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Transforming the Mediterranean region through agroforestry: large scale restoration of degraded lands by overcoming the socioeconomic and sociocultural barriers for agroforestry adoption

Abstract

Based on the experience of several agroforestry lighthouses in Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey, the TransforMed project aims to promote and support the large-scale adoption of successful agroforestry systems (AFS) in saline and degraded areas of the Mediterranean region.

Due to climate change and intensive agricultural practices, many regions in the Mediterranean basin are experiencing a deterioration of both the physical and biological aspects of the soil, resulting in a loss of agricultural potential. As a result, rural economies are weakening and farmland is gradually being abandoned. AFS are an excellent multi-dimensional restoration strategy to address these challenges and facilitate farm recovery. From an agronomic perspective, they improve soil quality and enhance the biodiversity and productivity of agro-ecosystems. In addition, beyond the technical benefits, AFS improve the livelihoods of smallholders and contribute to job creation through the development of value chains for AFS products.

The TransforMed interdisciplinary consortium uses a multi-stakeholder approach in which scientific partners share existing knowledge and co-design technical innovations to promote AFS adoption. Local communities and farmers' organisations in the three Mediterranean countries are actively involved in the project activities and contribute to the co-development of appropriate solutions for their regions. Finally, TransforMed aims to disseminate knowledge about the benefits of AFS beyond the agricultural sector. To this end, the project places particular emphasis on organising scientific events and producing evidence-based materials to raise social awareness and accelerate the political agenda for the adoption of agroecological practices.

Financing/ Donor
  • European Commission (PRIMA and Horizon Europe)

(Research) Program
  • European Commission, Horizon Europe
Project partners
  • Beta Center, Spain
  • University of Leon, Spain
  • Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, France & Germany
  • Bahri Dagdas International Agricultural Research Institute (FiBL), Turkey
  • Nature Conservation Center, Turkey
  • Agriculture, Environment and Development for the Avenir, Morocco
  • University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, Morocco
  • Société L’Ouest Marocain, Morocco
  • International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Tunisia
  • Technical Center of Organic Agriculture, Tunisia
  • University of Evora, Portugal
  • University of Kassel, Germany
  • University of Barcelona, Spain
  • Dryland Agroforestry Center, Portugal
  • Agriculture Ministry of Tunisia, Forest Department, Tunisia
  • Agence Nationale pour le Développement des Zones Oasiennes et de l’Arganier, Morocco
FiBL project leader/ contact
FiBL project staff
Role of FiBL

FiBL France lead the Communication & Dissemination activities (WP6) and FiBL Germany, affiliate third party, is involved in several technical tasks in WP1, WP2, WP3 and WP5.

FiBL project number 24002
Date modified 10.10.2024
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