Now Reading: Sifeddine Rafik: Bridging Agronomy and Accessible Science
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Sifeddine Rafik: Bridging Agronomy and Accessible Science
Sifeddine Rafik: Bridging Agronomy and Accessible Science
Dr Sifeddine Rafik’s doctoral research examined quinoa production, processing and market adoption in Morocco. His work connects agricultural research with questions about how crops are processed, valued and brought to market.
Since 2025, he has served as Senior Consultant for Agricultural & Agri‑Food Value Chains at the Social Innovation Lab of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). In this role he designs and pilots value‑chain strategies that embed socio‑economic inclusion, cooperative strengthening and climate‑resilient practices.
His professional profile lists French and Arabic at native or bilingual level, English at professional-working level and Berber languages at elementary level. His certifications include scientific article writing, agricultural value chains, and nutrition and food systems.
From Laboratory Bench to Territorial Advisory
His PhD work on quinoa evaluated irrigation, organic amendment and the techno‑economic feasibility of processing the seed. The research went beyond agronomy, mapping market adoption and cost structures for an emerging value chain. A subsequent post‑doctoral fellowship at McGill University deepened his expertise in food biotransformation and functional ingredient development.
Enhancing Aromatic and Medicinal Plant Value Chains
At UM6P, Dr Rafik conducts territorial diagnostics of aromatic and medicinal plant (PAM) value chains. He assesses governance, traceability and market integration, then translates findings into development strategies for cooperatives, unions and local authorities. Field missions and multi‑actor workshops bring together public agencies, research institutes and producers to co‑create sustainable solutions.
His work at the Social Innovation Lab involves collaboration with organisations listed as ADA, DRAs, ORMVAs, ANEF, ONCA, INDH and ASCOPAM, alongside communes and territorial actors.
Capacity Building for Cooperatives and SMEs
Technical assistance is part of his consultancy responsibilities. His training topics include sustainable aromatic and medicinal plant value chains, agro-processing, ONSSA compliance, quality systems and market access.
Earlier, at ADA he supported local product cooperatives in securing sanitary authorizations from ONSSA and promoted their participation in national exhibitions such as the Meknes International Agricultural Show.
Science Communication Beyond the Lab
In February 2026 he launched the 3ADI Podcast, a platform where researchers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders discuss product quality, nutrition and market dynamics. The programme prioritises fact‑based, non‑promotional dialogue, aiming to translate complex science into actionable insights for a broader audience.
Effective industry change relies on turning isolated research into a shared language that producers and consumers can understand.
Since October 2025 he also serves on the scientific board of Qera, a digital platform that aims to help shoppers instantly identify products meeting criteria for price, nutrition, ecological impact and personal diet, reinforcing his commitment to transparent consumer information.
Digital Storytelling and Consultancy
As co-founder of NEWFOOD CONSEIL, Rafik works in a firm offering agri-food consultancy and digital scientific communication. Its stated services include food-product development, quality-management systems, technical training and communication for local products.
The firm’s service portfolio includes educational videos and reels on nutrition, food science and agriculture, alongside content creation and technical communication for public audiences.
Research and Policy Contributions
At the African Plant Nutrition Institute, Rafik worked on value-chain research and the Resilient Agriculture for African Dry Land strategy, with responsibilities relating to the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Summit action plan. His earlier plum and prune value-chain study was undertaken at Agriconsulting Maroc; at ADA, he supported local-product cooperatives.
A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Agriculture
His APNI responsibilities included nutrient and water-use efficiency, green-carbon sequestration and cropping-system diversification. His later advisory responsibilities include approaches combining biodiversity preservation, local processing, women’s participation and climate resilience.
His publications include a thesis on the quinoa value chain, a systematic review of agronomic practices for quinoa cultivation, and studies on mycotoxin analysis in durum wheat semolina, showcasing his breadth of research.
Recognition by Icons Morocco
Icons Morocco features Dr Sifeddine Rafik for his work across agri-food research, agricultural value-chain consultancy and scientific communication. His career connects laboratory research, cooperative support and public-facing educational work.
