As demonstrated by the project in Mali in which Agrisystem PhD student Gabriele Bellotti participated. “The aim was to regenerate the agricultural soils of four rural villages and, consequently, generate wealth, development, job opportunities and reduce the incidence of irregular emigration.” According to the PhD student, “this project is not only an example of multidisciplinary and multicultural cooperation, but also demonstrates how working in synergy with local institutions can generate trust and lasting development, and lead to concrete changes in the lives of the people involved.”
Underlying everything is what Professor Beccalli has defined in various Dies as education power, “to highlight the decisive role of education as the basis for integral and sustainable development.” According to the rector, “education power can also be decisive in research, teaching and activities in the agri-food sector. One example above all: to achieve the 17 objectives of the Agenda 2030, the action of the FAO is indispensable.”
The role of international organisations – which is crucial for the ‘transformation’ of Africa - was the focus of the opening speech by Nosipho Nausca-Jean Jezile, Chair of the Committee on World Food Security at the FAO and South African Ambassador to Italy. “International, intergovernmental and regional organisations - such as the Committee on World Food Security, which I chair, or the African Union - governments, civil society and the private sector must act together to promote positive change in the region,” she said. “African countries are committed to adding investment in agriculture, thus reducing future import needs. Transforming food systems in Africa is a critical issue as the continent grapples with food insecurity, climate change, rapid urbanisation and economic shifts. Transforming food systems means ensuring that they are more sustainable, resilient and equitable, while addressing the challenges associated with malnutrition, food waste and low agricultural productivity in various territories. As Pope Francis said, the right to a truly human life logically leads to the right to sufficient food to sustain a dignified life.”
According to the Ambassador, “the transformation of food systems in Africa requires a holistic approach, combining innovation, political reform and sustainable practices. Collaboration between institutions, particularly governments, the private sector, farmers and research institutes or universities, will be fundamental to achieve a food secure and resilient continent. The Italian government’s approach to collaborating with the African continent with the ‘Mattei Plan’ is a positive development. But “success will depend,” concluded the Ambassador, “on transparent and mutually beneficial cooperation between African countries and Italy in partnership with academic institutions for evidence-based science and research to support informed decisions and investments, including the role and contribution of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Piacenza.”