices.
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