In October 2023, the “Digitalization of Farms in WB6 Countries” project was launched to promote sustainable agricultural practices in the Balkan region through the implementation of digital solutions for modern farming. Led by AgFutura Technologies, the project aims to provide valuable insights, encourage the adoption of best practices, and enhance farm management efficiency. By reducing losses and costs, increasing yields, and maximizing profits, the initiative strives to contribute to the overall advancement of agriculture in the Western Balkans. The project is a collaborative effort among the regional  USAID Economic Development, Governance, and Enterprise Growth [EDGE] project (implemented by the International Development Group), the USAID North Macedonia Partnership for Economic Growth Activity (implemented by the Palladium Group), and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

The “Productivity Analysis and Training” deliverable represents one of the six deliverables that are part of the project. It covers tasks from Work Package 1 (Awareness, Education, and Training) and Work Package 2 (Productivity Analysis, GPS-corrected soil extraction, and soil analysis).

This report includes crucial activities for the project kickoff. We analyze productivity by creating a map based on crop performance from 2016-2023 in specific locations (productivity map). We also use GIS software to divide fields based on soil characteristics (management zone delineation), using data from Deliverable 1.

We have successfully conducted the second training session, covering topics like hotspot detection, crop health monitoring, and more. At the same time, we have developed materials supporting knowledge transfer, explaining tools and hardware for advanced agricultural technologies.

In the next steps, we plan to create a soil management plan for better crop yield, erosion prevention, water management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainability, delivering the third outcome.

The “Digitalization of Farms in WB6 Countries” project aims to educate farmers in WB6 countries on digital technologies and farm production optimization. We rely on the Remote Agricultural Monitoring and Advisory System (RAMAS) to provide monitoring and advice, enhancing farmers’ knowledge and technological support for decision-making in crop production.

This project is funded by: