On 24 October 2026, the WATERMELLON project participated in the First National Meeting on Mountain Agriculture in Algeria, organised by the National Union of Agricultural Engineers in collaboration with the University of Skikda.
Representing the University of Skikda, Prof. Latati Mourad, the project’s Principal Investigator (PI) at the university, presented WATERMELLON’s objectives, achievements, ongoing activities and future perspectives. Particular attention was given to the work carried out at the project’s demonstration site in the Sétif region of Algeria.
Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and water management
The presentation highlighted WATERMELLON’s work on crop rotation systems, rainwater harvesting and collection techniques, and sustainable agricultural practices. It also showcased the activities and progress achieved by project partners across the Mediterranean basin, illustrating the project’s collaborative approach to addressing shared agricultural and environmental challenges.
Through its demonstration activities in Algeria, WATERMELLON is exploring practical solutions to improve water management and support more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural systems.
Connecting research with agricultural stakeholders
The meeting brought together more than 150 participants, including farmers, agricultural advisers, academics, students, policymakers, seed producers and representatives of agricultural technical institutions from across Algeria.
The event provided an important opportunity to raise awareness of WATERMELLON, share the project’s results and ongoing work, and strengthen engagement with key stakeholders in the agricultural sector. It also offered a platform to present the project’s contributions to decision-makers and highlight the relevance of its activities for the future of mountain agriculture in Algeria.
By participating in this national meeting, WATERMELLON continues to strengthen its links with the Algerian agricultural community and promote the exchange of knowledge between research institutions, farmers and decision-makers.
Through collaboration across the Mediterranean, the project aims to advance sustainable water management, climate-resilient agricultural systems and innovative solutions for more sustainable agriculture.