On December 15^th in Skopje, USAID Adaptation to Climate Change in Agriculture project celebrated the results from five – years of introducing simple and cost effective farm level adaptive practices that address an important issue such as climate change. The climate change adaptive measures and techniques implemented in 28 demonstration plots and farms have helped farmers to preserve their yields and increase the quality of products. The outstanding results from the adaptive practices tested in 6 project modules: orchards, vineyards, vegetables, soil loss, water saving and livestock, were summarized in brochures, studies and video materials which have contributed to increased knowledge and awareness of the agricultural sector in Macedonia. This project resulted with increased number of farmers implementing some of the adaptive measures such as: UV/anti hail nets in vegetables, application of benevolent fungus for increased water uptake, T-pruning in table grapes and application of calcium carbonate in vineyards, short pruning in orchards etc.

In his remarks, USAID Mission Director, Mr. James Stein, noted that “In Macedonia, nearly half of the rural population is economically dependent on agricultural production.  Preparing for and mitigating climate change’s negative impact on crops and livestock requires practical adaptive methods and prompt local action. The methods that we employ to protect our communities must focus on co-operation, integration, innovation, and partnerships. We must use a bottom-up approach where local actors design the strategy and choose the actions, as they are the ones closest to the problem and therefore closest to the solution. I commend the Rural Development Network’s grassroots development approach, which has pioneered innovative and affordable climate change adaptive measures to help small farmers preserve their source of livelihood”.

The President of the Rural Development Network of the Republic of Macedonia (RDN of RM), Mr. Petar Gjorgievski, technical experts, beneficiaries, representatives of Local Action Group, as well as representatives of National Extension Agency and the Rural Development Network also gave remarks.

The Rural Development Network of the Republic of Macedonia as implementer of the USAID Adaptation to Climate Change in Agriculture project, established a formal partnership with the National Extension Agency in order to strengthen capacity of Macedonia’s agricultural advisors, who will contribute to implementation of climate change applied practices and ensure the sustainability of the project’s cutting edge work over the long run.

NOTES TO THE EDITORS

The American people, through USAID, have invested more than $580 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID is working with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce. These initiatives, in partnership with the people of Macedonia, aim to improve the quality of life for all living in Macedonia. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit http://macedonia.usaid.gov and USAID FB page http://www.facebook.com/USAIDMacedonia

RDN in Macedonia works to demonstrate a structured approach in mobilizing rural communities to become stronger agents of local development and improve rural policy at the local, regional, national and EU levels.  More than 70 civil society organizations as members of the Network are voicing their concerns at the national and international level. For details, please visit: www.ruralnet.mk or RDN FB page http://www.facebook.com/RuralDevelopmentNetwork