In rural territories, where agricultural development depends on adaptation to climate change and other factors, dynamics of various natures (ecological, economic, social, etc.) interact at several nested scales (local, regional, national, etc.). In order to assess the potential contribution of perennial grains to adaptation, we characterised past territorial trajectories in terms of interacting dynamics in two of the Change-UP sites, namely Jahjouka village in the Larache province of Morocco, and the Bousliaa administrative sector in the Kef governorate of Tunisia. For each case, the characterisation of socio-ecological dynamics provided insights regarding alternatives for the future of the territory. Dynamics and alternatives were discussed in focus groups. The potential of EPs and NPGs were assessed qualitatively with respect to their role in each alternative. The research conducted in Morocco and Tunisia was participatory so as to take account of a diversity of viewpoints and to understand local knowledge about the meaning of adaptation for farmers.