Erasmus+ NEEMA Project Hosts a Workshop on Food and Nutrition Resilience in Helsinki
On June 15, 2026, Helsinki hosted a workshop dedicated to food and nutrition resilience, organized within the framework of the Erasmus+ NEEMA project. This day of scientific exchange brought together project partners in a hybrid format, along with representatives from several African institutions who joined remotely.
At the center of the discussions were the impacts of the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy on food systems and food security challenges. Through two complementary presentations, participants explored current challenges and opportunities for transitioning towards more sustainable and resilient food systems.
The first session was led by Professor Stéphane Bouissou, Professor and Head of the Master’s Programme in Environmental Management at Université Côte d’Azur, who presented the topic “Agri-food Systems and Transitions.” His presentation provided an analysis of the ongoing transformations affecting food systems, highlighting the key drivers required to support ecological, economic, and social transitions. The subsequent discussions offered an opportunity to further examine the links between public policies, sustainability, and the resilience of agri-food systems.
The second presentation was delivered by Professor Mamadou Nientao, Professor of Law at Kurukanfuga University (formerly the University of Legal and Political Sciences of Bamako), on the topic “Conflict and Hunger Dynamics in Northern Mali.” His presentation shed light on the complex interactions between conflict situations, food crises, and population vulnerability. The discussions emphasized the importance of gaining a deeper understanding of these dynamics in order to develop appropriate responses in fragile contexts and strengthen food security in affected regions.
Throughout the day, participants shared experiences and exchanged perspectives on the challenges of food and nutrition resilience. The discussions highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation between academic institutions and international partners in order to generate knowledge that can effectively support decision-making and action.
Through this workshop, the Erasmus+ NEEMA project continues to promote scientific dialogue, knowledge sharing, and capacity building on issues related to nutrition, food security, and sustainable development.
The presentations delivered on June 15 were also made available to both on-site and online participants, ensuring broader dissemination of the knowledge and discussions generated during the workshop.
About NEEMA
NEEMA is a 36-month capacity building project of Ulysseus European University funded through the ERASMUS+ program. It aligns with the European Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy, adapting these frameworks to the unique challenges of the Sahel and West Africa.
Led by the University of Seville, NEEMA aims to enhance food and nutritional resilience, focusing on vulnerable populations. The project involves 14 universities across Africa and Europe, fostering collaboration, designing contextual curricula, and launching pilot initiatives to strengthen local capacities in food security and sustainability.