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AGROECOLOGICAL
TRANSITION

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There is a growing awareness in the production and consumption sectors of the need to reconcile satisfactory food production with the sustainable management of natural resources, the fight against climate change, human and animal health and the social development of rural areas. In this context, agroecology can represent the paradigm capable of meeting the primary sustainability requirements, not only of the agricultural sector but more broadly of the entire agri- food system. The agroecological approach requires, as a fundamental assumption, a global vision of the interactions that occur at the environmental level in the production process. From a technical- practical standpoint, agroecology differs from other agricultural models by activating agricultural systems in which the level of ecological complexity can be maintained or increased and the use of auxiliary energy from external inputs is limited. One of the fundamental principles of agroecology is therefore diversification in terms of biodiversity (crop, livestock and landscape diversification) and economics (diversification of farm activities, marketing channels). Agroecology can be conceptualized as the creation of a complex network of ecological relationships through circularity and diversity. Speaking today of the agri-food system transitioning to agroecology means: 1) increasing efficiency in input use; 2) substituting conventional inputs and practices with agroecological alternatives; 3) redesigning the agroecosystem based on a new set of ecological processes; 4) restoring a more direct connection between producers and consumers; 5) building a new global food system based on participation, locality, equity and justice.
publications
  • Anna Gregis, Chiara Ghisalberti, Savino Sciascia, Francesco Sottile, Cristiana Peano. Community Garden Initiatives Addressing Health and Well-Being Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Infodemiology Aspects, Outcomes, and Target PopulationsInt J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Feb; 18(4): 1943. Published online 2021 Feb 17. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18041943″
  • Dan-Badjo, A.T.; Diadie, H.O.; Bonetto, S.M.R.; Semita, C.; Cristofori, E.I.; Facello, A. Using Improved Varieties Of Pearl Millet In Rainfed Agriculture In Response To Climate Change: A Case Study In The Tillabéri Region In Niger. In Climate Change Research At Universities: Addressing The Mitigation And Adaptation Challenges; Leal Filho, W., Ed.; Springer International Publishing: Cham, Switzerland, 2017; Pp. 345–358.
  • Ndiaye A., Fiorino C., Mosca M., Agriculture Familiale Et Économie Sociale. Formes Et Dynamiques De L’Entreprenariat Au Sénégal, Junco-Journal Of Universities And International Development Cooperation, 2020
  • Peano, C.; Massaglia, S.; Ghisalberti, C.; Sottile, F. Pathways for the Amplification of Agroecology in African Sustainable Urban Agriculture. Sustainability 2020, 12, 2718. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072718
  • Sottile, F.; Fiorito, D.; Tecco, N.; Girgenti, V.; Peano, C. An Interpretive Framework for Assessing and Monitoring the Sustainability of School Gardens. Sustainability 2016, 8, 801. https://doi.org/10.3390/su8080801
  •  Tasgian A, “Rural Women’S Empowerment And Poverty Reduction: The Role Of Female Producer Organizations In West Africa”, Aissec,  Xxth Scientific Conference, In Osservatorio Sulle Economie Emergenti, Torino, Febbraio 2019
  •  Tasgian A. , “ The Socio-Economic Impact Of Large-Scale Land Investments: The Case Of Mali”,  Proceedings Of The Iii Congress Of The University Network For Development Cooperation (Cucs), In Junco – Journal Of Universities And International Development Cooperation, N.1, 2014, Pp.602-611.
  • Women Empowerment And Sustainable 464 Agriculture Development To Achieve Food Security In South Sudan (Wosa)

projects

Obiettivo lavoro

Innovation in Agro-Pastoral Value Chains and Micro-enterprises for Youth Employment in Niger

Period: 01/10/2020– 30/09/2023

Research Unit Responsible: FORTINA Riccardo and DEMENEGHI Daniele

Funders: Ministero dell’Interno italiano, Dipartimento per le Libertà Civili e l’Immigrazione, Ufficio III 

Description: Obiettivo Lavoro” is a project funded by the Italian Ministry of the Interior, carried out by CISV Onlus in partnership with Movimento Africa ’70. With “Obiettivo Lavoro,” we aim to promote better employment opportunities for young people in the regions of Zinder, Tillabery, and Niamey in Niger. Young people in rural areas of Zinder and Tillabery are forced to migrate due to lack of employment opportunities, while the cities of Niamey and Zinder are destinations for migration from rural areas. Unfortunately, even in these urban areas, employment is scarce despite the high potential of the livestock and dairy product processing and sales sector. In this context, we have decided to address the lack of employment and create new income opportunities for the youth of Niger.

“Obiettivo Lavoro” is linked to and implements our “Milk and Honey” project on the dairy value chain in Tillaberi. In fact, some beneficiaries are already members of the cooperatives receiving milk and honey.

PRO-VIVES

Programma di valorizzazione dell’impresa verde e sociale per l’innovazione, la crescita e il lavoro

Period: 01/10/22 – 01/10/25

Project Leader: Egidio DANSERO

Funders: CISV – Community Involvement Volunteer Service

Description: The project is promoted in 4 regions of Senegal (Saint-Louis, Louga, Thiès, and Dakar) for a duration of 3 years. PRO-VIVES aims to contribute to the promotion of sustainable and inclusive economic growth, entrepreneurship, and employment in the intervention area. The main target group of the initiative is rural, peri-urban, urban micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with a social and environmental focus (“green”), open to innovation, and circular economy approaches (collection, recycling, reuse of waste and scraps). The project has the specific objective of promoting value chains and policies in favor of MSMEs with a social and environmental focus using green economy and digital innovation approaches. This objective is also in line with Senegal’s political and economic strategies (Plan Sénégal Emergent 2035) to promote inclusive growth, social and environmental sustainability, and to boost training and employment for youth.

S.U.G.E.R.E.

(Sustainable Sustainability and Wise Use of Geological Resources)

Period: 15/01/19 – 14/01/22

Funders: EU under the Erasmus+ program (KA2 Cooperation for Innovation and the Exchange of Good Practices – Capacity Building in the field of higher education).

Description: Development of five courses (three for undergraduate level, one for graduate level, and one for PhD) in the areas of Geology and Mining Engineering. The five courses share the common vision of local sustainable development, approaching issues in an integrated manner between geology/mining engineering, environmental, economic, and social impacts. The programs are discussed among project partners, and all should contribute to the improvement of each course. At the end of the project, the results will be reported to European institutions.

Réduction de la vulnerabilité agro-pastorale et amélioration de la résilience dans le Hodh el Chargui”

(Mauritania)

Period: 07/09/16 – 31/08/22

Research Unit Responsible: Sabrina Maria Rita BONETTO

Funders: European Commission – RIMRAP Program

Description: The project aims to enhance the resilience of all local actors and the population in the Hodh el Chargui region. This will be achieved through strengthening governance in accessing resources and improving their sustainable utilization.

Projet d’Harmonisation des dynamiques périurbaines pour une Ecologie Participative des Communes

Period: 01/04/18 – 31/03/21

Funders: EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Description: Engage citizens of the Dakar region in environmental governance and inclusive, sustainable growth. Strengthen and reconcile all ecological efforts in the suburbs of Sam Notaire, Ndiareme Limamoulaye, Whakhinane Lanzat Nimzatt, and Yeumbeul Nord.