NATIONAL REPORT OF MOST RURAL AREA OF KOSOVO FOR PRESENTATION IN ERP GATHERING 2015

Transcription

1 Network of Organization for Rural Development of Kosovo NORDK NATIONAL REPORT OF MOST RURAL AREA OF KOSOVO FOR PRESENTATION IN ERP GATHERING 2015 September 2015

2 INTRODUCTION Kosovo has a land space of 10,908 km², the total length of the border is 602 km, while the density relatively large population of about 166 inhabitants per km² (compared with 27 countries in the EU where the population density is estimated to be 117 people per km² in 2012 (Eurostat 2013). According to the assessment by ASK in 2012, Kosovo has a total population of 1,815,606 inhabitants. The economic situation is challenging. The economy offers few opportunities for employment. Profitable activities are mainly concentrated in the services sector, in particular retail and wholesale trade. In recent years, the economy has expanded an average of about 4%. The increase stems mainly from growing domestic demand strong government consumption and investment. Exports of goods and services have also increased, but still cover only about one third of total imports. Agriculture is mostly semi-subsistence; Agriculture plays a very important role in providing opportunities for employment and income generation In 2011 in Kosovo, the share of agriculture in exports was approximately 15% of the total. In Kosovo, about 72% of farmers have up to 1.5 ha of land available and a total of 91% up to 3 ha. Only about 1,500 farmers have 10 hectares. During the last 15 years in Kosovo and especially in its rural areas, huge investments and many efforts have been made, with the aim at improving the economic and social welfare of the population. Various programmes and projects are implemented through International and European organisations/agencies through the years. In particular there were development programmes in agriculture, animal husbandry and generally in all direction for economic development and human capacity building. The main donor for various projects in the emergency phase also in the development phase was and still remains the European Commission. On the other side of the Kosovo Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, is supporting the organizations and individual farmers with grants and subsidies, through the measures projected in the national Agriculture and Rural Development Programme. All these have contributed to improve the losses that agriculture and livestock has in the rural areas of Kosovo and obviously to apply innovative production technologies, which have led to an increase in productivity per unit. However, despite large investments and the implementation of many programmes and projects implemented from different international and local organizations, and despite the large

3 investment that has been made by the Kosovo government, the problems faced by the rural population are numerous. Agricultural production and productivity are low as a result of small farms and lack of access to technical expertise, and result in the old agricultural practices, improper use of inputs, lack of credit and inefficient practices of farm management. Small farms mean that farmers cannot produce enough surpluses for commercialization. A significant part of the production is consumed within households and only a limited amount delivered to the market, usually without long-term contractual agreement. As a result of the low levels of productivity and subsistence production domination, factories have to deal with many small farmers whose costs of production and collection are too high to allow the processing industry to be competitive ESTABLISHMENT OF NETWORK OF ORGANIZATION FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT OF KOSOVO (NORDK) The Network of Organization for Rural Development of Kosovo (NORDK) has been set up in September 2013, based on the proceedings and declaration of intent on networking among the Standing Working Group (SWG), the National Rural Development Network (NRDN) and the National Rural Development Network of South Eastern European countries - signed in March 2011 in Skopje and May 2013 in Andrevlje. Rural Development Network of Kosovo includes rural members from all resident ethnic groups; Albanian, Serb, Bosnian (Gorani and Torbeshi). In total some 55 individual rural organizations are represented under its umbrella (Agricultural Cooperatives, Farmers Associations, Young Farmers Clubs, Local Action Groups and Women Associations). Network of Organization for Rural Development of Kosovo is recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Rural Development of Kosovo as an official leader network in Kosovo rural development. The importance of regional cooperation is well recognized by Kosovo therefore NORDK is an equal partner and member with other networks in Balkan Rural Development Network. The mission of the NORDK is to advance the cooperation of various organizations from rural areas, exchange of experience and information, promotion of rural areas and integrated economic development, strengthening of institutional cooperation for the creation of conditions for sustainable development of rural areas and improvement of life in rural areas.

4 COOPERATION WITH BALKAN RURAL DEVELOPMENT NETWORK AND INITIATIVE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ERP GATHERING 2015 IN AUSTRIA Thanks to support of Mr. Michael Dower, NORDK this year has decided to represent Kosovo in ERP Gathering 2015 to be held in Schärding, Austria from 4 to 6 November 2015 Therefore, NORDK implemented the project whereby through advanced methods (workshops and interviews) get information from farmers and rural youth in most rural areas of Kosovo (Dragash and Zhupa) regarding the existing capacities, the problems they face and their proposals to solve the problems. All these opinions are processed and presented in this report which will be presented to the Ministry of Agriculture and ERP 2015 Gathering on 5 and 6 November in Austria. PROJECT DETAILS Main objective: 1. Promotion of rural areas of Kosovo for sustainable development through exchange of experience and information in European Rural Parliament 2015 Gathering Specific Objective 1. Preparation of the National Report for representatives of European Rural Parliament 2015 Gathering 2. Preparation of National Campaign for attendance in European Rural Parliament 2015 Gathering, which will be held at Schärding, Upper Austria, 4 to 6 November 2015 Focus groups: The focus group were: Member organizations of NORDK. Farmers and rural youth Project Activities: The main activities of the project are outlined on the basis of above mentioned components; Organizing 3 sessions of workshops - Two sessions for the farmer and another one session for young farmers (rural youth). 1. The objective of the workshops was collection of the information regarding the current situation by identifying positive trends and negative trends, problems, and needs to solve the problems. 2. Methods for obtaining the information - Here are used 5 methods for obtaining information;

5 2.1. Mapping identifying existing capacity that performs the services within those areas H-Diagram identify the positive sides (of achievements, priority, and existing capacities) and negative in the rural area (problems from all areas: social, economic, education, youth problems, etc.) Brainstorming Getting proposals for resolution of problems The ranking of pairs identification of five priorities for the solution of problems Interviews - The objectives of interviews are collection of information regarding the current situation by identifying positive aspects, potential, problems and needs for solving the problems. 3. The number of participants and the community which was included - In two sessions was participate 33 farmers, while in young farmers session was participate 18 young farmers. In the workshop was included active farmers and rural youth from two nationalities who live in rural areas of Kosovo (Albanian and Bosnian /Torbeshi/) PRESENTATION OF ACHIEVED RESULTS: 1) RESULTS ACHIEVED THROUGH MAPPING Farmers in the villages / rural areas where was hold the meetings, possess tremendous potential for development of agriculture and livestock for the reason that they can use all conditions offered by nature, especially because there are enough meadows and pastures where can be provided voluminous food for the pasture of cattle during summer. Also the regions which were focus of meetings distinguished by very favorable conditions for the development of orchards petty as raspberries, and blackberries and then vegetables and other agricultural products which meet family needs and other needs depending on the opportunities of broader market, which already is not very stable. These areas also stand out with the potential for development of mountain tourism and agriculture. Currently the main activities of the three categories Farmers, Active Farmers and young people, can be summarized in the following points / activities: - Livestock - Agriculture - Sheep - Cultivation of berries products - Poultry - Medicinal plants

6 - Mountain Trees - Construction of traditional clothing - Manufacturers - Collecting wild fruits 2) RESULTS ACHIEVED THROUGH H-DIAGRAM A) PROBLEMS AND OBSTACLES As mentioned in meetings, as a negative indicator from their side are also disinterested and despair of farmers and youth to deal with agriculture. The main problems that farmers have emphasized during the meetings have been the opening of roads to reach pastures in mountain areas including the issue of the lack of road infrastructure in the mountains and in agricultural lands. Related to their agricultural and rural activity they are not satisfied also with the increase in funds for grants and lowering the criteria for applicants, the increase in direct payments or subsidies and the amount of payment be great for mountain areas, the lack of an adequate mechanism for agricultural activities, lack of financial resources for investment, provision of market and prohibition of unfair competition in the market equally and lack of development of mountain tourism. In these regions, also sensitive issue is also the lack of the market for sale of lambs and sheep milk. Another relevant issue addressed by participants is the absence of an adequate mechanism as a result of unfavorable business conditions and lack of adequate cooperation and communication between farmers inside local associations of farmers. Related to the youth we can conclude that youth is committed on supporting and working on farms and other businesses based on opportunities. As we mentioned, these regions possess tremendous potential, based on the development of agriculture and livestock because there is a fertile land where can be cultivated crops. Also this region is distinguished for very favorable conditions for the development of agriculture that can give youth a greater contribution to the improvement of the socio-economic situation of families in this locality. As negative indicator also was mentioned the issue of migration of youth. The process that had impact on increasing of apathy and disappointment of youth to deal with agriculture. Another relevant issue mentioned is the need for concrete institutional support for youth of these areas especially with programs and projects with the aim of advancing youth in educational and professional level including trainings and lessons from the field of entrepreneurship, agrobusinesses and other concrete fields.

7 B) POTENTIALS AND OPPORTUNITIES: Regarding potentials, we can conclude that one of the greatest potentials is favorable conditions that offer nature, which directly affect the overall development of these areas. Generally, based on the opinions of participants of our participatory meetings as potentials can be summarized: - Good conditions for mountain tourism - Possibilities for production of Bio-products - Wood processing - Water treatment - Accumulation of water and creation of water resources - Youth / Human Resources - Processing of fruit - Production of meat and meat products - Mini Hydro Plants - Cultivation of medicinal herbs - Production of cheeses - Pastures and meadows - Beautiful mountains 3) RESULTS ACHIEVED THROUGH BRAINSTORMING From the participants were taken their stances regarding to the opportunities for development, and in this sense according to them these opportunities can be offered by institutions, it could be made from farmers' own commitment and from possible international donations based on project or concrete program. - Investment in farm infrastructure - Increasing subsidies and direct payments for farmers - Development of road infrastructure - Improving racial stockbreeding - Supply of necessary mechanism - Education of farmers through seminars, lectures and field demonstrations on topics such as marketing, market and themes from feed production - Networking of farmers in the European and International level - Increasing the projects of exchanging of experiences and best practices in the field of agriculture and rural development; - Increasing the involvement of farmers in making policy and legislation in rural development field;

8 4) RESULTS ACHIEVED THROUGH RANKING OF PAIRS Results from Active Farmers Albanian nationality: Priority 1; Finding of market for farmers products Priority 2; Increasing of subsidies Priority 3; Increasing of grants Priority 4; Modernization of agricultural mechanization Priority 5; Provision of additional financial resources Results from Active Farmers Bosnian nationality: Priority 1; The opening of agricultural roads Priority 2; Construction and reconstruction of stables Priority 3; Modernization of agricultural mechanization Priority 4; Increasing of grants from state Priority 5; Increasing of subsidies Results from meeting with the youth: Priority 1; Improving the education process Priority 2; Visa liberalization Priority 3; Investment in rural tourism Priority 4; Investment in working tools Priority 5; Construction of a factory for employment of youth 5) RESULTS OF INTERVIEWS For interviews were selected 7 active farmers and 5 young farmers. For illustration in this report are presented main point of interview of three active farmers and two interviews young farmers. Esaf Ibrahimi is an active farmer and lives in Zgatar village. He deals with the cultivation of sheep milk and owns the flock of 500 heads. According to him, the main activity of the region's farmers are farming, arboriculture, cultivation of medicinal plants, etc. potential of the region, are pastures, meadows, and in the mountain waters. A fundamental problem is the absence of market for the products of local farmers. Support from the state through subsidies and grants also welcomes, although it is insufficient especially for mountain areas. Application of new techniques by farmers can be accomplished but need further training and study tours to see how these technologies applied in other developed countries. Gjelal Kamberi - is an active farmer and lives in Bresane village. He takes care of the cultivation of cows and calves for fattening. Possession now has 5 dairy cows and calves equally. Problems that farmers are having are; market milk collection points and agricultural infrastructure. As main potential stressed: youth which is able to apply new technologies, except for agriculture this region has the potential for rural tourism. In the future they should be

9 supported by the agriculture projects, livestock and tourism from the agriculture ministry have to get support but these funds are very low. Abas Mexhiti - is an active farmer and lives in Bresane village. Deals with the cultivation of bees and in possession now have 15 bee hives. Problems that the farmer possesses are: lack of donations and investments in agriculture. As the main potential he highlights: livestock, orchards and agriculture in general. Ministry of agriculture is supporting but not enough, and the possibilities for development of agriculture exist through loans without interest. Bekim Sinani - is a young farmer and lives in Bresane village. Deals with farming. Free time passes with sports activities. According to him, the youth in this village it is not organized in youth organizations and this is an obstacle for youth activities. Support from institutions has so far been lacking and is not financed or supported any sports activity or cultural activity. The main problem is unemployment and lack of projects dealing with the development of tourism, agriculture, improving education and infrastructure for youth activities Zenullah Qengaj - is a young farmer and lives in Pllajnik village. He is a student and deals with agricultural activities and supportive. According to him the youth in this region has enough potential, but there is no meaningful organization and for this reason there are not enough activities. Another issue is the case that youth did not find support from local institutions or central ones. The basic problem is the lack of financial resources for the implementation of youth activities as well as economic and agricultural activities. Explanation regarding presented results in this report The methods used for research made for getting the results that are presented in this report are the methods that usually apply NORDK. The results presented do not represent the views, opinions and results of government, other organizations, neither international nor domestic. The results presented are exclusively NORDK results obtained during implementation of the project for getting of information in Dragashi and Zhupa regions, and NORDK lies behind the results presented.

10 Annexes: Photos of workshops and interviews

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