PSXVII-13 Kosovo Advisory System for Agriculture and Rural Development.

Abstract

This paper outlines the process in the development of an advisory and extension service model for Kosovo, a newly Independent State (2008) in the Balkans. It addresses issues of development of advisory services to farmers, compliant with European Union (EU) guidelines on Farm Advisory Services and cognizant of the limitations of the Government and public sector in funding and sustainability of advisory services. Provision of advisory services in a new State is not without its challenges and limitations and the adoption of the model best suited to Kosovo conditions and farmer’s needs in agriculture and rural development are overriding factors to be considered. Kosovo has some seven regions and thirty-eight municipalities and is heavily invested in decentralization of services and service delivery. The process of development of an advisory model for Kosovo was undertaken between 2012–16 and heavily supported by the EU. It involved support to the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Rural Development (MAFRD) in drafting a strategy for advisory services and engaging non-Government and community actors in advisory services development. The result being drafting of a national strategy for advisory services, a pluralistic nationwide advisory service, with roles for both Government, research and educational Institutions and for private and community stakeholders. The piloting of advisory service delivery in several select municipalities was carried out, the strengthening of municipal information centers as conduits for advisory service delivery, coordinated by the central level of advisory services (Coordination information center) was achieved. Delivery of advisory services is piloted in several municipalities for three main categories of farmers (see table 1), provision of staff training and professional development is ongoing, liaison with Municipal Information centers and the other private and community based stakeholders is of high importance.