The first Steering Committee meeting of the MIPRO-Sud project was held on September 4, marking a crucial step forward in addressing food security, agricultural, and livestock development in the Red Sea and Kassala states of Sudan.
The project, led by CIHEAM Bari, funded by theItalian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and coordinated by the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development AICS Addis Ababa, aims at enhancing the livelihoods of small-scale producers and improving food production through strategic interventions in fisheries, agriculture, and livestock health.
During the meeting, H.E. Michele Tommasi, Italian Ambassador to Sudan, underscored the significance of the project in Sudan’s recovery and development: “Sudan’s challenges are immense, but through projects like MIPRO-Sud, we can offer hope and practical solutions. Italy remains a steadfast partner in this journey."
AICS Addis Ababa Deputy Director, Alessandra Attisani, on her side reaffirmed the Agency’s support, saying, “AICS will continue to support Sudan through the implementation of this and other vital initiatives” highlighting the essential role of international cooperation in tackling Sudan’s ongoing challenges.
Biagio Di Terlizzi, Deputy Director of CIHEAM Bari, emphasized the urgency of action: “Now is the time to translate these plans into action. Together we can make a real difference for Sudan’s communities.”
The Steering Committee approved the General Operational Plan and Budget, setting in motion key activities, such as the renovation of Port Sudan's fish market and the establishment of cold chain infrastructure.
The project will also support small-scale farmers in Kassala through access to veterinary services, vaccination campaigns, and the provision of agricultural inputs.
Both regions will benefit from capacity-building programs aimed at improving food production and animal health.
The Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) of Teramo also plays a crucial role in providing technical expertise, particularly in veterinary and food safety aspects, ensuring high standards are met across all project activities.
The Ministry of Production and Economic Resources (MOPER) of both states are instrumental in facilitating project implementation, emphasizing the alignment with regional development priorities and the active engagement of local communities.
"The involvement of MOPER is essential for grounding the project's activities in the regional context and ensuring they respond effectively to the specific needs of our communities," stated Mr Khidir Ramadan DG of MOPER in Kassala. His counterpart in Port Sudan, Ms. Tahani Ahamed, highlighted, "Collaboration and support from all sectors are crucial for the sustainability and success of MIPRO-Sud, making it a model for future initiatives."
This meeting marked a collaborative effort between key stakeholders, reinforcing their commitment to ensuring the success of MIPRO-Sud in contributing to the sustainable development of Sudan’s agricultural and food sectors.
Comitato di Pilotaggio lancia il progetto MIPRO-Sud per affrontare le sfide della Sicurezza Alimentare in Sudan
Il primo incontro del Comitato di Pilotaggio del progetto MIPRO-Sud si è tenuto il 4 settembre, segnando un passo cruciale nell'affrontare le sfide relative alla sicurezza alimentare, allo sviluppo agricolo e zootecnico negli stati del Mar Rosso e Kassala, in Sudan.
Il progetto, guidato dal CIHEAM Bari, finanziato dal Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale MAECI e coordinato dall'Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo AICS Addis Abeba, mira a migliorare le condizioni di vita dei piccoli produttori e ad aumentare la produzione alimentare attraverso interventi strategici nei settori della pesca, dell'agricoltura e della salute del bestiame.
Durante l'incontro, S.E. Michele Tommasi, Ambasciatore d'Italia in Sudan, ha sottolineato l'importanza del progetto per il recupero e lo sviluppo del Sudan: "Le sfide del Sudan sono immense, ma attraverso progetti come MIPRO-Sud possiamo offrire speranza e soluzioni concrete. L'Italia resta un partner costante in questo percorso."
Il Vice Direttore di AICS Addis Abeba, Alessandra Attisani, ha confermato il sostegno dell'agenzia, affermando: "AICS continuerà a sostenere il Sudan attraverso l'attuazione di questa e altre iniziative vitali", evidenziando il ruolo essenziale della cooperazione internazionale nell'affrontare le sfide attuali del Sudan.
Biagio Di Terlizzi, Vice Direttore di CIHEAM Bari, ha sottolineato l'urgenza di agire: "È giunto il momento di tradurre questi piani in azioni concrete. Insieme possiamo fare la differenza per le comunità del Sudan."
Il Comitato di Pilotaggio ha approvato il Piano Operativo Generale e il Piano Finanziario , dando il via a attività chiave come la ristrutturazione del mercato del pesce di Port Sudan e la creazione di infrastrutture per la catena del freddo.
Il progetto sosterrà inoltre i piccoli agricoltori di Kassala attraverso l'accesso a servizi veterinari, campagne di vaccinazione e la fornitura di input agricoli.
Entrambe le regioni beneficeranno di programmi di rafforzamento delle capacità volti a migliorare la produzione alimentare e la salute animale.
L'Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale (IZS) di Teramo, partner di progetto svolge un ruolo cruciale nel fornire competenze tecniche, in particolare negli ambiti veterinario e della sicurezza alimentare, garantendo alti standard in tutte le attività del progetto.
Il Ministero della Produzione e delle Risorse Economiche (MOPER) di entrambi gli stati è fondamentale nel facilitare l'attuazione del progetto, sottolineando l'allineamento con le priorità di sviluppo regionale e il coinvolgimento attivo delle comunità locali.
"Il coinvolgimento del MOPER è essenziale per radicare le attività del progetto nel contesto regionale e garantire che rispondano efficacemente ai bisogni specifici delle nostre comunità", ha dichiarato il Sig. Khidir Ramadan, Direttore Generale del MOPER a Kassala. La sua controparte a Port Sudan, la Sig.ra Tahani Ahamed, ha sottolineato: "La collaborazione e il sostegno di tutti i settori sono fondamentali per la sostenibilità e il successo del MIPRO-Sud, rendendolo un modello per future iniziative."
L’ incontro ha segnato uno sforzo collaborativo tra i principali attori, rafforzando il loro impegno a garantire il successo del MIPRO-Sud nel contribuire allo sviluppo sostenibile dei settori agricolo e alimentare del Sudan.
CIHEAM Bari participated in the Workshop and Final conference activities of the UniClaD project "Increasing the capacity of universities to initiate and participate in the development of clusters with the principles of innovation and sustainability", implemented within the framework of the European Union's "ERASMUS+ KA2" programme.
The events were organized by the Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) in cooperation with the UniClaD Consortium between 30 September and 1 October for the 2-day workshop, and between 1 and 2 October 2024 for the Final Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan at AzTU.
During the 2-day workshop activities, potential development of agri-food and agri-industrial clusters and the results of the creation of expertise centers in the fields of “agriculture and agri-food processing with a focus on local products”, “biotechnology and poultry breeding”, “rural tourism”, aquaculture and water management” were illustrated and discussed.
Also during the Workshop, best practices on the above-mentioned thematic topics were presented and shared by 6 EU partners. Within the framework of the project, quality assessment and discussions for the sustainability of the project were also envisaged.
The 2-day Final conference aiming at disclosing the Project results to external stakeholders, had the participation of more than 23 partners gathering higher education (HEs), research centers and industrial/private companies. Consortium partners were represented by experts from 9 countries from EU zone Austria, Hungary Lithuania, Italy, Poland, Spain and non-EU Moldova, Ukraine and Azerbaijan. Presentations showed the results achieved in terms of development and activity of clusters in the agricultural sector, as well as the study of European experience. About 60 representatives representing 20 international partner enterprises of the project participated also in the conference.
CIHEAM Bari UniClaD project leader, Noureddin Driouech, moderated the final conference working session together with Olimpia Antonelli, head of Education office, as a Rapporteur, highlighted the role of the project, implemented within the European Union "ERASMUS+ KA2" program, in increasing the teaching quality, research potential and innovation of higher education/ research institutions and strengthening cooperation among them.
Furthermore, CIHEAM Bari Team animated and contributed to the Final conference working activities by presenting the following topics:
Noureddin Driouech “Mobility of Experts and Students during the project: challenges, achievements and lessons learnt”
Maroun El Moujabber“ Science Diplomacy and Gender Equality”
Francesco Bottalico” Territorial Actions to Face Shocks: the Case of Apulia Region DJAS Salento Cluster”.
Project leader, Noureddin Driouech, had worked across inter and cross-disciplinary competence centres (agro-industrial clusters) set up within HEIs. The clusters were created to ensure and strengthen connections with other organisations, encourage farms to develop innovations generated in HEIs, and promote collaborative activities based on mutual interest. This will be possible in the future through administrative support, a legal framework and research activities that meet real needs.
As part of the Baladiyati - My Municipality (Recovery, Stability, Socio-economic Development in Libya) programme, funded by the European Union through the EU Trust Fund and jointly implemented by AICS, UNDP and UNICEF since 2018, CIHEAM Bari, under the patronage of the Italian Embassy in Libya, organised two training sessions in Tripoli from 29 September to 3 October 2024. The sessions focused on community-based local development and the management of natural resources - water and soil.
The sessions, conducted by CIHEAM Bari experts Gianluigi Cardone and Donato Mondelli, were attended by sixty officials and experts from the 11 municipalities participating in the project and the Ministry of Local Governance, who are active in the fields of environment, agriculture and veterinary services.
The variety of the participants' profiles facilitated a fruitful exchange of reflections and information, laying the groundwork for drafting eleven local development plans centered on community needs, with a particular focus on the environment and the agro-pastoral sector, which are key components of the rural economy of the municipalities involved and of the country.
The training aimed not only to transfer knowledge and technical skills on these topics but also to involve local communities, with particular attention to women and youth. The objective was to identify the needs and interests of all stakeholders to define a local development strategy capable of creating sustainable socio-economic value by connecting all the local operators.
In the coming months, thanks to the coordination of CIHEAM Bari and the fieldwork of the local partner KAFAA, the beneficiary municipalities will develop, with the help of the Municipality Support Committees (MSC), their development plans according to the specific characteristics and opportunities of each community. The aim is to identify priority sectors for development interventions that local authorities, supported by the central government, the private sector, and international partners, will implement in the coming years.
Versione Italiana
Nell'ambito del programma Baladiyati – La Mia Municipalità (Recovery, Stability, Socio-Economic Development in Libya), finanziato dall'Unione Europea attraverso l'EU Trust Fund e implementato congiuntamente dal 2018 da AICS, UNDP e UNICEF, il CIHEAM Bari, con il patrocinio dell'Ambasciata Italiana in Libia, ha organizzato a Tripoli, dal 29 settembre al 3 ottobre 2024, due sessioni di formazione incentrate sullo sviluppo locale comunitario e sulla gestione delle risorse naturali – acqua e suolo.
Le sessioni, condotte dagli esperti del CIHEAM Bari, Gianluigi Cardone e Donato Mondelli, hanno coinvolto sessanta funzionari ed esperti provenienti dalle 11 municipalità coinvolte nel progetto e dal Ministero della Governance Locale, attivi nei settori dell’ambiente, dell’agricoltura e dei servizi veterinari.
La varietà dei profili dei partecipanti ha favorito uno scambio proficuo di riflessioni e informazioni, ponendo le basi per la redazione di undici piani di sviluppo locale incentrati sui bisogni delle comunità, con particolare attenzione all’ambiente e al settore agro-pastorale, componenti fondamentali dell’economia rurale delle municipalità coinvolte e del Paese.
La formazione è stata finalizzata non solo al trasferimento di conoscenze e competenze tecniche sui temi, ma anche al coinvolgimento delle comunità locali, con particolare riguardo a donne e giovani. L’obiettivo era individuare i bisogni e gli interessi di tutti gli stakeholder per la definizione di una strategia di sviluppo locale capace di creare valore socioeconomico sostenibile, mettendo in relazione tutti gli operatori del territorio.
Nei prossimi mesi, grazie al coordinamento del CIHEAM Bari e al lavoro sul campo del partner locale KAFAA, le municipalità beneficiarie dell’intervento elaboreranno, con l’aiuto dei Comitati di Supporto al Programma (MSC - Municipality Support Committee) i piani di sviluppo secondo le peculiarità e le opportunità di ciascuna comunità, al fine di identificare i settori prioritari per gli interventi di sviluppo che gli enti locali, con il supporto del governo centrale, del settore privato e dei partner internazionali, implementeranno nei prossimi anni.
Si è svolto a Caserta l’EventoG7 di Alto Livello | Investire nell'apprendimento permanente per la creazione di posti di lavoro e la resilienza: un dialogo con l'Africa, i cui risultati saranno riportati nella sezione “Istruzione e Sviluppo” del Comunicato Finale del G7 Sviluppo, che il Vice Presidente del Consiglio e Ministro degli Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale, Antonio Tajani, presiederà a Pescara dal 22 al 24 ottobre.
La seconda sessione, a cui ha partecipato il Direttore Maurizio Raeli, è stata dedicata alla formazione e allo sviluppo delle capacità per la creazione di sistemi alimentari resilienti e sostenibili. In particolare, l’attenzione è stata rivolta alle opportunità di collaborazione con l’Unione Africana e i Paesi del continente africano per promuovere la sicurezza alimentare e la resilienza ai cambiamenti climatici.
Nel suo intervento, il Direttore Raeli ha affermato: “Investire nelle competenze e nella formazione specialistica è fondamentale per garantire un futuro sostenibile e resiliente nel settore agricolo. Il CIHEAM Bari vanta una lunga tradizione di alta formazione nel settore: da oltre 60 anni, abbiamo formato più di 14.000 professionisti provenienti da oltre 100 Paesi, e il 74% di loro accede immediatamente al mercato del lavoro al termine dei nostri corsi. Questa formazione di alto livello rappresenta un vero e proprio motore di crescita e sviluppo, poiché i beneficiari sono in grado di applicare le competenze acquisite nei loro Paesi di origine, contribuendo così allo sviluppo socio-economico e alla stabilità dell’area mediterranea e africana.”
L’evento, tenutosi alla Reggia di Caserta, è stato presieduto dal Vice Ministro agli Affari Esteri, On. Edmondo Cirielli e ha visto la partecipazione, tra gli altri, della Ministra per la Famiglia, la Natalità e le Pari Opportunità, On. Eugenia Roccella.
The G7 High-Level Event | Investing in Lifelong Learning for Job Creation and Resilience: a Dialogue with Africa took place today in Caserta.
The results of the meeting will be reported in the Final Communiqué "Education and Development" section of the G7 Development Summit, which will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani in Pescara on 22-24 October.
The second session, attended by CIHEAM Bari's Director Maurizio Raeli, focused on training and capacity building to develop resilient and sustainable food systems. Notably, opportunities for cooperation with the African Union and African countries to promote food security and climate resilience were emphasised.
Addressing the audience, Director Raeli said: "Investing in skills and specialised training is paramount to ensure a sustainable and resilient future in agriculture. CIHEAM Bari has a long tradition of excellence in this field: for more than 60 years, we have trained over 14,000 professionals from around 100 countries. Seventy-four per cent of our trainees enter the labour market immediately after completing our programmes. This high-level training is a real driver of growth and development, enabling trainees to apply, in their countries of origin, the skills acquired, thus contributing to the socio-economic development and stability of the Mediterranean and African regions".
The event, hosted at Palazzo Reale in Caserta, was chaired by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Edmondo Cirielli, and was also attended by the Minister for the Family, Nationality and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Eugenia Roccella.
On 30 September 2024, CIHEAM Bari officially opened the new academic year with the launching of the following Master courses:
We are very proud to welcome the international community of 48 new students from 14countries: Algeria, Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Jordan, Ghana, Lebanon, Morocco, Malawi, Nigeria, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey.
Students will follow the first month of their studies in remote and come to CIHEAM Bari in early November to attend face-to-face courses. The very first meeting was held online in the morning to welcome all and introduce the activities, objectives and aims of this year.
We wish our students the best for their studies.
Habari Ramazani shares his experience as a Mentor of the Training Course “Agri-business and Value Chain: Towards Sustainable Agri-food Systems”.
«Ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor and a pleasure to share with you the experience I had during the training course "Agri-business and Value Chain: Towards Sustainable Agri-food Systems," held in Puglia, Italy, from September 9 to 20, 2024.
This course was hosted and organized by CIHEAM Bari in the framework of the programme "Improving the inclusive and sustainable development of agricultural value chains", funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and implemented by UNIDO in Mozambique.
Participating in this course was an incredible experience. As a mentor for the UNIDO - Mozambique team, I had the opportunity to learn about best practices in agribusiness and sustainable value chains. The technical visits to various farms and cooperatives were inspiring, demonstrating the importance of innovation and collaboration in transforming the agricultural sector.
The "Agri-business and Value Chain" course was a true turning point in my career!
Habari Ramazani
I am Habari Ramazani, a former intern at the “International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM Bari)”, from June 24 to September 20, 2024.
I learned about the latest trends in agribusiness, including the relevance of quality certification, sustainable farm management, and the use of innovative technologies. As a mentor for the UNIDO team, I was able to share this knowledge with my colleagues and contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable projects in Mozambique.
International cooperation is essential for the development of agribusiness in developing countries. Through the course, I met professionals from different sectors and learned about the diverse realities of the agricultural sector. As a mentor for the UNIDO team, I also helped strengthen communication between Italian farmers, cooperatives and the UNIDO - Mozambique team, promoting better mutual understanding and the exchange of best practices.
I would like to thank CIHEAM Bari, UNIDO and the Italian Cooperation for this important initiative and for providing me with this unique opportunity to enhance my knowledge and contribute to the development of agribusiness in Mozambique».
È stato siglato martedì 24 settembre, al CIHEAM Bari, il Protocollo d’Intesa con il Segretariato Permanente dell'Iniziativa Adriatico-Ionica (AII-PS) allo scopo di promuovere la collaborazione per lo sviluppo dell'area e per rafforzare il ruolo dell'Italia nella Regione balcanica, in continuità col processo di integrazione europea.
Alla cerimonia erano presenti Maurizio Raeli, direttore del CIHEAM Bari, e l’ambasciatore Giovanni Castellaneta, segretario generale dell’Iniziativa Adriatico-Ionica.
L'intesa rappresenta un progresso significativo nel promuovere il dialogo e la coesione tra le regioni adriatico-ioniche, incentivando al contempo la diversificazione economica e l'adozione di tecnologie innovative nei Paesi dell'area.
Questa partnership, inoltre, contribuirà a sostenere la definizione di strategie e progettazioni congiunte, lo scambio di esperti e la mobilitazione di professionalità tra le due Organizzazioni, oltre alla promozione di seminari e incontri su temi di reciproco interesse.
New edition of the 1st level International University Master in "Open Innovation & Youth Entrepreneurship in the Mediterranean Green Sector" organised in Tirana (Albania) jointly by CIHEAM Bari, LUM University, Universiteti Bujqësor I Tiranës, CIHEAM SG and in collaboration with Intesa San Paolo Bank Albania
This Master's course will deliver a DOUBLE DEGREE recognised in Albania and Italy.
More specifically, the objective of the programme is to train a new generation of innovation managers through the introduction of a new mindset and of new methodological approaches (Design Thinking, Lean Startup). Students will be guided through the creation, prototyping and enhancement of innovative entrepreneurial ideas (new products/services for new markets) in the agri-food sector within the green economy, in collaboration with Italian and international companies.
Tuition fees: up to € 800 Scholarships: available Application deadline:30 September 2024 Download the application documents:https://www.ubt.edu.al/fea
We encourage interested graduates and professionals to apply. More details and how to apply: info@ubt.edu.al - mluci@ubt.edu.al
The International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM Bari) is excited to announce the launch of its training course, "Water, Soil, and Crop Management in a Climate-Smart Agriculture." The second module of the course, titled “Innovative Technologies in Agriculture and Water Management” will take place from September 9th to 20th, 2024, at CIHEAM Bari in Italy.
This module brings together 20 participants from Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Sudan, aiming to empower them as trainers who will transfer newly acquired knowledge to farmers, local authorities, and other stakeholders in their regions.
Course Overview
The training module offers a comprehensive approach to cutting-edge technologies and their applications in agriculture and water management:
Week 1 (September 9-13): The first part of the course will be held online, in conjunction with CIHEAM Bari’s Advanced Specialized Course on “Precision Agriculture for the Mediterranean Region”. This week will cover innovative solutions such as remote sensing, satellite imagery, and drone technology, revolutionizing farming practices and water management.
Week 2 (September 16-20): During the in-person segment, participants will engage in a mix of lectures and hands-on field visits. Highlights include learning about precision agriculture, automation, robotics, and plant phenotyping. Visits to the Valle Verde farm, Andriani Spa Factory, and ApuliaKundi farm will showcase the integration of circular economy principles and cutting-edge agricultural practices.
Focus on Digital Water Management
Digital water management is another critical topic. With guidance from Acquedotto Pugliese (AQP) experts, participants will explore the role of IoT applications, smart sensors, and real-time monitoring systems in optimizing water use and conservation. Remote sensing for water resources assessment will also be covered, providing insights into satellite-based observation techniques.
The course aims to bridge theory and practice, equipping participants with the tools to implement climate-smart agriculture and water management solutions in their communities.
About the Project
The training course is part of the WATDEV Project - Climate Smart Water Management and Sustainable Development for Food and Agriculture in East Africa, funded by the European Union’s DeSIRA initiative. WATDEV focuses on advancing water and agricultural resource management through innovative research, modeling, and capacity-building to strengthen climate resilience in East Africa.
