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.

Report on the seminar, 29 June, Algiers

Agroecological transition in the different ecosystems to address climate change in Algeria: reflections on a multi-stakeholder approach
Algiers, 29 June 2025

The Centre for Research in Applied Economics for Development (CREAD) and the Multi-Stakeholder Network of Agroecology in the Mediterranean (MEDAE) organised a seminar on “Agroecological transition in different ecosystems to address climate change in Algeria: reflections on a multi-stakeholder approach”. The seminar was attended by partners of the NATAE project but also agroecology professionals (farmers, networks and organizations), representatives of the agricultural administration, higher education, research and development agencies and the media.

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The seminar was sequenced in three sessions. The first session dealt with agroecology in different agrosystems in North Africa. The second session was devoted to the testimony of a panel of agroecology professionals (farmers, networks and associations) and the third session focused on policies and programs for the agroecological transition.

Session 1: Agroecology in different agrosystems in North Africa

This session, which was moderated by Amel Bouzid, Director of the Agriculture, Land and Environment Division at CREAD, was dedicated to papers that address agroecology in the North Africa region through the lens of the NATAE project. Mélanie Requiers-Desjardins presented the project which focuses on the agroecological transition in North Africa. The project is based on the tool of living labs which has been set up on 7 sites across North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Mauritania), and cover four types of agrosystems: oases, mountainous, cereal and peri-urban. There are also five replicant labs in areas with the same agrosystems. A multi-stakeholder approach and the participatory approach have been adopted for the territorial diagnosis, the experimentation of agroecological practices and the development of agroecological transition scenarios. Encouraging results are beginning to emerge in terms of the adoption of agroecological practices and the existence of local ecosystems capable of supporting this form of agriculture. This approach can guarantee the preservation of natural resources, biodiversity and human health.

Rita Jalkh, a member of the NATAE project’s executive board, presented the multi-stakeholder network on agroecology in the Mediterranean (MEDAE), which was created within the framework of the project. The network aims to establish a knowledge and capacity-building community and to facilitate ongoing exchanges and collaborations beyond the scope of the NATAE project. The presence of organisations from the agroecology ecosystem was intended to stimulate their interest in joining the network.

The first results of the NATAE project are presented below. Karima Boudedja, a researcher at CREAD and leader of the living lab in Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria, focusing on the mountain agrosystem, presented the implementation of the methodology, which led to the development of agroecological transition scenarios. These scenarios integrated the agroecological practices tested within the project framework, as well as aspects of governance and value chain structuring, such as facilitating access to resources (including land), building skills through training, and organising farmers through cooperative creation.  Souad Benmoussa, an expert at the living lab in Laghouat, Algeria, which is dominated by the oasis and peri-oasis agro-ecosystem, reported the decline and overexploitation of groundwater in the oasis system, as well as the low productivity and dependence on inputs of the peri-oasis system. The project is implementing strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change and intensive agriculture, and to preserve natural resources (soil and water). The cereal agrosystem is undoubtedly of strategic importance for North African countries. Mehdi Benmimoune, a lecturer-researcher at INAT and a member of the NATAE project’s Executive Board, presented the Living Lab of Siliana in Tunisia. Soil degradation due to deep ploughing, land fragmentation, and monoculture were identified as issues that need to be addressed during the territorial diagnosis. Agroecological practices such as zero ploughing, crop association and rotations have been tested by farmers and are beginning to be adopted in the area.

Following the presentations, there was a lively debate and questions were asked about the methodological tools used in the project. Mélanie Requier-Desjardins provided clarifications on how these tools were adapted to the local contexts of the living labs. The other speakers used the opportunity to elaborate further on identifying combinations of agroecological practices and the mechanisms put in place to ensure the dissemination and sustainability of these practices.

Session 2: The panel of agroecology professionals

Aissa Belhadi, a researcher at CREAD, moderated this session. The panelists shared their diverse experiences with agroecology. Some discovered agroecology by adopting production methods that preserve consumers’ health. This was the case for the Torba association in Algiers, the Tarwa Iakourene association in Yakourene, Tizi Ouzou, and the El Argoub association in Laghouat. Others, such as Tunisian farmers Imène Chebli and Anouar Boubakri, inherited this mode of production. Imène Chebli credits her grandmother’s advice for her immersion in agroecological practices. Anouar Boubakri learned directly through experience, growing up in a family of farmers and herders. The Tunisian farmer Amin Ben Abdallah is a prime example of someone who has chosen agroecology as a mode of production.  He has been committed to this approach since the beginning of his agricultural career. He has immersed himself in agroecological principles, demonstrating his commitment to this mode of production. He was instrumental in establishing the Tunisian Network for Agroecological Transition (RTTA). Another testimony comes from a farmer and former agricultural sector executive in Sétif, 350 km east of Algiers. In his testimony, he explained that the idea had come to him. During a trip to Tunisia, he discovered no-till farming and its higher yields compared to conventional agriculture. After trialling no-till farming on his own land, he became a fervent advocate of the practice, doing all he can to convince others, even though he acknowledges that uptake is mixed.

Finally, the experiences of the various members of the panel highlight the crucial role of the associative movement in disseminating agroecological practices.

Despite the panel members raising some constraints, such as difficulties accessing land (especially for women), a lack of certification, difficulties managing weed flora, restrictive regulations (especially regarding the multiplication of farmers’ seeds) and a lack of adequate agricultural equipment, they are optimistic due to the growing demand for agroecological products and the interest of various partners, including researchers, administrators and technicians, in this form of agriculture.

Session 3: Policies and Programs for the Agroecological Transition

This session, moderated by Amine Oulmane, a researcher at CREAD, focused on policies and programmes for developing alternative forms of agriculture to combat climate change in Algeria, such as organic farming, conservation agriculture and agroecology. The session also covered efforts in terms of training and capacity building, as well as agricultural advice.

Naima Bouras, Deputy Director of Organic Agriculture and Labelling at the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, gave the first presentation. She highlighted programmes whose objectives align with the principles of agroecology, despite there being no programme that is explicitly declared as such. Water and soil resource preservation is clearly a priority, as reflected in the programme to promote water-efficient irrigation systems and the green dam programme to combat desertification and conserve soil. Meanwhile, the preservation of genetic heritage and local seeds is one of the objectives of the product labelling and differentiation programme. Lydia Chaou from the Technical Institute of Field Crops (ITGC) gave the second presentation, which was dedicated to the institute’s programme to mitigate the effects of climate change, particularly aridity, on cereal production. The ITGC is developing seed varieties adapted to different agro-ecological zones, as well as practices that limit soil degradation and the use of chemical fertilisers. The public agricultural advisory system incorporates alternative forms of agriculture into the programmes of public agricultural advisory institutions. Mohamed Abdelmoutaleb, deputy director of the National Institute of Agricultural Extension (INVA), presented the channels and means deployed, such as radio programmes, demonstration sessions and farmer training, to disseminate themes in line with those presented by Naima Bouras. It was concluded that there is still room for improvement, and that research programmes such as the NATAE project could provide results to be disseminated in terms of agroecological practices and principles. The same can be said for agricultural training. Brahim Bouchareb presented the integration of agroecology into higher education and vocational training programmes in agriculture. Although this is evolving, there is still room for improvement, and international cooperation could play a role.

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The debate provided more detail on the programmes discussed, as well as on the need to coordinate the efforts of those involved, thereby enabling the effective and sustainable implementation of agroecology through a multi-stakeholder approach adapted to agrosystems and local contexts.

Seminar – Agroecological Transition and Climate in Algeria

Seminar

Algiers, June 29, 2025

Agroecological transition in different ecosystems to combat climate change in Algeria: reflections on a multi-stakeholder approach

Attend the Seminar

Summary

This seminar is organized within the framework of the NATAE project to address the agroecological transition in the face of climate change. The objective is to discuss climate impacts across ecosystems, promote the MEDAE network, and strengthen multi-stakeholder engagement. The event aims to support public policies in favor of agroecology and sustainable food systems, highlight local initiatives, and pool research findings. Another goal is to integrate Algerian initiatives for agroecological transition into a regional approach to share efforts and resources.

Program

  • 10:00 – 10:30 – Participant Welcome – Registration
  • 10:30 – 11:00 – Opening Ceremony
    Moderator : Karima Boudedja
  • 11:00 – 11:30 – Coffee Break
  • 11:30 – 13:30 – Session 1 : Agroecology in Different Agroecosystems of North Africa
    Moderator: Amel Bouzid
  • 13:30 – 15:00 – Lunch Break
  • 15:00 – 16:00 – Session 2 : Voices of Professionals in Agroecology
    Moderator: Aissa Belhadi
  • 16:00 – 17:30 – Session 3 : Policies and Programs for the Agroecological Transition
    Moderator: Amine Oulmane
  • 17:30 – Debate and conclusion

Click here to learn more and download the full agenda

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En savoir plus

RIAM at the 17th Edition of SIAM in Meknes

From April 21 to 27, RIAM took part in the 17th edition of the International Agricultural Show in Meknes (SIAM), one of the largest agricultural events in the region. On April 23, RIAM contributed to the conference “Practicing Sustainable Solutions to Conserve Agricultural Soil and Water,” organized by the European Union delegation.

During the session, RIAM presented its activities within the NATAE project, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices. The conference aimed to:

  • Raise awareness and share knowledge on effective water and soil management
  • Highlight innovative and integrated approaches, particularly agroecology as solutions to current environmental challenges
  • Identify actionable strategies to strengthen the resilience of Morocco’s agricultural sector

RIAM shared insights into its training programs, cross-visits, and its ongoing work on Participatory Guarantee Systems (SPG) in agroecology, showcasing its contribution to a more sustainable and resilient agriculture in Morocco.

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International Field School in the Oasis of Kébili | April 12–18, 2025

Organized by the INAT team in collaboration with local farmers and socio-economic actors, the International Field School brought together 18 students from Tunisia and NATAE partner countries to the oasis of Kébili.

This immersive experience offered participants the opportunity to develop practical field skills while contributing to the analysis of territorial dynamics in oasis ecosystems. Using participatory tools and field surveys, students worked across three thematic areas: biodiversity, water management, and oasis value chains, proposing actionable strategies for a successful agroecological transition.

Engagements with farmers took place in both traditional and modern oases, including enriching exchanges with the Women’s Association Val’oasis. Students explored local products and learned from the Jemna initiative, an inspiring model of collective oasis management within the social and solidarity economy.

The program concluded with student-led presentations and recommendations, shared with local stakeholders in a closing session that encouraged dialogue and collaboration.

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Continuation of cross-visits to Morocco with the Skoura M’Daz living laboratory (NSAM)

From 5 to 8 April 2025, NSAM (National School of Agriculture in Meknes) hosted the third cross-visit organised as part of the NATAE project. Researchers and students from NSAM joined around twenty farmers, researchers and development workers from Tunisia, Mauritania, France, Italy and the Netherlands to discover the activities of the Skoura M’Daz living laboratory. The group of participants included representatives from the Siliana (Tunisia) and PK 17 (Mauritania) laboratories, as well as researchers from WUR, IAMM and IAMB.

Participants travelled to the province of Boulmane, in the eastern part of the Moroccan Middle Atlas, to discover the Skoura M’Daz laboratory located in a mountainous agroecosystem. The four-day visit was structured around two major issues:

(i) the conservation and adaptation of local knowledge and know-how as well as biodiversity;

(ii) the socio-economic inclusion of young people and women through the medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) sector.

In addition to the visits of several farms and cooperatives involved in the development and marketing of MAP, the participants also visited NSAM’s AgriTech platform, dedicated to the development and demonstration of low-tech agricultural tools, and were able to explore the Ait Otmane living laboratory, located in a peri-urban area and also set up as part of the NATAE project. At the end of each day, times for discussion and feedback were organized in order to enable participants to look back on what they had seen and learnt, and to highlight similarities and differences in relation to their own experiences and experiments in their laboratories.

(i) Conservation and adaptation of local knowledge, know-how and biodiversity

The various visits and discussions highlighted the fact that local knowledge and know-how relating to the use and development of local biodiversity can improve crop resilience and help to maintain yields, particularly in the context of climate change. These practices include direct seeding, crop rotation and diversification, independent seed production and the use of rational irrigation techniques. The people we met all take a keen interest in the intergenerational transmission of knowledge and are adding to this heritage by gradually introducing new agroecological practices or new crops (saffron, lavender, fenugreek, etc.) into their production systems.

(ii) Socio-economic inclusion of young people and women through the MAP sector

The two women’s cooperatives visited, the Ennahah cooperative in Ifrane and the Safirat Alachaab cooperative in Skoura, made a deep impression on the participants in the cross-visit because of their capacity to produce, develop and market MAP. By enabling their members to structure themselves and increase their income, these cooperatives represent genuine models of social and economic empowerment for rural women. Their collective, flexible and supportive nature means that income is distributed fairly and family responsibilities are taken into account for each member. In these two cooperatives, MAP were initially gathered in the surrounding forests, but faced with growing demand for certain plants and the increasing scarcity of several endemic species, the women organised themselves to grow MAP, either on plots belonging to the cooperative, or on their own plots. A number of needs emerged from discussions with these women, particularly in terms of training in the domestication of MAP and their vegetative and generative propagation. The cross-country discussions between the participants during the cross-visit revealed that, despite very different contexts, women’s cooperatives appear to be real levers for innovation, sustainability and inclusion.

The next and final cross-visit planned as part of the NATAE project will take place in November in Mauritania, in PK 17 laboratory. Located on the outskirts of the capital, Nouakchott, participants will discover what combinations of agroecological practices can be implemented in peri-urban environments.

Tizi-Ouzou living Lab activities (Training session)

As part of the NATAE project on agroecological transition, CREAD organized a training session on April 27 and 28 dedicated to the extraction of essential oils and hydrosols from aromatic and medicinal plants. This session was aimed at women involved in the Tizi-Ouzou Living Lab, participating in the scenario focused on the development of agroforestry activities. The objective is to strengthen local capacities in the face of climate change and the scarcity of agricultural land

Webinar Medae: How can agroecology be a lever for women’s emancipation in North Africa ?

The MEDAE network  is pleased to invite you to participate in the webinar ” How can agroecology be a lever for women’s emancipation in North Africa ? “ which will take place on Tuesday April 22, 2025 (14:00 -16:00 CET).

 

Summary :

This webinar will look at the place of women in food systems in North Africa, and how agroecology is helping to empower them. Presentations by researchers and farmers from Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco will provide a better understanding of how agroecology can empower rural women, enabling them to access new economic opportunities and participate in collective territorial dynamics. Several question and answer sessions will be held to enable participants to react to the presentations and share their own experience and vision of more inclusive rural development.

The webinar will be held in French, with English translation provided.

 

Program (CET) :

14h00-14h10 – Welcome, contextualization of the webinar, presentation of the webinar and speakers
Morgane Gaudin, MEDAE network Coordinator – CARI Association

14h10-14h20 – Introduction of the webinar : Role and place of women in agroecology in North Africa
Zoubir Chattou, Researcher at the Ecole Nationale d’Agriculture de Meknès (ENAM)

14h20-14h35 – TUNISIA : Neo-rural women settling in agroecology in oasis and peri-urban systems
Imene Chelbi, Farmer and founder of the El Rochen farm

14h35-14h55 – First question and answer session

14h55-15h10 – ALGERIA : Agroecology and emancipation of rural women in mountain agroecosystems
Karima Boudedja, Senior researcher at the Centre de Recherche en Economie Appliquée pour le Développement (CREAD)

15h10-15h25 – MOROCCO : Agroecology and emancipation of rural women in mountain agroecosystems
Ghizlane Echchgadda, Teacher-researcher at the Ecole Nationale d’Agriculture de Meknès (ENAM)

15h25-15h45 – Second question and answer session

15h45-15h55 – Closing remarks by the great witness
Rachel Bezner Kerr, Teacher at the Cornell University

16h00 – End of the webinar

 

The registration is mandatory, so sign up now here.