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)

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)

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)

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)

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)