abdelradi fadi

Presentation

Dr Fadi Abdelradi research focus lies within the field of agricultural value chain analysis, with a special emphasis on price volatility transmission across markets and production efficiency. Recently, Fadi completed two projects: (1) a two-year project called “Improving the fresh produce supply chain network in Egypt” financed by the American University in Cairo (AUC); , (2) a four-year project, financed by PRIMA called "Sustainable Innovation and Governance in the Mediterranean Area for the Water-Ecosystem-Food Nexus". Presently, Dr Fadi Abdelradi is working with a new four-year project, financed by PRIMA called “Operational Adaptation Nexus-Based Systems Solutions in Mediterranean”.

Fadi is an associate editor in the Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Sciences and a reviewer for several international journals like Waste Management, Energy Economics, Agricultural Economics, Water Resources Management, International Review of Economics and Finance, Energy Sources, Part B Economics, Planning, and Policy, International Journal of Applied Management Theory and Research, Plos one, Plos one - Climate.

What I can bring to this network ?

Bring experience about farming systems in Egypt
- investment options opportunities
- existing farming practices
- outreach to local partners

What I seek in this network ?

- expand my network
- participate in events
- join research projects

Group's Member :

• CopSyS

ASSOGBA S. Claude-Gervais

Presentation

Claude-Gervais ASSOGBA is an Associate Professor in Agro-Socio-Anthropology. He is a lecturer at the Department of Rural Economics and Sociology at the Faculty of Agronomy, University of Parakou in Republic of Benin, West Africa. He obtained his PhD in Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology at the University of Liege in Belgium in 2014. He heads the Research Unit "Sustainable Production Systems" of the Laboratory Research on Innovation for Agricultural Development (LRIDA) at the University of Parakou. He is the Scientific Secretary of the doctorate training on Sociology of Natural Resources at the Doctorate School of Agricultural and Water Sciences (EDSAE). His researches focus on knowledge and innovations process management, adoption of sustainable agricultural practices (agroecology and organic agriculture). He has an expertise in strategic plan conception, facilitation of innovation platform process and is actively involved in many initiatives promoting agroecology and organic agriculture in Benin and Africa.

What I can bring to this network ?

My experiences and expertises in multidisciplinary reaserches conception and implementation

What I seek in this network ?

Develop partnerships and collaborations for the design and implementation of joint projects relating to sustainable production systems, food systems and climate change

Group's Member :

• CopSyS

Baudron Frédéric

Presentation

Frédéric Baudron is a Senior Scientist working for the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (Cirad), based in Montpellier, France. Prior to this, he was a Principal Scientist working for the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) based first in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (from 2011 to 2016) and later in Harare, Zimbabwe (from 2016 to 2023).

Trained as a tropical agronomist in France, he specialized as a livestock scientist and started his career with a focus on the interface between people (mainly farmers) and wildlife in Zimbabwe (and neighbouring countries). He then carried his PhD on plant production systems at the University of Wageningen (The Netherlands).

He has been involved in a number of research projects in Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe. He has more than 23 years of experience developing solutions with and for smallholders in sub-Saharan Africa.

What I can bring to this network ?

Expertise, network of projects

What I seek in this network ?

Collaboration, discussions around methods, new partnership

Group's Member :

• CopSyS

Bebeley Jenneh Fatima

Presentation

I have extensive experience spanning over 10 years in agronomy, crop science, and farmer participatory evaluation of improved crop production technologies.

What I can bring to this network ?

To share knowledge and results obtained in crop modelling research in West Africa and contribute to the system science in agriculture for sustainable resource use, climate adaptation, and food security.

What I seek in this network ?

To collaborate and network with other researchers to ensure that system science in agriculture and education is integrated into our university systems in Sierra Leone.

Group's Member :

• CopSyS

Belhouchette Hatem

Presentation

Hatem Belhouchette started his study Crop Production System at the National Institute of Agronomy-Tunisia in 1991. In 1995 Hatem graduated with a major in Crop production System and minors in Farm Economics. From 1996 to 1999 he realized, on irrigation cropping system in Mediterranean regions, a Master of Science in IAM-Bari.

In 2000 he started his PhD study on Cropping System sustainability by using bio-economic approach associated to GIS system in Northern Tunisia. In 2004 he received his PhD.

Since 2003, he has been appointed at IAM-Montpellier institute as a lecturer and researcher in Agricultural Production Systems. His main expertise and interest is the development of operational methods for the assessment, exploration and design of agricultural production systems, both at field and farm levels. He is presently coordinating research network that aims at the development of a system for agro-economic and environmental modeling.He ran several national and international research projects, and supervises several Master and PhDs projects mainly on farming resilience analysis under climate change and market uncertainty topics.

What I can bring to this network ?

Methods and assumptions for working at the interface between different disciplines to design resilient agricultural systems.

What I seek in this network ?

understand and learn how to better work at the interface between different disciplines to design performant systems.

Group's Member :

• CopSyS
• International Steering Group (ISG)

Blanco-Gutiérrez Irene

Presentation

Irene Blanco Gutiérrez is an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) and a researcher at the Research Centre for the Management of Agricultural and Environmental Risks (CEIGRAM), Spain. She holds a PhD in Agricultural Engineering (UPM), with research stays at UC Davis, and MSc degrees in Agrifood Economics (University of Montpellier 1) and Agrifood Policies (CIHEAM Montpellier).
She teaches Applied Microeconomics, Agricultural Policy and Rural Development, and Bioeconomy at UPM. She has also been an invited lecturer in France (CIHEAM Montpellier), Italy (CIHEAM Bari), Germany (Humboldt University), the UK (University of Leeds), the USA (UCLA), Colombia (Universidad de Santander), and the Dominican Republic (Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo).
Her research has been conducted across Europe, North Africa, and Latin America. She has led competitive research projects funded by the EU and the Spanish government, and collaborated with international organizations such as FAO and CEPAL, addressing issues related to water management, climate change, ecosystem conservation, and food security.
She serves as Associate Editor for Irrigation Science and the Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research, and as an expert evaluator for research and innovation programs including the EU Framework Programme, the Austrian Science Fund, the Polish National Science Centre, and the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation.

What I can bring to this network ?

Research and teaching experience in systems science applied to water and agriculture.
Active involvement in research networks and collaboration with the European Engineering Learning Innovation and Science Alliance (EELISA), led by UPM, aimed at advancing a common model for European engineering education.
Publications and practical tools for systems analysis with real-world applications.

What I seek in this network ?

I seek opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint research at both global and regional levels. I am particularly interested in learning from others’ policy-relevant experiences in tackling complex sustainability challenges, and in exploring how to translate these insights into education, through innovative training programs and academic partnerships that empower future decision-makers.

Group's Member :

• CopSyS

Descheemaeker Katrien

Presentation

Katrien Descheemaeker is Professor Plant Production Systems in the Plant Science Group of Wageningen University (Netherlands). Katrien's research focuses on farming systems analysis, soil-plant-animal interactions, sustainable development and resource use efficiency, with a special interest in the functioning and dynamics of mixed crop-livestock systems. Current activities combine experimental trial work with simulation modelling to identify and assess options for sustainable intensification and climate-smart agriculture. Across various projects on smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa, Dr. Descheemaeker designs participatory and co-learning approaches that aim to co-design tailored agricultural technologies and practices to improve farm productivity, food security, resilience to shocks, and natural resource integrity.

What I can bring to this network ?

Experience with research and education in systems analysis of agricultural systems. Educational material; tools and methods for systems analysis

Group's Member :

• CopSyS
• International Steering Group (ISG)

Devkota Wasti Mina

What I can bring to this network ?

I can share regional experience on cropping systems, particularly from South Asia, Central Asia, and the MENA region. These regions encompass a wide range of agro-ecological zones, farming practices, and socio-economic contexts, which provide valuable insights into the design and adaptation of cropping systems.

What I seek in this network ?

I seek to be an active and engaged member of the Cropping Systems Network, contributing to community of practice. I aim to both share insights from my regional and field experience and learn from the diverse perspectives and innovations of other members. I am particularly interested in supporting the advancement of integrated systems science—bringing together agronomy, ecology, socioeconomics, and policy—to inform and strengthen key research and development agendas. By working collaboratively, I hope to contribute to the co-creation of knowledge and solutions that address the complex challenges facing cropping systems across different agro-ecological and socio-economic contexts."

Group's Member :

• CopSyS
• International Steering Group (ISG)

Feleke Hirut Getachew

Presentation

I am an agronomist, agrometeorologist, and crop modeller with a focus on the impacts of climate change on food security. Currently, I am working as a postdoctoral researcher, exploring how climate shifts affect agricultural systems and food availability. I am passionate about using interdisciplinary approaches to tackle complex challenges in agriculture and working towards sustainable solutions. I look forward to engaging with the community of practice at this workshop, where we can collaborate, share knowledge, and develop innovative strategies for resilient, sustainable agri-food futures.

What I can bring to this network ?

Given my background as an agronomist, agrometeorologist, and crop modeller, I bring a strong understanding of how climate change impacts agricultural systems and food security. My interdisciplinary approach allows me to bridge the gap between science, policy, and practical solutions. I am eager to contribute my research and insights into sustainable agricultural practices, while also learning from and collaborating with others in this network. Together, we can work towards creating resilient and sustainable agri-food systems, especially in regions facing climate-related challenges.

What I seek in this network ?

In this network, I seek to expand my understanding of global and regional challenges in agriculture, land, and water systems, particularly in the context of climate change. I am eager to collaborate with fellow experts from diverse disciplines to develop innovative, sustainable solutions for food security. Additionally, I hope to engage in capacity-building efforts and exchange knowledge that can be applied in both research and practical settings, especially in Africa and Mediterranean regions where these challenges are most pressing.

Group's Member :

• CopSyS

GERARD Bruno

Presentation

With over 30 years of work experience in the field of agriculture and environmental sciences, I am currently the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at UM6P - Mohammed VI Polytechnic University. In this role, I oversee the academic, research, and outreach activities of the college, and foster collaboration and innovation among faculty, students, and partners. Prior to joining UM6P, I was the Director of the Sustainable Intensification Program at CIMMYT, where I managed a global team of researchers and practitioners working on improving the productivity and profitability of smallholder farmers. I have a PhD in Agronomy from Universität Hohenheim and a MSc in Irrigation Engineering from Utah State University and Agricultural Engineering degree from Université catholique de Louvain. My core competencies include strategic leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, project management, and stakeholder engagement. My mission is to advance the knowledge and practice in agriculture and environmental sustainability, and to contribute to the social and economic development of the communities I serve. I value diversity, innovation, and excellence, and I strive to bring these values to my work and my team.

What I can bring to this network ?

Experience, network, and passion

What I seek in this network ?

Novel thinking for research and education

Group's Member :

• CopSyS
• International Steering Group (ISG)

Hanke-Louw Nora

What I can bring to this network ?

Attending to explore and present further South-South networks and publications.

What I seek in this network ?

Listening and networking

Group's Member :

• CopSyS

Jacobson Michael

Presentation

Dr. Michael Jacobson is a professor of forest resources at Penn State and an affiliate professor at UM6P. Throughout his over 30+ year career which includes work at the World Bank and Peace Corps, he has integrated extension, teaching and research to promote sustainable land use with interdisciplinary approaches bridging social and biophysical sciences. Major topics of interest include agroforestry, bioenergy, forest finance and economics and water-energy-food nexus. He teaches forest economics, global agricultural systems, agroforestry, and international forestry. He has significant presence in international activities, in dozens of countries but mainly focused on Africa. He is currently leading two international projects funded by the Belmont Forum and the National Science Foundation on drought/disaster risk and resilience indicators and water-energy-food nexus.

What I can bring to this network ?

Thinking about economic tradeoffs in resource management decisions.

What I seek in this network ?

First time I've participated with this group so need to listen and learn.

Group's Member :

• CopSyS

Kleftodimos Georgios

Presentation

Georgios Kleftodimos is an Associate Professor in Environmental and Agricultural Economics at CIHEAM Montpellier. His research focuses on integrating ecological complexity into economic and systems models to support agroecological transitions, farming systems sustainability, and resilient food systems. He specializes in the economic valuation of ecosystem services and leads work on the socio-economic impacts of biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. A core dimension of his work addresses the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus in the Mediterranean, promoting integrated governance and adaptive strategies to enhance resource-use efficiency and climate resilience. Through transdisciplinary approaches and stakeholder engagement, he explores how economic instruments, policy incentives, and systems thinking can align food production with environmental sustainability in resource-constrained regions.

What I can bring to this network ?

I bring to this network a unique combination of environmental economics expertise and systems modeling experience, grounded in real-world applications across Mediterranean agricultural systems. My work connects ecological complexity with socio-economic realities, using tools such as bio-economic modeling, ecosystem service valuation, and WEFE Nexus frameworks to assess trade-offs and guide policy. I also contribute strong experience in transdisciplinary research coordination (e.g., DIONYSUS, RESTPOLL), participatory approaches, and capacity-building. I am eager to foster economic-policy integration within systems science and help co-design solutions that are scientifically robust, context-sensitive, and policy-relevant.

What I seek in this network ?

I seek to collaborate with a diverse community of scientists committed to rethinking agricultural and environmental sustainability through a systems lens.

Group's Member :

• CopSyS

Lamlili Nadia

Presentation

Author and former journalist, I currently serve as Head of Social Innovation at UM6P France. I am pursuing a PhD in Development and Environmental Economics at Paris-Saclay University, within the framework of an action-research project to be conducted in Morocco. My doctoral research focuses on the intersection of gender dynamics and climate change adaptation in agricultural value chains in Africa.
In parallel, I am a member of the scientific committee and responsible for the organization of the Autumn School "Socio-Economic Strategies for Sustainable Development in Rural Africa." This event, jointly organized by the Graduate School of Economics & Management at the University of Paris-Saclay (along with its research units UMI-SOURCE and UMR PSAE) and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (including its College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and its Social Innovation Institute) with the support of « Agence Universitaire de la Francophone (AUF) » et OCP Foundation, will take place from October 27 to 31, 2025, at the Benguerir campus in Morocco. This Autumn School is a hands-on school, there will be an immersive work on real african case studies, fostering an interdisciplinary platform of exchange between researchers, PhD students, and professionals to stimulate innovation and strengthen the resilience of rural African territories.
I hold a Master’s degree in Geopolitics and Geo-economics of Emerging Africa, jointly awarded in 2023 by HEC Paris and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). My master’s thesis explored the impact of agricultural training programs on women’s empowerment in West Africa, through a case study of an initiative launched by OCP Africa in Senegal to train women in agricultural processing and marketing. The program was evaluated using the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index for Market Inclusion (Pro-WEAI+MI), developed by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI).
Between 1997 and 2018, I held several senior editorial positions in the media sector in Morocco and France, most notably as Head of the Maghreb–Middle East section at Jeune Afrique magazine. In 2019, I published the novel "Une plume dans la plaie", which explores the challenges faced by a Moroccan newspaper under state censorship.
From 2020 to 2025, I served as Editorial Director of the think tank L’Afrique des Idées, which produces analyses and policy recommendations on major economic, political, and cultural issues affecting the African continent.

What I can bring to this network ?

As a researcher and practitioner at the intersection of development economics, gender studies, and climate resilience, I bring a cross-disciplinary perspective grounded in both field-based action-research and policy-oriented analysis. My current doctoral research explores gender dynamics and climate adaptation within agricultural value chains in Africa, with a particular focus on action-research in Morocco.

In addition, as a member of the scientific committee of the Automn PHD School "Socio-Economic Strategies for Sustainable Development in Rural Africa.", I can bring a transdiciplinary knowledge based on real case studies in Africa, especially in contexts marked by socio-environmental complexity. I also bring strong communication skills, honed through a long career in journalism and authorship, which allow me to effectively translate scientific insights into accessible narratives for decision-makers and local communities.

What I seek in this network ?

This community of practice represents an opportunity to deepen my understanding of systems science tools and models and to engage in meaningful collaboration with researchers, practitioners, and system thinkers working on the complex interconnections between agriculture, gender, water governance and indigenous knowledge.

Group's Member :

• CopSyS

McDonald Andrew

Presentation

Associate Professor of global cropping systems at Cornell University. 15+ years experience leading interdisciplinary teams conducting mission-driven research, principally in South Asia.

What I can bring to this network ?

Development analogues from South Asia, mixed methods research approaches, agronomy fundamentals drawing on process-based understanding of system dynamics

What I seek in this network ?

New ways to conceptualize and operationalize the role of science towards accelerating sustainabiltiy transitions; collaborations for curricula, methods, and capacity development.

Group's Member :

• CopSyS
• International Steering Group (ISG)

MKWAMBISI David

Presentation

Professor David Mkwambisi – is a Professor of Environment and Development at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) and Director of the MUST Institute of the Industrial Research and Innovation. He is also the Director of the Southern Africa Future Earth Hub Node. David is also Chairperson of the National Commission of Science and Technology. He has a PhD and MSc in Environment and Development from University of Leeds and University of East Anglia in UK respectively. He possesses extensive knowledge and experience in environmental conservation, poverty analysis, gender and climate adaptation, and agricultural systems. His role at the university, combined with a robust background in innovation ecosystem, policy analysis and strategic programming makes him an invaluable member of the national development agenda. In his 15-year professional career, David has been involved in several development and research programmes on Science Technology and Innovation, climate change and agriculture, environmental sustainability, poverty and institutions and urban sustainability. He is among national experts responsible for policy contribution on climate change, agriculture, industry, STI, industrialization, environment and development. David has designed and implemented several innovative research and development programmes in collaboration with local, regional and global partners mostly in environment and development. David has been contributing to strategic programing and delivery of several interventions for UNEP, UNFPA, COMESA, SADC, African Union, UNFCCC, World Bank, FAO, African Development Bank, UNICEF, UNDP, NEPAD, Government of Malawi and several international and national Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

What I can bring to this network ?

Food innovation and management
Innovation management systems at University level
Knowledge on industry-University partnerships

What I seek in this network ?

New partners and knowledge from the regional and global perspective
Engagement with the government
Engagement with emerging researchers

Group's Member :

• CopSyS

Okori Patrick

Presentation

Prof Patrick Okori an Agriculture Scientist and Education Leader is the Executive Secretary of RUFORUM (www.ruforum.org). He has previously served as Academic Dean and Science Leader at Makerere University in Uganda, Africa, responsible for academic reform, partnerships and resourcing. At the CGIAR, (ICRISAT), he was Principal Scientist- Groundnut Breeding, Country Representative, and Deputy Director of Research Programme on Accelerated Crop Improvement. He is a thought leader serving in national to global high-level strategy and visioning processes.

What I can bring to this network ?

Vast experience in University led Graduate training and Human capital development for science and development mostly within Agriculture and allied sectors of the economy

What I seek in this network ?

To engage with the CGIAR on cost-leveraged opportunities for capacity building and sharing in agriculture and related disciplines. My interest is who best we could work together to training the nest generation of science leaders (MSc PhD and post doctoral fellows, as well as specialised skilling in emerging science areas.

Group's Member :

• CopSyS

Sidibé Amadou

Presentation

Amadou Sidibé is an associate professor and head of the research laboratory on social and economic dynamics under the department of economic and social sciences at the Rural Polytechnic Institute for Training and Applied Research (IPR-IFRA) in Katibougou, Mali. He holds a PhD in Agro-Socio-Economics from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. He is co-founder and director of the Beta Gamma Center for Research and Development, dedicated to research issues that transcend disciplinary barriers. His teaching and research areas focus on the analysis of value chains, food systems, the sustainability of agro-socio-ecological systems, innovation processes and technology studies.

What I can bring to this network ?

I can bring to this network my experience in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research.

What I seek in this network ?

In this network, I am open to learning, networking and co-creation.

Group's Member :

• CopSyS

SONDE POUSGA Salimata

Presentation

I'am Dr Salimata POUSGA. DVM, PhD, Animal health, Nutrition and Management. Associate professor in Nazi BONI University, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Currently, scientific Director of the International Center for Research and Development on livestock in Sub Humid zone (CIRDES).

What I can bring to this network ?

sharing some experiences on good practices in livestock management for a sustainable food system and ONE HEALTH

What I seek in this network ?

Learn from others about system science and sustainable agrifood future. Networking

Group's Member :

• CopSyS

Taulya Godfrey

Presentation

I am passionate about sustainability of natural resource management for multiple livelihood goals

What I can bring to this network ?

Wide experience with resource-poor smallholder farming systems in sub Saharan Africa

What I seek in this network ?

Expertise in coupling different simulation frameworks to capture the complex reality of mixed farming systems with perennial crops and livestock components.

Group's Member :

• CopSyS

WERY Jacques

Presentation

Jacques WERY is Emeritus Professor at l’Institut Agro (France). He has been teaching crop physiology, agronomy and agricultural systems during 37 years before moving to science and partnership management as Deputy Director General Research of ICARDA based in Cairo (2018-2021) and as Director of Science and Partnership at l’Institut Agro (2021-2024). He has been board member of the Seamless project on integrated modelling of agricultural systems (2004-2009) and Executive Secretary of the European Society for Agronomy (2010-2018).

What I can bring to this network ?

My time and passion in the coordination of the CoPSyS and the System-S platform.

What I seek in this network ?

Sharing capacities and building projects in an interdisciplinary framework.

Group's Member :

• CopSyS
• International Steering Group (ISG)