Laurea in Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florence. Technical Director at the Istituto Agronomico per l'Oltremare (IAO). Director of Agrinatura, the European alliance on agricultural knowledge for development, regrouping 31 academic and research organisations from 17 European countries. At IAO has been working since 25 years on natural resources analysis for agricultural and rural development, through the use of earth observation techniques and geographic information systems. Has worked in the framework of bilateral cooperation projects, in particular with African countries, and in international programs in collaboration with FAO. Recently, his field of activity at IAO is focused on Monitoring & Evaluation for development. Has been senior Policy Officer on agricultural research for development at the European Commission (DG Development), as Seconded National Expert.