SustAgri – Sustainable agroforestry systems for the Mediterranean

In the SustAgri project, RLI scientists are working with other organisations to develop sustainable agroforestry systems for the Mediterranean region to strengthen the resilience of agriculture. To do this, they combine traditional and innovative agricultural practices and develop a digital planning tool for agroforestry systems.

Promoting sustainable agroforestry in the Mediterranean region
The project promotes sustainable agroforestry systems in the Mediterranean region through international and transdisciplinary cooperation with research institutes and farmers. These systems combine agricultural production with tree crops to achieve environmental, social, and economic benefits, such as improving soil quality, increasing biodiversity, and promoting climate change adaptation. The aim of the project is to make agriculture more resilient and to disseminate sustainable practices, such as agroforestry, water-efficient irrigation techniques or climate-resilient forms of cultivation through research, capacity building and technological innovations.

Research and development of agroforestry solutions
The project team collects and analyses both traditional and modern agroforestry practices in three “Living Labs” in the region. It identifies the best combinations of agricultural techniques and natural potentials to create resilient agroforestry systems for different physical conditions and socio-economic contexts.

Digital planning tool for agroforestry systems
The experts are also developing a digital tool. It helps farmers to better plan agroforestry systems and select appropriate technologies that are aligned with the water-energy-food-environment nexus. It is made accessible via a user-friendly web app.

Strengthening capacities and promoting equality
The project relies on the active participation of disadvantaged people, especially women, as shapers of a sustainable agricultural transformation. Co-design approaches are intended to ensure that their perspectives and competencies shape the agriculture of the future. In addition, workshops and practical materials contribute to disseminating skills for the implementation of resilient agroforestry systems and promoting participation. The aim is to contribute to gender equality and inclusive and sustainable agriculture in the long term.

Project period: 01.06.2025 – 31.05.2028

• Establishment of an agenda process and involvement of stakeholders on sustainable agroforestry systems in the Mediterranean region.
• Identify and validate traditional and innovative agroforestry practices in Living Labs.
• Development of a digital webapp for the planning of agroforestry systems, taking into account the water-energy-food-environment nexus.
• Promoting new business models and financing opportunities for agroforestry systems.
• Empowering and actively engaging local farmers through targeted training and co-design workshops.
• Expanding research on resilient agricultural systems and their integration with renewable energies.