Participation of NATAE in scientific day

NATAE in scientific day, december, 22th, 2025

During the kick-off of projects funded by IRESA and under the title of « strengthening durum wheat resilience: agroecological practices and smart tool-assisted irrigation”, INAT was at rendezvous in the “regional research centre for field crops of Béja”, (CRRGCB) during December 22th 2025.

In the context, of “improving the resistance of durum wheat to biotic and abiotic stresses through the adoption of climate-resilient agroecological practices”, NATAE project has been presented, even the results of the 2024-2025 season concerning cereal plain of the Living Lab experience in the EL Krib region have also been reviewed.

Participatory workshop in replication Lab of Kebili region

Workshop in replication Lab of Kebili region (December 16th, 2025)

December 16th, 2025, INAT in partnership with INRGREF organised the first workshop for the promotion of replication Lab in Kebili oasis. A total of 38 participants were present including farmers, researchers and professionals. The day revolved around two Horizon Europe projects; NATAE and TRANS-SAHARA, using agroecology and agroforestry for a sustainble agriculture.

This event was also an opportunity to the farmers and stakeholders of the Kébili region to participate to a workshop dealing with the AE practices and their evaluation in the oasis system. At the end, discussions allowed to highlight the main of AEPs and to co-design significant and useful indicators that can be used to evaluate these AEPs in the oasis system.

Participatory workshop on scenarios

Participatory workshop on scenarios, december, 11th, 2025

Within the framework of NATAE living lab activities, the participatory workshop on scanarios was carried out on 11th december 2025 at URAP of ElKrib. A total of 35 participants were present including farmers, researchers and professionals. This activity has been organized by INAT and INGC, in coordination with WP2 and WP6 teams, as it is connected to the integrated modeling chain, which enables certain scenarios to be explored in greater detail using quantitative simulations.

This workshop was devided into 2 sessions. The first session was an opportunity to discuss future scenarios of two main issues : water and soil fertility, throught the building of causal maps and to assess expected changes through the adoption of agroecological practices (AEPs) at farm and living lab levels. The second session was dedicated to investigate, classify, and weight the factors influencing policy success to support the transition towards agroecology. Several topics were assessed mainly : water management, land legal status, training and capacity builiding in the field of sustainable agriculture, crops rotation and subsidies to support agroecological farming system.

The exchange of thoughts and ideas among stakeholders was very fruiful and brought to light a clear framework of the central issues, as well as a clear overview of the opportunities and barriers to fostering the implementation of agroecological practices.

 

TRAINING SESSIONS IN MOROCCO LIVING LABS

December 8th and 9th, 2025 | MOROCCO LIVING LABS

Within the framework of the NATAE project, the National School of Agriculture in Meknès (ENAM) in collaboration with ICARDA and the Atlas Association for Agroecology conducted an intensive training program for 20 participants from both the Skoura M’Daz and Aït Othmane Living Labs on December 8th and 9th, 2025. The program was designed as a progressive journey, beginning with comprehensive theoretical sessions to establish core agroecological concepts before transitioning into practical, field-based applications.

 

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The program featured four specialized training sessions:

• Training 1: Introduction to Agroecology: practices for soil, water, and biodiversity
preservation.
• Training 2: Organic Fertilization and Composting: Transforming crop debris into fertilizers.
• Training 3: Marketing and Commercialization of Agroecological Products.
• Training 4: Techniques for Plant Multiplication Under Greenhouses.

On December 8, 2025, at the Jenan Lalla Yamna demonstration farm selected as an in-situ platform to immerse participants in a sustainable ecosystem the program opened with two 3-hour sessions.

Pr. Ghizlane Echchgadda, a professor-researcher at ENA Meknès and leader of the Skoura Living Lab, and M. Abdelaziz Ngadi, an agronomic engineer and manager of the host farm, led the first session on Introduction to agroecology, focusing on soil fertility restoration, water conservation, and biodiversity. This was followed by a 3-hour training on Organic Fertilization and Composting conducted by M.Ngadi, which provided hands-on techniques for transforming crop debris into natural fertilizers. The day concluded with a field visit to the farm, allowing farmers to observe practical applications of various agroecological practices such as crop association and biomass recycling.

On December 9, 2025,the program moved to the National School of Agriculture in Meknès for a 2-hour session on the Marketing and Commercialization of Agroecological Products. During this session, Pr. Hajib El Kasmi from the rural economy department utilized the “Mix Marketing” (4 Ps) framework to teach participants how to transform the quality of agroecological harvests into a clear competitive advantage. The training focused on optimizing the product, choosing strategic distribution channels like direct farm sales, and using promotion tools such as social media platforms and word-of-mouth to reach clients.

Additionally, farmers were equipped with strategies for pricing and understanding labels (Bio, SPG) to ensure the economic viability and long-term sustainability of their farms. The training program concluded with a 3-hour practical session on Plant Multiplication under Greenhouses held at the application nursery, where manager M. Mounaim taught essential techniques for vegetative multiplication and nursery climate management.

By bridging the gap between theory and practice, this multi-stakeholder initiative significantly
strengthens the technical and organizational resilience of rural communities facing climate and socioeconomic challenges.

National workshop: November 06, 2025 (Stand for NATAE)

November 06, 2025 (Stand for NATAE)

In November 06th, IRESA organised, in collaboration of DGACTA and APIA and the support of GIZ and ICARDA through “Strengthening climate resilience through the governance of natural resources in Tunisia, (ReGnR) and “Soil matters: Innovations for soil health and agroecology” projects, a workshop day about “Research and private sector partnership: towards innovation and the promotion of sustainable water and soil management”.

NATAE was invited to participate to this event through a stand. During this event, INAT team shared with the participants the activities of the NATAE’s project focusing on the experience of living lab of El Krib at Siliana via an interactive stand exhibiting flyers and rollups.

The workshop offered an environment for promoting concrete collaboration between public institutions and private sector actors, with an emphasis on technological innovations addressed to the need of agroecology in Tunisia.

 

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS – Natae Research School 2025

December 18–20, 2025 | Errachidia, Morocco

The NATAE Research School 2025 invites PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and young professionals to take part in an intensive, hands-on research experience focused on agroecological transitions in the Mediterranean context. This event is part of the NATAE project, which connects researchers, institutions, and local actors across the Mediterranean to foster sustainable and resilient food systems.

Objectives of the Research School

Supervised by NATAE partners and senior experts in agronomy, socio-economics, ecology, and governance, the Research School will strengthen participants’ analytical and methodological capacities on agroecological transitions. It aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue among agronomy, economics, ecology, and social sciences, and to promote research grounded in territorial realities and open to local stakeholder collaboration.

Through lectures, workshops, and field visits in the oasis region of Errachidia (Morocco), participants will exchange with researchers and practitioners, analyze sustainable development dynamics, and contribute to collective reflection on agroecology in Mediterranean territories.

 

Practical details

When: December 18 to December 20, 2025
Where: Errachidia, Morocco
What is covered: Accommodation, local transport, and meals during participation in the school
What is not covered: International transport, personal expenses.

 

Eligibility criteria:

  • PhD candidates or postdoctoral researchers in fields related to agroecology, agronomy, economics, ecology, geography, anthropology, or political science;
  • Young professionals involved in action-research or agroecological transition projects;
  • Interest in sustainability and territorial development issues;
  • Fluency in English or French.

 

How to apply

Interested candidates must submit:

  • An up-to-date CV (max 2 pages)
  • A motivation letter explaining your interest in the Research School and your career goals
  • (Optional) A short summary of your research project (1 page)

Applications must be sent no later than November 9, 2025 (11:59 p.m.) by email to: rachid.harbouze@yahoo.fr, m.nassreddine@gmail.com, youssef.trifa@gmail.com

Email subject: “Application – NATAE Research School 2025 – Last Name First Name”

 

Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated based on relevance to the school’s themes, motivation, and commitment to territorial and interdisciplinary research. Successful applicants will be contacted by email by November 17, 2025.

 

Additional Information

Selected participants will have their stay in Errachidia covered. Logistical details (transport, accommodation, and on-site arrangements) will be provided later. For more information, contact: rachid.harbouze@yahoo.fr

We look forward to your applications!

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Restitution Meeting of the 2024-2025 season LL results

Restitution Meeting of the 2024-2025 season LL results

October 2, 2025, INAT

On October 2, 2025, INAT, in partnership with the INGC, organized a one-day presentation of the 2024-2025 season results obtained on the Cereal Plains Living Lab at El Krib.

Seventy-five participants, mainly farmers, extension agents from the CTV, the OEP, the DGACTA, and researchers, attended.

During this day, presentations of the NATAE project and the results of the combinations of agroecological practices (no-till and forage mixtures) were given. These presentations were followed by testimonials from four farmers who have implemented these practices. In-depth discussions with those present allowed for clarification of certain points and aspects of the practices. At the end of the session, activities for the 2025-2026 season were also reviewed, and the meeting was concluded with another final discussion with local farmers. This meeting was an opportunity to encourage the involvement of farmers in this process by developing discussions and exchanges of experiences and occasion for new farmers in the region to express their will to join these trials and test PAE combinations.

Twise Night: September 2025 (Stand for NATAE)

Twise Night: (Stand for NATAE)

September 26, 2025, INSAT

Last year the twise night was organized at Sousse and this year, INAT NATAE team was also present at the same rendezvous sharing with the audience of all ages the project activities with a focus on El Krib living lab at the corner dedicated to the EU project. This event was a great opportunity to expose the activity and NATAE experience with visitors via an interactive stand exhibiting flyers, rollups and video on LL.

This Tunisian second edition was organised by the Association of Scientific Research and Innovation in Computer Science (ARSII) in partnership with the association of “Research in Action” and the collaboration of four universities (Carthage, Sousse, Sfax and Monastir). The program was funded by the European Union in frame of Horizon Europe program, focusing on four axes: Health, technology, sustainable environment and societal science. The event was Held at INSAT “Institut National des Sciences Appliquées et de Technologie” in Tunis on Friday September 26, 2025 from 2pm to 11pm. 

Study Trip , Rabat, Living Lab Aït Otmane

Study Trip - Living Lab Aït Otmane

Marocco, Rabat, July 4, 2025

1. Background and Purpose:

As part of the NATAE project, the National School of Agriculture of Meknes organized, in collaboration with the Network of Agroecological Initiatives in Morocco, on July 4, 2025, a study trip to Rabat for the benefit of the farmers of the Living Lab Aït Otmane. This initiative is part of a participatory approach aimed at strengthening farmers’ capacities and promoting the transfer of knowledge in agroecology. The main objective of this outing was to promote the exchange of experiences between the participants and to allow them to discover innovative agroecological practices, in particular through meetings with experts, pioneer farmers and visits to exemplary agricultural sites. This trip also stimulated collective reflection on sustainable alternatives to conventional agricultural practices, in line with current climate and environmental challenges.

2. Location of the visit:

Farm visited: organic farm located in El Arejat GPS coordinates: 34°00’47.7″N, 6°38’48.2″W

3. Programme of activities

Activity 1: Welcome and initial exchanges

The day began with a welcome and presentation session, during which each participant had the opportunity to introduce themselves and explain their agricultural experience, thus promoting a first rich exchange between the farmers of the Aït Otmane Living Lab and the hosts of the farm visited. These presentations helped to create a climate of trust, conducive to the exchange of know-how and the sharing of agricultural practices. This first step laid the foundations for an open and constructive dialogue throughout the day.

Activity 2: Presentation of the agroecological experience
  • Farm history

The farm visited represents a concrete example of a successful transition to agroecology. The adoption of agroecological practices began in 2006, on a modest area of about 1000 m². As early as 2007, agricultural production was launched, marking the beginning of a cropping system based on ecological principles, including organic fertilization, crop associations and the integration of livestock and beekeeping. The farm has also begun the direct marketing of its products, mainly in central Rabat, thus contributing to the dissemination of products from sustainable agriculture.

Exchange on major challenges

An open exchange was organized between the farmers of the Living Lab Aït Otmane and the managers of the host farm. This exchange highlighted several major challenges faced by farmers engaged in agroecology:

Lack of specific training: Many farmers point to the lack of programmes adapted to agroecology, thus limiting their ability to improve or diversify their practices.

Difficulties in accessing the market: the valorization of agroecological products remains a challenge, in particular due to the lack of alternative distribution channels and competition with conventional products.

Need for technical support: producers express an increased need for supervision, particularly in soil fertility management, ecological pest control and production organization.

This offers participants the opportunity to share their experiences, to identify with the challenges encountered and to think together about sustainable solutions that are appropriate to the local context.

Activity 3: Guided tour of the farm

The third activity of the day consisted of a detailed guided tour of the host farm, which gave participants the opportunity to explore a variety of agroecological agricultural practices applied on site. This visit was a crucial moment to see in a tangible way the implementation of sustainable principles in the agricultural field.

Key practices observed included:

Integrated agroecology: the farm applies a variety of agricultural techniques that respect the environment and are adapted to local contexts.

Agroforestry: judicious combination of trees, crops and sometimes livestock on the same plot, promoting biodiversity and the resilience of production systems.

Permaculture: development of agricultural land according to the principles of sustainability, efficiency and positive interaction between the elements of the system.

Crop rotation and association: implementation of regular crop rotation and crop associations in strips of 6 to 7 metres, in order to prevent diseases, improve soil fertility and optimise space.

Varied market gardening: the farm develops a great cultural diversity, especially in seasonal vegetables.

Beekeeping: The presence of beehives promotes natural pollination and strengthens the surrounding ecosystems.

Livestock: integrated into the production system, livestock contributes to soil fertilization.

Organic fertilization: use of manure produced on site, ensuring natural enrichment of the soil.

Manual weeding: the use of mechanical and manual methods to limit the use of chemicals.

Sustainable irrigation system: use of drip irrigation powered by a solar pump, with water storage in a basin, guaranteeing efficient and economical management of the resource.

The farm sells directly at home, with a regular clientele of between 40 and 60 families, making it possible to strengthen the producer-consumer link, to reduce intermediaries and to promote fresh and local products.

Activity 4: Discussion on the SPG Certification System – RIAM
  • Presentation of the Participatory Guarantee Scheme (GSP) – RIAM
  • GSP requirements
  • GSP benefits for small-scale producers
  • Procedure for obtaining SPG certification

Exchange day Living Lab of Skoura

Exchange day Living Lab of Skoura

Marocco, July 17, 2025

1. Background and Objective:

As part of the NATAE project, the National School of Agriculture of Meknes in collaboration with the Network of Agroecological Initiatives in Morocco organized, on July 17, 2025, a day of exchange between the farmers of the Living Lab of Skoura on the theme of agroecology. This initiative is a participatory approach aimed at strengthening farmers’ knowledge and promoting collective learning about agroecological practices. The main objective of the meeting was to provide a space for farmers to share their experiences and local knowledge, while addressing the challenges encountered on the ground. These exchanges allowed the participants to collectively reflect on alternatives to conventional agricultural practices in relation to the agro-climatic realities of the Skoura territory. This activity has also contributed to creating a community dynamic within the Living Lab and to supporting the agroecological transition undertaken in the territory.

2. Location of the activity:

The activity took place at the mountainous Living Lab of Skoura M’daz, located in the prefecture of Boulemane, Fez-Meknes Region. The selection of participants was made in such a way as to ensure representation of the different areas of the Living Lab, taking into account the diversity of local conditions with regard to the availability and management of water and agricultural systems. Representatives of associations and cooperatives active in the territory were also invited to ensure a wide dissemination of the information and exchanges resulting from this day to the entire Living Lab community.

3. Procedure of the exchange

The session began with a presentation of the participants, composed of 16 farmers from the different areas of the Living Lab of Skoura M’daz, representing various cooperatives (particularly in the sectors of aromatic and medicinal plants, olives, etc.) as well as local associations. The ENAM and RIAM teams were also present.

The exchange was initiated by a member of the RIAM team, who highlighted the importance of agroecology as the only viable alternative to preserve a healthy agricultural system, respectful of nature and beneficial for human health. In particular, it was mentioned that the growing problems of soil fertility and quality, as well as the scarcity of water resources, make this transition essential.

The President of RIAM, then introduced the discussion around the concept of agroecology, inviting farmers to share their own definitions and perceptions. This openness allowed participants to exchange freely and highlight the benefits they associate with agroecology, in particular the abandonment of pesticides and chemicals, perceived as a step towards healthier agriculture.

The discussion then turned to a set of agricultural and agroecological practices, including:

  • Organic fertilization (compost, manure, manure tea), recognized for its role in the conservation of biodiversity, both above and below ground. One participant raised the difference between manure, which is rich in nitrogen and carbon, and manure tea, which contains only nitrogen, thus requiring the external supply of carbon.
  • Deep ploughing, criticized for its negative effects on the internal biodiversity of the soil. It disrupts ecosystems, reduces soil moisture and contributes to soil degradation.
  • The association of legumes with other crops, highlighted for its ability to enrich the soil with nitrogen thanks to the Rhizobium bacterium, present in the roots of legumes.
  • Crop rotation, recommended for both its economic (income diversification) and ecological (improved soil fertility and enhanced biodiversity) benefits.
  • The use of local seeds, which are more adapted to the climatic conditions and soils of the territory.
  • Water management and irrigation, a widely debated subject. It was pointed out that in some contexts, gravity irrigation may be more beneficial than drip irrigation, especially if it is performed every two weeks. This method encourages deeper root development. The participants also insisted on the importance of the human presence on the plot and the emotional link with the crops. The optimal time for irrigation was identified between midnight and 3 a.m., when the plants best absorb water.

Agroforestry, perceived as an essential lever for the protection of the ecosystem, thanks to the harmonious association between trees and agricultural crops.

Finally, the question of how to convince farmers to engage in an agroecological transition was raised by one of the participants. It was answered that the concrete benefits of agroecology – such as reduced inputs, lower production costs, and income diversification – represent convincing and promising arguments to encourage the gradual adoption of these sustainable practices.

The discussion also focused on the Participatory Guarantee System – RIAM. The participants discussed the functioning of the participatory guarantee system, its requirements, its advantages for small producers, as well as the procedure to be followed to obtain this certification.