The main objective of this research project is to explore ways of improving the creation of value in the dates value chains in three countries of the southern Mediterranean, namely Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. France is also involved in this research proposed by a consortium of sixinstitutions. The key components of the project fit together around the analysis of constraints and opportunities of the market organization at national and international level and agricultural policies in each country. Indeed, the project aims to identify and evaluate, from an analysis of the interactions between the public and private strategies and modes of professional organizations, the effectiveness of value creation dynamics for a local Mediterranean products: dates. To reach this goal, the project starts from the idea that the behavior of local value chains stakeholders are strategic responses to government actions, on one hand, and to the situation of the professional organization, on the other hand. In addition, the project takes into account the fact that the development strategies of quality labels for local products are one component of a broader strategy to create a portfolio of products and market segmentation developed by sectors. We will analyze these complex interactions, identifying their effects on the formation of prices in domestic markets and access to domestic and international markets through two research work packages: i) Consumer perceptions, expectations and attitudes towards local products, ii) Market opportunities and supply chain organization for local agri-food products in domestic markets, iii) International food Supply-chains: structure, strategies and value sharing. Moreover, an additional WP is devoted to the coordination of research and dissemination of results. VALUETEAM will address the issues raised above through new methodological approaches, including value chain approach with focus on quantitative analysis, models of industrial organization and models of operational research applied on data collected from field surveys. The mechanisms of coordination and management of professional organizations will be analyzed as well to assess their capacity to promote the emergence of dynamic valuable supply of local products along with fair distribution of value throughout the selected supply chains in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. Keywords: Mediterranean local products, Competitive and sustainable value chains, Domestic and international markets, Professional organization.

Transforming agriculture in the context of climate change is a central challenge in North-Africa, the most food-import-dependent region worldwide and a climate change hotspot. Tackling these issues, Agro-Ecology (AE) appears as an answer to meet both the challenges of global sustainability and local resilience. In this context, NATAE consortium brings together high-level research institutions, international organisations and NGOs with strong experience on AE approaches and exceptional capacity to induce transformational change by informing policies and education. NATAE project aims to foster the adoption of science-based, locally-tailored and co-designed AE strategies in North Africa by creating a comprehensive and quantitative baseline on AE, providing a shared understanding, multidimensional performance measures, and analyses of AE potential for meeting consumers demand on the market. To achieve this goal, NATAE will set-up and inform a unique multi-actor community of knowledge and capacity building on AE in the Mediterranean, with ground breaking findings on the performances of AE-Practices (AEP) in North Africa. An original multi-dimensional, multi-scale evaluation framework covering dimensions currently overlooked, and a replicable methodological guidebook will be designed. An integrated modelling approach combining a biophysical, a household/regional bio-economic indicator modelling chain will be used to develop a unique Integrated Assessment of Agricultural Systems to assess the resilience of AEP-based farming systems. Participatory approaches via Living Labs will be elaborated to develop, test and capitalize alternative public policies and foster AE transitions. An integrated group of dissemination activities, will further test, advance and communicate a range of existing AE innovations from farm to fork, including innovative farm practices, value-chain innovations, and innovations in food system governance, advancing their respective readiness level.

Narratives of a “better life” that can become reality elsewhere have always been shaping human migration. The image or idea of a “promised land”, however, might not be real, and newcomers are often faced with obstacles and challenges. Certain narratives and perceptions of Europe influence migration aspirations and false images can not only lead to problems when the image does not hold true, but it might also even lead to security threats or risks to migrants. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance to understand and investigate narratives about Europe, how these can lead to problems and threats, how they are distributed, and, in the next step, find ways to react and counteract them. Perceptions of Europe are formed in the country of residence, and they are based on a multitude of sources. Social media and new communication networks, in addition, have increased the scope and the intensity of distribution of such narratives; furthermore, so-called filter bubbles and echo chambers can lead to isolated misperceptions that are not corrected. Due to new communication technologies, false or incorrect claims become life on their own, raising expectations or disapproval. At the same time, however, these technologies and communication networks might also provide a channel to set an exaggerated image straight and promote a more realistic narrative. It is, therefore, the aim of the PERCEPTIONS project to identify and understand the narratives and perceptions of the EU abroad, assess potential issues related to the border and external security in order to allow better planning and outline reactions and countermeasures. For that purpose, the project will conduct research on the narratives and the myths that are circulating about the EU in countries West- and Central Mediterranean areas. Based on the research insights, the consortium will develop a PERCEPTIONS framework model including policy recommendations and action plans.