International Steering Group (ISG)
Email of the referent(s)
Contact by mail
Missions and objectives
• to guide the development of the CoP (CopSyS) and its on-line Platform (System-S) in a 2025-2030 perspective
• to contribute to CoP activities (communication, extended membership, webinar, provision of teaching materials, projects, papers, workshop…)
• to make the link with institutions, international programs, other CoP…
• to contribute to CoP activities (communication, extended membership, webinar, provision of teaching materials, projects, papers, workshop…)
• to make the link with institutions, international programs, other CoP…
State of progress
In progress
File : Cop_SystemS_ISG_V2_short.docx
Download
Group's Members
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.
Belhouchette Hatem
Professionnal title : Professor
Researcher
Main affiliation : CIHEAM Montpellier
3191 route de Mende 34090 Montpellier 0619282623
multiscale modeller of farming systems in an uncertain context
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 :
Descheemaeker Katrien
Professionnal title : Professor
Scientific fields : Crop Modeling Agricultural Systems Agronomy
Main affiliation : Wageningen University and Research
I am passionate about systems science to address urgent global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss.
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 analysisGroup's Member :
Devkota Wasti Mina
Professionnal title : Doctor
Scientific fields : Agricultural Systems Agronomy
Main affiliation : International Center for Agriculture Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)
20 Rue Jabal Oukaimeden, Agdal, Rabat +212 Agdal 0662147864
I am cropping System Agronomist.
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 :
GERARD Bruno
Professionnal title : Professor
Dean, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
Main affiliation : University Mohammed VI Polytechnic
ALOUIDANE 30700 Marrakech +212662827646Presentation
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 passionWhat I seek in this network ?
Novel thinking for research and educationGroup's Member :
McDonald Andrew
Professionnal title : Professor
Main affiliation : Cornell University
1114 Bradfield Hall, Cornell University 14853 Ithaca, NY
Systems agronomy and sustainability transitions
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 dynamicsWhat 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 :
WERY Jacques
Professionnal title : Professor
Scientific fields : Agricultural Systems Agronomy
Main affiliation : L'Institut Agro
3 rue de la Frégate 34080 Montpellier +33671916585
An agronomist with passion for international and interdisciplinary collaborations for a change in agri-food systems
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 :