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 project focuses on educating and advising farmers in WB6 countries about implementing digital technologies and optimizing farm production processes. It centers around using the Remote Agricultural Monitoring and Advisory System (RAMAS) developed by AGFT. RAMAS aims to provide monitoring and advisory services to farmers, enhancing their knowledge and technological support for decision-making during the crop production cycle.

Main goals of the project are optimization of inputs and processes, as well as improving farm economy while minimizing impacts on human health and the environment. By actively supporting 11 farms in North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo – the project focuses on digitalization, precision farming, and knowledge empowerment, anticipating transformative changes in these regions. The predicted activities are divided into three work packages (WPs):

• WP1 is dedicated to awareness, education, and training which includes training activities for the implementation of digital technologies on farms followed by professional guidance from consultants.
• WP2 includes preparatory activities necessary for implementing the farm capacity assessment and defining the farm strategy.
• WP3 includes crop management support using digital agriculture technologies to monitor soil health, irrigation, fertigation, harvesting, and other strategic monitoring activities.

The expected outcomes of successfully conducted activities within the project are well-trained farmers, who are aware of the importance of digital agriculture technologies, ready to use RAMAS, and collaborate with advisors to successfully optimize their production processes. Envisioning the project’s impact, we expect increased productivity and resource optimization within the involved agricultural production system and enhanced resilience of agricultural production systems to climate change and other occurrences.

In ensuring the achievement of the predicted outcomes, specialized training modules have been designed, encompassing both comprehensive training materials and interactive sessions. These modules are specifically created to facilitate the implementation of digital technologies into agricultural production practices.

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This project is funded by:

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