Project Description
The USAID funded project called “Digitalization of Farms in Western Balkan 6 Countries” has started, and AgFutura Technologies was granted the role of organizer and implementer of the project.
This project, funded under the Economic Development, Governance, and Enterprise Growth (EDGE) project, a part of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is dedicated to organizing and implementing “Digitalization of Farms in Western Balkan 6 Countries”. Specifically, establishing a Smart Agriculture Monitoring Solution (SAMS) at farm level in WB6 countries.
Program:
Economic Development, Governance, and Enterprise Growth (EDGE)
Full project name:
Digitalization of Farms in WB6 Countries
Working methods:
On-site coordination and cooperation with the proposed beneficiaries and online actives related to design and implementation of SAMS, including monitoring.
Proposed activity dates:
This activity is envisioned to start on September 10, 2023 and to be completed by June 30, 2024
Location:
11 demo-farms from North Macedonia, Serbia and Kosovo
Working language:
English and local languages
Implementer:
AgFutura Technologies
The Western Balkan region has a long and well-established tradition of producing vegetables and fruits, both as fresh produce and for pickling and processing. In addition, the region has established internal and external export links. Despite its potential for growth, this value chain faces challenges. The younger generations have a declining interest in village life, where there are fewer employment opportunities, and in continuing the farming traditions of their families. As a result, they are not interested in acquiring the skills needed for work in agriculture. Increasing numbers of the active workforce are moving to large urban areas or seeking to immigrate to Europe. This is creating problems for agricultural SMEs as they seek to secure reliable supplies for production and is prompting some processing companies to organize the production of fresh produce themselves. In addition, producers generally lack the expertise and technology required to operate agribusiness activities in a professional and successful manner. As a result, they are reluctant to enter into steady contractual relationships with their buyers. The war in Ukraine halted some traditional exporting routes for agricultural products to East European markets. The effects of climate changes and the energy crisis have prompted agricultural producers to consider the introduction of new resilient varieties and new production technologies, as well as the deployment of new IT-related solutions.
Digital technologies, including the Internet, mobile technologies and devices, data analytics, digitally-delivered services, and apps, are changing agriculture and the food system. There are many examples at different stages of the agri-food value chain, including farm machinery automation allowing fine-tuning of inputs and reducing demand for manual labor; remote satellite data and the use of sensors improving the accuracy and reducing the cost of monitoring crop growth and the quality of land or water; and traceability technologies and digital logistics services offering the potential to streamline agri-food supply chains, while also providing trusted information for consumers.
Under this activity EDGE will provide technical support to Fruits and Vegetables producers from WB countries to increase their capacities and knowledge about the use of digital agriculture services in cooperation with USAID’s Partnerships for Economic Growth Activity in North Macedonia and the Regional GIZ SEDRA II Project. More specifically, under this activity the selected beneficiaries will fully embrace and benefit from the deployment of a Smart Agriculture Monitoring Solution (SAMS) at farm level. Upon completion of the activity, the participants will be able to:
- Understand the functioning and benefits of digital agriculture services;
- Deploy and use digital services (SAMS);
- Respond adequately based on real-time data, including prevention measures;
- Optimize inputs and processes, save on resources (water for irrigation) and improve farm economy and profitability;
- Comply with food safety requirements by optimizing use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other inputs thus assuring minimal impact on human health and environment.
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Project Details
- ClientUSAID
- DateOctober 2023
- DescEconomic Development, Governance, and Enterprise Growth (EDGE)
