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In touch with Mediterranean realities
Effective, innovative and original teaching takes full account of Mediterranean realities: vulnerable land, rain-fed agriculture, demographic pressures, etc. These realities give rise to specific lines of research. Some of them call for urgent responses, others for pre-emptive measures. It is quite clear to CIHEAM that collaborative networks, complementarities and joint initiatives represent the only sound, creative approach.
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>>> Education through research
Research is carried out in the MAI laboratories, most often as part of a cooperative exercise involving researchers and experts from different Mediterranean countries. In this way it is possible to avoid duplication of work in particular areas and to encourage synergies. Three main areas are explored, each of which is of particular importance to the Mediterranean Region:
- production methods and technologies;
- economics, management and development;
- environment and resource management
>>> Thematic networks
1.Production methods and technologies
Irrigation – Genetic resources adapted to dry Mediterranean conditions: studies, conservation and use – Plant protection and quarantine – Organic agriculture – Improvement of sheep and goat rearing systems adapted to dry Mediterranean regions – Forage crops and Mediterranean pasture – Genetic management of local rabbit lines and populations.
2. Economics, management and development
Rural societies and development engineering – Farm management and economics of natural resources – Economics and management of agrifood companies – Marketing of agrifood products.
3. Environment and resource management
Mediterranean agro-ecosystems – Identification, conservation and use of wild Mediterranean plants (MEDUSA) – Assessment and management of fishing and aquaculture resources.
