Start date: March 8, 2012          End date: September 30, 2015  
Project budget (Life of Project):  $1.4 Million
Implementer:  Rural Development Network of the Republic of Macedonia

Objectives

Develop and disseminate affordable climate change adaptation technology and practices in the agricultural sector, by conducting comprehensive public awareness and outreach campaigns combined with capacity building programs tailored to the needs of farming operations.  

Components

Component 1: Develop, test, demonstrate, and disseminate innovative climate change-related adaptive measures to minimize the adverse effects of global warming on high-value crops in targeted regions.

Component 2: Raise public awareness and build the capacity of civil society to respond to climate change challenges and facilitate action at the community-level. 

Achievements/Impact

  • Collectively, more than 1,300 farmers, local government representatives, agriculture extension agents, civil society organizations, journalists, and students have participated in various workshops, Climate Change Caravan events, and a quiz-bowl styled climate change contest for students from agricultural vocational schools.  These activities have increased the public’s understanding of the impact climate change has on the agricultural sector in Macedonia.

  • The project has established 19 demonstration plots  for testing new adaptive measures and techniques for reducing the negative effects of climate change on orchards, vineyards, and various vegetable crops.  Examples include the installation of UV protective nets to reduce sunburn damage on crops, modification of irrigation practices, utilization of various mulching techniques, and the introduction of cover crops.

  • Results were broadly distributed through advisory packets, which included 11 different brochures, two studies (one on agriculture in general and one on the livestock sector), and videos on orchards, vineyards, vegetables and soil loss.

  • The installation of meteorological stations in Skopje and Negotino is providing timely data allowing more customized adaptation.

  • Project activities and results have been shared with more than 700 farmers and 200 agriculture extension agents and Ministry of Agriculture representatives. 

Contact Information:

Contact at USAID: Meri Cuculoska, AOR: mcucloska@usaid.gov
Chief of Party:  Petar Gjorgievski, petar.g@ruralnet.mk
Information Officer: Aleksandra Todorovska (aleksandra.t@ruralnet.mk)
Website: www.ruralnet.mk