AGROFORESTEAM promotes the adoption of agroforestry systems in the Mediterranean through multi-actor platforms

The PRIMA european project AGROFORESTEAM has launched an ambitious initiative to promote the adoption of silvo-arable and silvo-pastoral agroforestry systems (AF) in Mediterranean regions. Its main goal is to create a territorialized Multi-Actor Platforms (MAPs), following a living lab approach to implement and overcome technical, political, and socio-economic barriers.

AGROFORESTEAM is grounded in transdisciplinary dialogue and the socialization of knowledge between science and society. This agroecological and participatory approach is key to developing agroforestry systems tailored to each territory.

The project led by Dra. Laura Armengot form Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat at the Universitat de Barcelona and Department of Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambiental, it brings together 10 partners from 7 countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy. In each of these countries, a MAP will be established to identify transformative processes and foster co-creation of innovations based on scientific data and local knowledge. AGROFORESTEAM has the purpose of being well embedded in the territory to design well adapted agroforestry systems.

Moreover, AGROFORESTEAM is also committed to inclusivity, equality, and diversity, applying a gender-sensitive perspective across all its activities. This ensures that the needs and expectations of women, men, and gender-diverse individuals are addressed, guaranteeing equitable benefits for all.

The case studies, at the 7 working regions, include agroforestry systems adapted to local contexts, such as oases, innovative practices like successional agroforestry, and areas requiring urgent action to preserve ecosystems, such as the Montado. By increasing the adoption of agroforestry systems, AGROFORESTEAM will contribute to improving productivity, soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, while enhancing the resilience of agroecosystems to climate change and promoting greater involvement of women in agroforestry.

The project officially launches with the kick-off meeting on July 10, 2025.

The project PCI2025-163235is funded by:

PRIMA-Partnership on Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area co-funded by European Union and MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/UE