NATAE

North Africa is facing increasing pressures linked to land degradation, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and the impacts of climate change. These challenges directly threaten the sustainability of agricultural systems, food security, and the livelihoods of rural communities.

In this context, agroecology emerges as a strategic and sustainable alternative. By combining productivity, resilience, and the preservation of natural resources, it promotes farming practices adapted to local specificities and environmental constraints.

The NATAE project aims to support this agroecological transition in North Africa by engaging a wide range of stakeholders—farmers, researchers, NGOs, policymakers, and consumers—around concrete and innovative approaches.

Its main objectives are to:

• Assess and demonstrate the multidimensional benefits of agroecological practices in different contexts (mountains, oases, cereal plains, irrigated valleys).
• Experiment and co-develop solutions through Living Labs that foster collective innovation and ownership by local stakeholders.
• Strengthen agroecological value chains by stimulating demand for sustainable local products and improving market access.
• Create a Mediterranean multi-actor network (MEDAE) to facilitate knowledge-sharing, capitalization of good practices, and regional networking.
• Integrate agroecology into education, training, and public policies, thereby influencing curricula, governance measures, and regulatory frameworks.

By contributing to land and biodiversity preservation, improving the sustainability of agricultural systems, and enhancing climate resilience, NATAE is fully aligned with OSS priorities under the Land & Biodiversity axis.