NATAE Field Kick-Off Day
On October 24, 2024, the El Krib Living Lab in Siliana district, Tunisia, will host the Field Kick-off Day. This event will mark the official launch of the 2024-25 cropping season as part of the NATAE project. Organized by ICARDA, Institut National Agronomique de Tunisie (INAT), and Institut National des Grandes Cultures (INGC), it will introduce four innovative agroecological combinations to participating farmers, researchers, and extension agents.
The event will emphasize a participatory approach, encouraging collaborative discussions among farmers, extension agents, and researchers about the agroecological practices being tested. This open dialogue aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices, foster a sense of ownership among local farmers, and strengthen relationships with stakeholders. Farmers' feedback and experiences will play a crucial role in shaping future farming practices through a co-design process that prioritizes local needs and insights.
The four agroecological combinations to be presented include:
No-tillage + Crop Rotation (Cereals/Legumes)
Intercropping (Forage Mixtures) + Livestock
Forage Mixture + Livestock + Reduced Chemical Inputs
No-tillage + Crop Rotation + Livestock
Agenda
Facilitator: Zied Idoudi/Aymen Frija (ICARDA)
| Time | Session | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 08:30 - 09:00 | Registration | |
| 09:00 - 09:15 | Opening Statement | |
| 09:15 - 09:30 | Icebreaking Session | |
| 09:30 - 09:45 | General Overview of the NATAE Project and Agroecological Combinations | Mehdi Ben Mimoun (INAT) |
| 09:45 - 10:00 | Introduction to the El Krib Living Lab for Agroecological Transition | Aymen Frija (ICARDA) |
| 10:00 - 10:30 | Agroecological Practices for Crop-Livestock Systems: Enhancing Water Efficiency, Soil Fertility | Hatem Cheikh M'hamed (INRAT), INGC, Leader Farmer (Testimony) |
| 10:30 - 11:00 | Cereal-Legume Mixtures: Improving Biodiversity, Soil & Animal Health, Economic Diversification | INAT, INGC, INRAT |
| 11:00 - 11:30 | Coffee Break | |
| 11:30 - 12:00 | Livestock Innovations for Crop-Livestock Integration under Conservation Agriculture | INAT, INRAT, Leader Farmer |
| 12:00 - 12:30 | On-Farm Practical Exercise: Rainfall Simulator Demonstrating Soil Erosion | Hatem Cheikh M'hamed (INRAT) |
| 12:30 - 13:15 | Discussion, Closing Remarks, and Way Forward |
NATAE, a project running from 2022 to 2026, focuses on advancing agroecological practices across five North African countries—Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania. It addresses key climate and agricultural challenges in the region. The initiative's core goals include setting up Living Labs as innovation hubs in each country, fostering collaboration among farmers, scientists, and policymakers, and sharing knowledge through the Nexus Community of Practice.
ICARDA plays a key role in this mission by leading research on dryland farming techniques. It develops and tests agroecological practices, provides training to local farmers and stakeholders, and promotes knowledge exchange through its networks. By partnering with local governments, research institutions, and international bodies, ICARDA helps ensure the success of these initiatives, addressing critical issues like soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity.