Newsletter 4

In this newsletter, you will discover a recap of our event, Regional Conference on Agroecology: Science and Policy, also our consortium partners’ past activities. Dive in to see how we are advancing and what is on the horizon!

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An Overview of Regional Conference on Agroecology: Science and Policy

The Regional Conference on Agroecology: Science and Policy, which took place from 29-31 January 2025 in Tunis, Tunisia, provided a crucial platform for North Africa. It aimed to advance agroecology as a transformative solution to food security, nutrition, and environmental challenges, in line with the goals of the MEDAE Network (click here to visit). By bringing together leaders from science, policy, and practice, the event sought to lay the foundation for sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems. Through collaborative dialogue and action, it aspired to integrate agroecology into agricultural and environmental policies, paving the way for a sustainable and inclusive future.

AGENDA

Summary of the First Day of the Regional Conference on “Agroecology: Science and Policy”

The first day of the Regional Conference on “Agroecology: Science and Policy”, held in Tunis and organized by the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) and the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of CIHEAM Montpellier (IAMM), marked the beginning of a consolidated dialogue between scientific research and public policies to drive the agroecological transition in North Africa. The event was held under the high patronage of the Minister of Environment of Tunisia, highlighting the importance of agroecology for the region’s political and environmental agenda.

Alongside the conference, the Tunisian Ministry of Environment and OSS hosted a dedicated event on the “Green Corridor in Tunisia.” This initiative aims to create green jobs and enhance climate resilience, bringing together decision-makers, partners, and key stakeholders to discuss challenges, opportunities, and funding mechanisms for land restoration and the promotion of agroecology in the country.

AGENDA

Summary of the Second Day

The second day featured a high-level roundtable on political and educational strategies to accelerate the agroecological transition. Moderated by Patrice Burger (CARI), the session gathered experts including Elyes Hamza, Pr. Assane Soumare, Thierry Dupeuble, and Laura Tabet, with online contributions from Said Amri and Bruno Romagny. Discussions emphasized political and community awareness, innovative production methods, and integrating agroecology into public policies and education.

A dedicated session explored the integration of agroecology into policies and education programs to enhance climate adaptation. Moderated by Elyes Hamza (CAR/ASP), the session analyzed agroecological policies and academic curricula in four North African countries. Mélanie Requier Desjardins (CIHEAM-IAMM) reviewed policies linking agroecology, food security, and transition costs, while Mehdi Ben Mimoun (INAT) highlighted advancements and challenges in agroecology education. The session provided key guidelines for strengthening the agroecological transition through tailored policies and improved academic programs.

The day concluded with a session on “Agroecology at the International Level,” addressing global and regional agroecology policies and their role in the three Rio Conventions. Moderated by Lamine Baba Sy (OSS), speakers including Dario Pollicino (IUCN), Hédi Chébili (DGEQV), Aymen Frija (ICARDA), and Zohra Lili Chabaane (IRESA) shared insights on integrating agroecology into national and regional strategies.

AGENDA

Summary of the Third Day

The final day focused on the links between agroecology and food systems, emphasizing the role of consumers and public policies in driving sustainable agriculture. Elen Lemaitre-Curri (CIHEAM-IAMM) highlighted the need to integrate agroecology into agri-food sectors, with public awareness as a key driver for responsible consumption. Professor Georges Vlontzos (UTH) shared consumer survey findings from the NATAE project, revealing strong support for agroecology. Fateh Ameur (CREAD) presented an analysis of agroecological initiatives in Algiers, illustrating local efforts toward sustainable food systems. Contributions from Jasper Wohlert (Humana People to People), Olivier Lepiller (CIRAD), and Amine Ben Abdallah (RTTA) addressed consumer engagement, government policies, and cross-sector partnerships.

A session on financing agroecology explored funding mechanisms and partnerships needed to accelerate the transition in North Africa. Chaired by Prof. Assane Soumaré (University of Nouakchott) and moderated by Khaoula Jaoui (OSS), the panel featured Samia Aloui (APIA), Joel Teyssier (AFD), Dr. Anneke Trux (GIZ), and Nihel Bounaim (Crédit Agricole). Speakers outlined strategies for mobilizing investments and leveraging financial support for agroecological initiatives, emphasizing both challenges and opportunities in securing funding for sustainable development.

After three days of discussions, the conference concluded with key recommendations, including strengthening collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and farmers, enhancing agroecology awareness, expanding training access, and adopting policies tailored to local contexts to encourage broader implementation of agroecological practices.

Testimonials

At the Regional Conference on Agroecology, experts, policymakers, and stakeholders shared insights on advancing sustainable agriculture in North Africa. Through testimonials, participants highlighted key challenges, success stories, and the importance of policies, education, and funding in driving the agroecological transition.

Ms. Mélanie Requier Desjardins
Scientific Coordinator, NATAE Project
CIHEAM-IAMM, UMR SENS, Montpellier

Mr. Aimable Twagirayezu
PAFO
Rwanda

Mr. Hédi Chebili
Ministry of Environment,

Tunisia

Professor Assane Soumare
Former Professor, University of Nouakchott
Former Minister of Fisheries, Mauritania

Mr. Amin Ben Abdallah
Co-animator
Tunisian Agroecological Transition Network

Mr. Mahnane Said
Farmer

Mr. Mohamed Mefti
Professor

Previous activities by Consortium Partners

On October 24, 2024, the El Krib Living Lab in Tunisia’s Siliana district celebrated the start of the 2024-25 cropping season with an inspiring Field Kick-Off Day! Hosted by ICARDA; International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas in collaboration with INGC, INAT, and local stakeholders, and supported by the CGIAR Research Initiative on Agroecology, this event united 54 participants, including farmers, researchers, extension agents, and NGOs, with an impressive 50% female participation.

From January 25–28, farmers, researchers, and development actors from Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, France, and the Netherlands gathered for the first cross-visit to Siliana, El Krib Living Laboratory. Hosted by INAT, the visit focused on key agroecological challenges: soil fertility, legume integration in cereal systems, and agricultural extension.

The ENAM team recently welcomed two master’s students from Wageningen University as part of the NATAE project, contributing to exciting new developments in Skoura! On March 1, 2025, the focus group in Skoura M’daz provided valuable insights into the cooperative’s future vision. The women aim to cultivate 100% of their raw materials by 2035, expand the cultivation of medicinal plants like saffron, lavender, and oregano, and focus on sustainable practices such as drip irrigation.

From 19–23 February 2025, the Laghouat Living Lab (Algeria) hosted a cross-visit, bringing together local and international experts to tackle today’s climatic and economic challenges. For five days, participants explored how to blend ancestral techniques with innovative solutions to create resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.

Partners

Funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement no. 101084647. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. For the associated partner in the NATAE project, this work has received funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). Associated partner in NATAE project is supported by financial contribution of the Government of Switzerland.