Think Like Pirates

Mediterranean and African Markets Initiative

In a 24-month collaboration between the World Farmers Markets Coalition and CIHEAM-Bari (the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, Italy), we are testing the theory that investments in farmers markets networks in places undergoing considerable demographic, climatic, and economic stress, farmers markets can begin to point the way to homegrown solutions for food sovereignty, food security, and to leverage the opportunities for family agriculture to grow agri-food for local consumption.

The Mediterranean and African Markets Initiative (MAMi) provides the technical support to develop new farmers markets where conditions are ripe and none exist; for existing farmers markets to grow market networks; and for existing market networks to grow into effective levers to revitalize rural communities, enhance livelihoods for family agriculture on land and sea, and to valorize the role of multifunctional agriculture to deliver economic, social and ecological benefits.

MAMI recognizes the power of purposeful and managed farmers markets to help communities and economies flourish in the destabilized regions of the Mediterranean and Africa. Sponsored by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the team provides capacity-building support for leaders in Albania, Egypt, Kenya, Lebanon, and Tunisia. 

In January 2024, we conducted our first training to set leaders on a six-month roadmap to establish new farmers markets as the tip of the spear to penetrate local food markets for local consumers. Read more here. 

For more information about the MAMi Farmers Market Project, click here. 

For more information about CIHEAM-Bari, click here.