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Austrian Development AgencyZelinkagasse 1010 Vienna Austriaphone: +43 (0)1 90399-0fax: +43 (0)1 [email protected] • www.entwicklung.at

Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Final Report

Contract No. 8134-01/2007

As at March, 31 2015

Contractor/ applicant:

Name: CARE Österreich

Address: A-1080 Vienna, Lange Gasse 30/4

Phone, email: Tel.: +43 (1) 715 0 715-47Fax: +43 (1) 715 0 715-12E-mail: [email protected]

Contact person for the action: Judit Kontseková

Project title:

Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the Sector of Agriculture

Local project partner:

Name: Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka,

Xhemajl Kabashaj, MDC Director

St.Brigada 123 pn, 23000 Suhareke/Suva Reka

Phone, email: [email protected]

Reporting period:

Reporting period:

15th of December 2009 – 31st of March 2015

Report submitted on (date):

5th of August 2015

Due date:

Planned project duration from:

15th of December 2009

Until:

14th of December 2014

Reallocations: nA Extended until: 31st of March 2015

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mailto:[email protected]

Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________

Summary of the project progress

The Project “Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka in the sector of agriculture” (IRDS) over the five years of implementation has combined local and regional economic growth simultaneously with institutional development.

IRDS tackled certain aspects of local/regional development, namely agriculture and agribusiness and the related departments of the local administration. The employed integrated and inclusive approach has enabled IRDS project to intervene in interdependent areas of socio-economic development, combining and interlinking institutional and private sector reform. The approach is not aligned to a single, selected theory but rather combines different aspects of local development, such as LED (Local Economic Development), and the M4P (Making Markets Work for the Poor) principles.

IRDS had a duration of 5 years (December 2009-December 2014, divided into two phases of 36 and 24 months), with the overall budget of € 3.65 million, out of which 2.0 million were spent directly on grants. For the purpose of an effective phasing out an extension was granted until March 2015. The team consisted of a team leader, a national project manager, an administrative assistant; national and international technical short term experts, and a small team managing the grants (Local Development Fund).

In terms of institutional development in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka, IRDS project has managed to deliver the following tangible results:

Municipal Development Centre (MDC) has been created and integrated within administrative structures of Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka. The project has assisted the Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka in restructuring and transforming of public administration. As result the MDC has supported technically or financially over 4670 farmers since its establishment.

The Local Development Fund (LDF) Foundation was established in 2011 as an independent foundation operating in the municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka. Its mandate initially was to manage the Local Development Fund (LDF), a 2 million Euro Fund provided by the Austrian Development Corporation. The voluntary board of directors consisting of both international and national members has continuously supported the LDF throughout this period. Since its establishment, LDF has supported economic growth of 82 small and medium sized farms in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka and in southern region. In its early stages LDF had only one staff member and nowadays has been enlarged to 9 staff members who manage three projects funded by various donors.

Producers associations were established with support from IRDS project. Vegetable and decorative plants producer association has been established with over 30 members in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka. In addition, first women producer association in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka with 16 members has been formed. As result joint supply of agricultural inputs and joint marketing took place resulting in 20 % of reduced production costs and in 30% increase of sales and profits for the producers.

Young graduate internship program has been launched in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka; enabling 6 young graduates from Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka to fill the capacity gap in the MDC business and economic department. Six graduates (under 32 years old) from the municipality of Suharekë/ Suva Reka were hired by the MDC in September 2012 for 27 months. The costs were shared between the Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka and Austrian Development Cooperation. Upon the successful completion of the program, 4 of them have signed employment agreements with LDF Foundation and Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Over the five years of implementation of IRDS, visible positive changes have been created in economic growth and employment creation in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka and in southern region which include the following:

82 small and medium farms and/or agri-processing enterprises have been supported in their economic growth. The estimated number of direct beneficiaries was 4,670 and number of indirect was more than 7000. The number of indirect beneficiaries include household members, and other persons who have benefited indirectly from the grants such as primary collectors of non timber forest products. The total amount of overall investments in the selected subsectors was at approximately 2, 6 millions. In percentage, 70 % of the investments have been made by Austrian Development Cooperation and 30 % by applicant’s contribution. The IRDS project activities has been implemented in 36 villages (out of 40 villages) in the Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka and approximately 12 in different further villages in targeted municipalities of southern Kosovo. Over the five years, the IRDS project has continued to strengthen different sub-sectors of agriculture in southern region of Kosovo and therefore supported the following: Broiler industry (including supply chain and processing); Greenhouse production of vegetables and strawberries (off-season); Cattle rearing for beef and milk; Honey and other apiculture products; Non-timber forest products (mushrooms, wild berries, medicinal herbs, etc); Viticulture. The project regarded these sectors as integrated production chains, considering all aspects of production, processing and marketing. These sub-sectors contributed both to Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka and southern region’s economic development, with the long term potential of establishing inter-municipal links, out of which initial cooperation has already started. In the same time the production capacities have been doubled and their profits have been increased which resulted in considerable number of new jobs in the Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka and southern region.

Out of 82 supported farms, a considerable number of them have been not registered or formalised businesses. In line with this, 25 farms have registered or formalised businesses with Kosovo institutions. The employees were registered and their benefits were regularly paid by their employers.

1,150 new jobs were created in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka and southern region. More specifically 426 full-time jobs, 246 self-employment for the family members and 478 with three months contract for working in primary production of supported sub sectors. Though, number of full-time jobs is still negligible mainly due to the seasonality of the vast majority of funded projects. On the other hand, the project has contributed to woman making up to 46% of the new jobs.

Positive changes in the environmental protection and management in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka. Over the project implementation, two prototypes of waste water purification plants connecting 6 households in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka have been installed. Furthermore, the IRDS project has provided on the job training on installation of waste water purification plants for relevant staff members of Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka. The two installed waste water plants are operational and the percentage of purified water is around 80%, which makes it usable for irrigation and other purposes. It is worth noting that total investments amounted to around 8,000 Euros for both waste water plants. Thereby, the model has been presented to the Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka and know how has been transferred for potential investments in other parts using the funds from Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka.

Promotion of e-agriculture. The IRDS project has supported one project with national impact on online provision of agriculture extension services. This online platform has enabled access of more than 1000 farmers and agribusinesses from different parts of Kosovo to receive online technical advices around different issues in agricultural production, processing and prevention from different plant pests and diseases. Besides, the online platform has enabled sharing of in-house expertise amongst the municipalities in Kosovo.

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Farmers market in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka. The farmers market is envisioned as a vibrant market hall where independent, farmers and businesses feature food from the region, with an emphasis on fresh products, fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, baked goods, dairy and other food related products are marketed four days a week. The infrastructure project has been successfully completed. The MDC has published request for application for the interested farmers to be part of the farmers market. The application will be closely observed by LDF staff members. Until the final selection, farmers market is functional which enables temporarily 36 producers and/or farmers to market their products on daily basis. The final selection of farmers for the farmers market will be completed by beginning of May 2015.

The main progress in supported sub-sectors has been summarised below.

Broiler industry (including supply chain and processing) and poultry farming;

The establishment of broiler industry in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka has been supported by the IRDS project. The project has supported production across he value-chain in the broiler industry. In this sub-sector, the project has invested in a slaughterhouse, in storage and packaging and has supported the expansion of broiler rearing capacities. The current broiler rearing capacity is 25,000 broilers per month. This sub-sector has managed to launch a new product in the market, that of fresh chicken meat. The product is present in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka and in southern Kosovo. During this period, over 100 tons of fresh chicken meat has been processed, which created approximately 230,000 Euros turnover.

In regards to organic production, IRDS project has supported creation of pioneering free range chicken egg farm in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka and beyond. The daily production is around 1000 eggs per day, making total of 160 Euro daily turnovers and/or 5,000 Euros per month. The demands are higher than current production capacities, therefore the producer has doubled the number of chicken with own funds, created further profits and has managed to diversify its production portfolio by including meat chicken in the free-range poultry farm. The free-range eggs are mostly sold in one of the main supermarket chains in southern Kosovo.

Greenhouse production of vegetables and strawberries (off-season);

The off seasonal production capacities have increased in the region up to 4 ha. This greenhouse surface has been increased through LDF funds. Following the first off-season success of 7 demonstration farmers, the project has included in total 26 farmers. For the second season, the project’s farmers have succeeded again to be the only farmers in the market, or the first ones in the market by more than a month before the on-season production reached the market. The second year turned out to be even more successful, with the existing 5 demo farmers from the 2011 season tripling their production capacities and 26 new 2012 to 2014 seasons farmers being very successful. There are no farmers with disappointing production. The prices achieved are much better than in the first season. In total the income from this sector created on average an additional € 12,600 for each farmer for each harvesting season throughout these years.

The improvements in the vegetable production value-chain have been of significant importance. Four vegetable collection points have been supported in the region. Furthermore, 10 farmers have been certified with Global GAP certificates. The certification is done for the off-seasonal cultivation of vegetables and it is part of the program of the vegetable collection center in southern Kosovo, which has been supported by LDF funds. These certifications are required for exporting agricultural products to Western European countries. Over the five years, the exports levels in the vegetable peak production period have estimated 60000 T of peppers, pepperoni and cucumbers.

In addition, one semi-processing vegetable facility in the southern region has been established. This is managed by a woman association with broad membership of women agricultural producers, which enables 16 members/women producers to deliver their primary products and semi process them in

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________ajvar, jams and other traditional products. The products are marketed under one label and the profit is shared as salaries for the members of women association.

More than 110 visits were conducted to all strawberry farms and regions; this includes the demonstration farmers who expanded their production and the 26 new strawberry farmers. The monitoring visits have been completed both by project staff on a regular (monthly) basis, and on every two months with the external technical consultants with a higher frequency of visits during the period of preparation of the farms and the planting of the seedlings.

Cattle rearing for beef and milk;

The dairy and meat sector in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka has increased its production capacities through LDF funds. 18 farms have benefited from LDF funds mainly for improving the production infrastructure. 8 dairy farms, 7 cattle rearing farms for beef, 2 sheep farms and 1 goat farm. In addition, in the previous phase goat processing milk has been established. Total increase of surface of farms for cattle rearing for beef and milk has reached approximately 3,000 m2. The total increase in number of milking cows is 247 milking cows. In total the income from this sector created on average an additional yearly income of € 10,600 for each throughout these years.

With regards to improvements of the value-chain, two slaughterhouses for beef have been supported through LDF funds. These two semi processing lines have been operational in the last year. The animal welfare is taken into account. Besides, the animal waste is managed well, by not throwing them in the river but using septic tanks nearby the slaughterhouses, as suggested by relevant institutions.

In addition, as result of artificial insemination for improving the breeding structure of cows, the number of pure Simmental breeds reached 1,460 cows. Moreover, the project for improving the breeding structure of milking cows through loans without interest has managed to collect 23,200 Euros. The Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka has match to this amount approximately additional 60,000 Euros and has subsidised with 70 % purchase of more than 62 milking cows of simmental breeds to the farmers of Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka.

Honey and other apiculture products;

The objective in the bee-keeping sub-sector is to create awareness among beekeepers of the potential earnings of the high value by-products such as pollen, propolis, wax and (for the more professional beekeepers) also the extraction of royal jelly. The production value chain of the honey and other apiculture products has been supported in the Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka and southern Kosovo. Through LDF funds, the beekeeping sub sector has been supported with 7 different projects. 2 production lines for improving winterisation of beehives have been established in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka, which produce complementary products. 1 for production of beeswax leafs, 1 project for cultivation of queen bees, 1 project for cultivation of propolis, 1 project for production of beehives boxes, and 1 project for equipping 20 women beekeepers with 5 beehives per each accompanied with the on the job training for starting up a beekeeping business. Besides, the project aimed at creating full time jobs, not just like a hobby, as it was prior to the project interventions. All project funded beekeepers are commercial beekeepers at this stage. As result, the yearly incomes in the beekeeping subsector have increased for additional 6,000 Euros per each farmer.

Non-timber forest products (mushrooms, wild berries, medicinal herbs, etc);

The main aim for this activity is to extend the number of people involved in the collection of NTFP, as well as the introduction of additional products that can be collected. The project interventions addressed the various weaknesses in the value chain, and included: (i) Training of collectors on the recognition of species and methods of sustainable collection, (ii) Setting up of collection points, (iii) Equipping the collection points with scales, drying facilities and cutting equipment, (iv) Provision of packaging and cooling equipment to companies; and (v) facilitation of marketing and marketing to EU countries. The project has also prepared a number of promotional materials and publications that were

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________used during the training and coaching sessions and distributed outside publications. The publications will be in service with all NTFP operators during and after the end of the project.

The project has supported that (through setting up 3 collection points) almost 100,000 kilograms of herbs and berries from southern region were exported over these years. In the first year, the quantity was much higher than expected, taking into account that this was the first year of collection after 20 years of collapse. The yearly income, only for herbs and berries, excluding mushrooms, was around € 60,000, with an upward trend.

Three collection points of non timber forest products in southern Kosovo have been supported through LDF funds. The investments have been made in increasing for 230 m3 of cooling chambers. Other investments are made in 3 dryers, cleaning machines and calibrators for small forest fruits and mushrooms. The total number of indirect beneficiaries and/or primary collectors for all three collection points is 1,600 collectors.

Viticulture

Only one project has been supported through LDF funds for creation of new vineyard of 1,43 Ha in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka. The vineyard is expected to return the investments by 2016.

Project Objective and expected results

In regards to the project expected results, the achievements under each expected results are presented below:

Expected Result 1: A Municipal Development Centre for the support of agriculture and related businesses is established and functioning within the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka.

IRDS project has initiated the establishment of a service-providing Municipal Development Centre (MDC) in the Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka and provided comprehensive support to build its capacities – institutional, organisational and individual.

The establishment of Municipal Development Centre in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka meant a positive change in working methods of government of Suhareke/Suva Reka. Establishment of Municipal Development Centre meant a reorganization of government of Suhareke/Suva Reka. This is achieved through transformation of existing governance structures of the Municipality. The Departments of Planning, Agriculture, Forestry and Development has been upgraded into a service

Facts The MDC has provided service to over 4,670

local farmers and/or entrepreneurs in the four areas described below:

o Education and consultancy to farmers;

o Promotion of local integrated development through coordination with and integration of its services into the main development plans of Suharekë/ Suva Reka;

o Lobbying for policy and legal changes in the interests of farmers and local business community to create a business friendly environment;

o Financial support for local business-oriented development projects via the disbursement of small grants from donors;

The MDC Young Professional Programme has filled the capacity gap in the business and economic department. Six graduates (under 32 years old) from the municipality of Suharekë/ Suva Reka were hired by MDC in September 2012 for 27 months. The costs are shared between the Municipality and the Austrian Development Cooperation.

Compliance with Kosovo Law No. 04/L-074 on Agriculture and Rural Development Advisory Services is ensured. Thus, MDC structure is supported from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development through provision of new equipment and various trainings.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________centre. However, this required support from political leadership of Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka, which has also been provided.

The assistance of the project in a nutshell was:

a) Restructuring of Departmentsb) Developing new job descriptions and key delivery processes adapted to the new structurec) Developing service oriented structure by introduction of a one stop shop (implementation in

progress)d) Introducing the staff to international best-practice examples by inviting peer institutions and

organizing local study visits, including two abroad.e) Developing and implementing the Young Professionals Programme (YPP).

Expected Result 2: Municipal departments and their staff, as well as representatives of other development players in the community (NGOs, coops, associations) have the capacities necessary for promoting the integrated development of the municipality.

The project assisted the municipality in developing and enhancing its business services for agriculture based commercial entities. A majority of the activities related to the capacity building of the municipal administration was carried out in the early stages of implementation in order to prepare the ground for an effective MDC (Municipal Development Centre) and to ensure the support for the LDF (Local Development Fund). Enhancing municipal organisational and management capacities, as well as marketing support and the design of sustainable social support components (e.g. for subsistence farmers), were the central aspects of this pillar.

The assistance of the project in a nutshell

a) Comprehensive training assessments of needs

b) Development of training plansc) Municipal development pland) Developing of a municipal

revolving small loan facility for subsistence farmers

e) Enhancing capacity on project management and proposal development

Facts

The IRDS project has contributed to building needed capacities of all relevant protagonists involved in promoting integrated development of the municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka.

Over 78 training workshops have been held and trained over 1470 participants who represented MDC, LDF and associations of farmers and NGOs active in agriculture and rural development. Out of 1470 participants, 640 represented local authorities; 726 farmers and farmers associations and 104 NGOs active in agriculture and rural development. The women making in the conducted training workshops was at 47 %.

More than 20 technical experts (i.e national and international) have been involved in the project, from one week to two weeks, providing regular technical expertise to all project participants.

With technical support from IRDS, the municipalities of Suharekë/Suva Reka and Rahovec/Orahovac have designed the model for a regional agro-industrial park, which should enable a business environment for 40 agricultural processing enterprises. The project is under implementation and has been financed by EU office in Kosovo.

Farm gate training courses and demonstrative training courses were introduced as a successful technique for building knowhow for farmers and other relevant stakeholders – over 4000 persons were reached.

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Expected Result 3: A Local Development Fund providing grant funding to agricultural business initiatives in the Municipality is operating.

The Local Development Fund (LDF) , founded as an independent foundation with an international board, was designed to operate the 2 million grant component of the project. The grants were disbursed following a rather complicated application and evaluation system, which assured that grants were awarded in a highly transparent manner.

The assistance of the project provided:

a) Setting up the legal structureb) Developing operational principlesc) Financing the first 3 years of

operation d) Developing the grant distribution

system e) Monitoring the operation f) Training on fundraising and proposal

developmentg) Coaching for implementing donor

funded projects

Throughout this reporting period, the activities carried out include the following:

Expected Result 1: A Municipal Development Centre for the support of agriculture and related businesses is established and functioning within the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka

Activity 1.A - Assist the ADC in the negotiation with the Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka for a basis for establishing an MDC, and also its operational principles: In the initial phase, IRDS project has informed the Municipality of the intentions of the project and has assisted the ADC in the negotiation of an agreement with the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and heads of all municipal departments (the Executive) to create a Municipal Development Centre (MDC) for the support of local agriculture. This is concluded in the signed Memorandum of Understanding between Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka and Austrian Development Cooperation.

Activity 1.B - Establish the MDC mandate, identity and structure: During the project implementation, Integrated Regional Development in the municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture project organized strategic workshop for Municipal Development Centre (MDC) in Suharekë/Suva Reka. The workshop gathered 14 participants and has been followed by short facilitated planning-application sessions, which resulted in development of the MDC Mission, Vision and Objectives statement. Details for 1B can be found in the Mission Report of the Organizational Development Expert (ODE). Furthermore, job descriptions of all administrative and professional staff of MDC have been discussed and validated with the MDC relevant staff members. The validation has been done through individual sessions held with each staff member of MDC. Moreover, in close cooperation with IRDS project, MDC director has appointed MDC staff members as per the positions determined by finalised job description.

Facts

The Local Development Fund (LDF) was established in 2011 as an independent foundation operating in the municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka. Its mandate is to manage the Local Development Fund (LDF), a 2 million Euro Fund provided by the Austrian Development Corporation.

82 projects in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka and southern Kosovo. In total there were nine calls, of which two were regional, including a special call for NGOs and pro-poor action.

All projects underwent regular monitoring visits to assure that the contractual conditions are met.

As result the total number of new jobs came to 1,150 new employment opportunities. Contribution to women making of local workforce was 46%,

The LDF Foundation has managed to enable access to other funding opportunities for the southern economic region of Kosovo.

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Activity 1.D Recruitment of the MDC staff: The former department for Agriculture and Business development has been upgraded into MDC. Due to the fact that the MDC stayed within the municipality a secondment was not needed. Staff previously employed in the municipality department of agriculture and as well as staff for municipal development formed the core of the MDC. In addition, the MDC Young Professional Program has been launched due to the increasing workload.

Activity 1.E Build the capacities of the MDC and its staff for advancing integrated rural development: This activity has comprised of all the logistical and practical steps necessary to establish the MDC as a building-based institution, as well as the full range of training and coaching activities necessary to enable the MDC staff to provide expert professional services and manage the centre. Assistance was provided to MDC also to better coordinate with local (municipal) and regional actors involved in integrated rural development. Please refer to activity 1.E.4 for further details.

Activity 1.E.1 Establishing the MDC as a physical centre: The offices of the Agricultural and Business Development Department have been used as physical base for the MDC. The fact that no additional funding for premises is needed will increase the sustainability of the structure. The establishment of the MDC as a physical centre has been completed in the first phase of the project implementation.

Activity 1.E.2 Strategic planning: The strategic planning document for the MDC has been completed in the initial implementation stage and has been presented in the previous progress reports. In addition, the MDC mid term strategy has been designed and confirmed by the relevant stakeholders.

Activity 1.E.3 Work plans: Using the strategic plan, the project has supported MDC staff in developing a detailed work plan for the first 12 months of the MDC’s operation, including a specification of the staff’s training and other capacity building requirements. The work plan has been jointly reviewed and revised after 12 months.

Activity 1.E.4 – Professional training and specialist knowledge-gaining: During this reporting period, needs of the project participants were identified through regular work and assessments. The training plan was developed. Training materials were developed in local languages for the training itself and for future reference. The training plan was developed in early 2010 and implemented more than 100%.

In line with this, more than 78 training workshops have been held and trained over 1470 participants who represented MDC, LDF and associations of farmers and NGOs active in agriculture and rural development. Out of 1470 participants, 640 represented local authorities; 726 farmers and farmers associations and 104 NGOs active in agriculture and rural development. The women making in the conducted training workshops was at 47 %.

The project has provided a series of training sessions, such as: Basic Business Appraisal, Marketing, Business Planning, Consumer Care, Accounting, etc to all of its participants. However, the project concentrated most of its resources on mentoring and coaching. Each grant issued was also the start of support provided to the recipient. The project closely monitored each grant recipient, and provided regular coaching and mentoring: each sector had regular visits to each participant (at least once per month). There were also, more than 20 technical experts (i.e national and international) have been involved in the project, from one week to two weeks, providing regular technical expertise to all project participants.

The main training subjects covered throughout the IRDS project included the following:

Modern agriculture production techniques; Project identification and planning; Business Plan Simulation;

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Non Timber Forest Products, cultivation and collection requirements and techniques;

Project Management; Best practices in beekeeping; Attracting investments and accessing credits Off-seasonal vegetable and seedling production techniques and

technologies; Sustainable beekeeping: winterisation of beehives; Prevention and treatment of vegetable diseases in open fields and closed

protected areas; Overview of broiler industry; Calculation of loan amortization; Market research; Farm Management with particular focus on EU standards; Techniques for improving the animal feed and feeding practice; Plant protection and hygienic standards for cultivation of vegetables

through greenhouses; Workshop on analyzing company’s financial credibility; Marketing and Sales; Small Enterprise Management; New techniques in animal feeding; Pomiculture; Monitoring and Evaluation; Strategic marketing and consultancy techniques Report writing techniques; Functioning and accounting of farmers association; Methods for preparing applications for EU funded projects; Municipal technical support services for agriculture and rural development; Winterisation of beehives and methods for preventing bee diseases; Estalishment of women producers association; Basic financial skills training; Workshop with producers of table and vine grapes; Austrian model of the extension services in agriculture and rural

development; Farm gate training on establishing modern orchards and fruit processing

lines; Project Cycle Management; Steps and lessons learnt in establishment of Municipal Development

Centre (MDC); Development of economic zones; Recapitulation workshop on cultivation methods of spring crops; One training package consisting of four workshop trainings on starting up

a beekeeping business; Wastewater plant purification systems; Study tours in Austria fouces on primary production, marketing,

functioning of cooperatives, economic zones, marketing departments,and extension services, etc.

More thorough chronological description of the training workshops held over the project implementation is provided bellow:

In the initial implementation phase of the IRDS, two technical on the job trainings around agriculture production techniques have been organised. The international short-term experts, who provided these trainings visited and provided mentoring/consultations to 30 farmers of Suharekë/Suva Reka together with relevant Municipal technical staff members. This approach aimed at building simultaneously the municipal staff’s and farmers capacities and knowledge around farm management, milk production and processing techniques, vegetables, and greenhouse production, viticulture and pomiculture areas of agriculture. Based on the visits and interviews conducted with the farmers, the experts have drawn

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findings, suggestions for changes/recommendations and conclusions regarding the agriculture sectors in Suharekë/Suva Reka. Furthermore, these findings and recommendations or conclusions have been presented and validated at the extended project steering committee meeting held in the initial phase of the project (Annex 1 Findings from professional trainings).

Moreover, during this course the IRDS project team organised a one day applied workshop on project identification and planning for the MDC staff members. The IRDS project’s intention by conducting workshop on project identification and planning with MDC staff was to increase their knowledge about the project identification, planning and management techniques and methodology, while simultaneously strengthening their capacities around the mentioned topics. The workshop also intended to get specific ideas for projects from the MDC staff members, which have been an inevitable part of this workshop, taking into account that the group has developed and designed one concept note in the last part of the workshop for the purpose of exercising the proposal development skills. It is worth mentioning that following the identification of the project idea, participants worked in the development of the activities for addressing the project’s goal and objectives. This practice has been evaluated from the MDC staff as very valuable and practical since they are supposed to provide proposal development services for the local farmers and will have to continuously improve their proposal writing and development skills in order to provide qualitative proposal development services for the farmers. (Annex 2 Project Identification and Planning presentation). Following the applied training held on September 2010 by the IRDS project the project team and MDC staff members have identified one funding opportunity for further development of the MDC. More specifically the Decentralised Effective Municipalities Initiative (DEMI), a USAID funded project has launched a call for partner municipalities in November 2010, aiming at improving municipal service delivery and promoting local economic development. Therefore, the project team together with the MDC director has done the desk research and some interviews for the project and as well the project has been designed together. This opportunity has served for practicing the proposal development skills and as well for addressing the fundraising opportunities, which is foreseen to be one of the responsibilities within the MDC mandate. The donor response received was a positive one, meaning that municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka has been selected for funding.

Furthermore, two days applied training on Business Plan simulation has been provided for MDC staff members, LDF grant recipients, farmers’ associations and NGOs active in agricultural and rural development. The business simulation training has enabled the participants to apply the theoretical knowledge in a simulated business context. The business plan simulation has stimulated the competitive spirit among the participants, since they have been divided into three working groups. As the participants have focused on outsmarting their colleagues, the competitiveness has driven the learning. The learning has occurred as a necessity to exercise and perform better than other teams. As the participants had to make business decisions and analyse and predict the excepted results from their actions, the important business principle has become in a way part of their thinking. The training has been evaluated as useful and successful by the participants, since it helped them to understand the importance of competitive advantage, target customers and requirement to comply with the market needs and demands.

In addition, farm gate training has been provided for MDC staff members and few farmers. The training has been provided by the main Kosovo’s exporter of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP), including medical and aromatic herbs. The participants have been informed about the potential plants to be collected for this season and also potentials for cultivating the medical and aromatic plants. The learning visit gathered 7 participants, which included MDC Director, two MDC technical staff members and few farmers from Suhareke/Suva Reka. The company has informed the participants about the results, which include as well 25 established collection points throughout Kosovo. Participants have identified the potentials in municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka which aim to address various weaknesses in the value chain,: (i) Training of collectors on the recognition of species and methods of sustainable collection, (ii) Setting up of collection points, (iii) Equipping the collection points with scales, drying facilities and cutting equipment, (iv) Provision of packing and cooling equipment to companies; and (v) Facilitation of marketing.

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The applied workshop on off-season vegetable and seedling production techniques and technologies has gathered 25 local producers from Suharekë/Suva Reka. Prior to the workshop most of the local vegetable producers have been visited, which enabled the expert better understanding of the farmers’ difficulties and opportunities for expanding production cycle in vegetable production and therefore increasing the profit. One of most common problem amongst the vegetable producers which is reiterated by them is that of low quality of the seeds. This is badly impacting the production volume and profit of the farmers. Therefore, other possibilities have been explored, for instance importing high quality seeds from EU or local production of seeds in Kosovo. In addition, the workshop on sustainable beekeeping, gathered 19 beekeepers from Suharekë/Suva Reka. The workshop has tackled and provided technical advice about prevention of bee diseases especially during the winter season, compliance for organic production, HCCP or ISO certification and pre- and post-harvest handling. The workshop has been successfully evaluated as well, due the participatory approach which enabled the beekeepers to learn from each other. Moreover, following the visits conducted at the 29 vegetable producers of Suharekë/Suva Reka, a one day workshop on Preventing and treatment of vegetable diseases occurring during cultivation of vegetables in open and closed areas was implemented.

Moreover, training on project management has been provided for the MDC staff members. The project management training aimed at building capacities of the MDC staff members in providing more effective and efficient technical support to the farmers for the LDF funding requirements. One day applied training on best practices in beekeeping was provided for beekeepers of Suhareke/Suva Reka municipality. The training was held at the farm gate and gathered 36 beekeepers of municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka. The training was evaluated as successful and useful, due to the pragmatic approach.

As the part of the project management training, the IRDS project team has provided on the job training for the MDC staff on Monitoring and Evaluation techniques and methodologies. The developed monitoring form has been presented to the MDC staff. Following the presentation, the project team and MDC staff members have conducted monitoring visits to the selected projects. The monitoring form was filled jointly by the project team and MDC staff members. This has enabled them to advance the monitoring skills by practicing. Since the agricultural loans represent only 4, 2 % of the total loan portfolio in Kosovo. The IRDS project team has organised one day workshop for the MDC staff on Attracting investments and accessing credit. During the workshop, several ways have been explored for attracting investments in the agriculture and rural development. Furthermore, the participants have discussed about the access to credit in Kosovo especially for the farmers which is not seen as relatively easy due to the farmer’s lack of readiness and in some occasion farmer’s inability to provide collateral required for accessing the loans.

MDC staff providing services / consultancy in the municipality of Suharekë/ Suva Reka had the opportunity to attend two-week professional training in agricultural production and / or agricultural business in Austria. The professional training gathered 10 staff members from Municipal Development Centre (MDC) from municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka. During the visit, around 30 farmers representing various sectors of agriculture have been visited. The MDC staff members had a chance to visit innovative agricultural businesses in Austria and learn about the new production technologies. The participants also met with the representatives of the Chambers of Agriculture in Austria. The model for the MDC’s organisational structure has been provided by the Agricultural Chambers of Austria, which have proved to be effective and sustainable means of promoting environmentally compatible agriculture, rural development and advancing the interests of farmers within wider national (and European) rural development frameworks. (Annex 3 Mission Report Study Visit).

In regards to farm gate technical support provided throughout this reporting, 82 farmers from beekeeping, vegetable production and poultry have been technically advised. (Please refer to annexes 4, 5, 6 and 7).

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Throughout this reporting period, one day workshop on overview of the broiler industry has been provided for the current and potential poultry producers of Suharekë/Suva Reka. This workshop gathered 16 participants, representing: producers, MDC and farmer’s association. The workshop was focused on the cost of production, main points of efficiency of the farming process and role of all stakeholders in the vertically integrated production system. In addition, EU standards for broiler production and egg production were introduced to the participants. The workshop has been evaluated as successful and useful from the participants, since Kosovo in general is emerging market for poultry meat. (Annex 8 Overview of the broiler industry)

As part of the business planning package two trainings have been held. Two trainings on Calculation of Loan amortization and Market research have gathered 59 participants representing MDC staff members, local farmers, farmers association and NGO representatives. The first training on Calculation of Loan amortization gathered 30 participants. The main aim of the training was to provide basic knowledge to the farmers and MDC staff simultaneously on methods for exploring possible ways for financing their activities. The training provided basic information and tools on methods for calculating the credits. The methodology of the training program aimed to offer the trainees the opportunity to learn and practice the new skills learned during the workshop development. The methodology was modified from theoretical part to the practical one and was applied during the training on calculation of loan amortization aiming to offer the trainees the opportunity to apply the learned skills and techniques during the training session. Moreover, training material was distributed to each participant during the training organized aiming to offer the opportunity to the participants to use the material and work through exercises as well as record their personal reflections. The next training held was on market research.(Annex 9 Mission Report). The market research training gathered 29 participants, representing MDC staff, local farmers, farmer’s associations and NGOs. Throughout the market research training the process of market research has been presented to the participants. Participants had the opportunity to practice the skills and theories of the market research for the Fruit production in Kosovo from three perspectives: a).Farmers; b). Wholesalers and c). Consumers. The participants had to describe the current situation from the three perspectives and as well identify required or information that they lacked about the market research for the fruit production in Kosovo. In addition, the information required has been represented in the three questionnaires designed from the three groups at the end of the workshop, which was implemented in the field and therefore modified. (Annex 10 ODE Mission Report)

Three trainings were conducted on the following subjects: a). Farm management with particular focus on EU standards for free stall system; b). Techniques for improving the animal feed and feeding practices and c). Plant protection and hygienic standards for cultivation of vegetables through greenhouses. The trainings conducted gathered 61 participants, representing MDC, local farmers, farmer associations and NGO with focus in agriculture and rural development. It is worth noting that prior to the training events, 54 farmers were visited during the farm gate trainings held in the above mentioned matters. This methodology was applied to assess the current problems and potentials of the local farmers and therefore design suitable training materials. During the farm gate trainings, farmers were provided with practical suggestions aiming at making the management of the farms more efficient. The farm gate trainings were conducted together with the MDC relevant staff members. Following the findings and recommendations drawn from the farm gate trainings, three training events were organised for the MDC, farmers, farmers associations and NGOs. The first training held was on farm management with the particular focus on EU standards for farm management aimed at informing the farms with requirements for complying with the EU standards for farm management when building new stable or expanding the existing stables. Particular focus was given to the requirements for the rehabilitation of the floors, percentage of the light, ventilation system and free stall system in the stables. The farmers were asked to select new information from the training held, which will be presented in the leaflet and distributed to the farmers. The second training on techniques for improving animal feed and feeding practices gathered 15 farmers. The training was held at the farm gate. The analysis of the three samples of hay and silage done in Austria were commented during the training held. The quality of the hay and silage resulted negative and the main reasons for these results

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were discussed with the participants. The main recommendations and suggestions for changes in production of the animal feed and as well introduction of the new techniques are presented in the leaflet which has been delivered to the farmers. In addition, three recipes for feeding plan for cattle rearing for beef has been designed and delivered to the local farmers. The last training held during this reporting period was on introducing new methods and techniques for plant protection and hygienic standards for the vegetable production through greenhouses. The training was held at the farm gate and gathered around 20 vegetable producers. The trainer demonstrated in front of the vegetable producers the techniques for plant protection and also required standards for maintaining the hygiene and protection of the plants from various diseases. The recommendations and suggestions have been presented in the leaflet which will be distributed to the local producers. (Annex 11 Mission Report-Farm management; Annex 12 Mission Report- Animal Feeding ; Annex 13 Mission Report-Vegetable production)

During this reporting period, one day training on analysing company’s financial credibility has been conducted. 25 participants representing MDC, LDF, farmers associations and NGOs have attended in the training. The training aimed at building knowledge around interpreting the financial statements and exercising some necessary financial ratios. Participants have evaluated training as successful and essential for their work. The training manual has been delivered to the participants. (Annex 14 Mission Report).

Furthermore, the IRDS project as part of business support training packages organised a two days training on Marketing and Sales. The training gathered 20 participants, representing MDC, LDF, farmers associations and NGOs. The trainer explained the main differences between marketing and sales. The participants were informed about the importance of marketing and that both processes are necessary to the success of a business. In the training, participants had the chance to practice some of the marketing and sales models. One of the aims of the training was that strategically combination of both processes leads towards successful amount of business growth. Training has been evaluated from the participants. The training manual has been provided to the participants (Annex 15 Mission Report).

For addressing the training needs of small enterprises and entrepreneurs in Suhareke/Suva Reka, the IRDS project has organised one day training on small enterprise management. The training gathered 25 participants, representing MDC, LDF, farmers associations and NGOs. The small enterprise management training aimed at helping the smallholder farmers to manage and market their farm production more effectively, and to take advantage of new business opportunities through diversification of farm products. Training provided options for farmers to take and manage the risks involved in introducing progressive production technologies. Moreover, participants have been provided with basic enterprise skills in order to calculate and manage the risks of changing their patterns and methods of production and in particular addressing new opportunities in the market. Training has been evaluated as successful from the participants. The training manual has been provided to the participants. In addition, two days tailor made training has been provided for 7 dairy farmers in Suhareke/Suva Reka. The trainings were provided by lk expert and MDC staff members. Number of issues in regards to improvement of animal feeding has been addressed by experts. Moreover, four farmers have been provided with high quality grass seeds (i.e. for approximately 4 Ha) imported from Austria to improve the animal feeding for this season. The selected farmers have been technically supported by lk expert in employing new and or effective ways in planting the grass seeds in the existing meadows and pastures. This intervention will explore new ways in managing the farms (Annex 16 Mission Report). The next training workshop held was on consultancy techniques. The training targeted in particular MDC staff members, but also other target groups of the project. The training provided the participants a range of consultancy approaches, tools and techniques when working with clients and gave them the opportunities to practise on case studies, different situations and tasks. The participants have evaluated the training as useful and successful (Annex 17b Mission Report)

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Orchard and soft fruit production represents a very small sector in municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka, despite the favourable growing conditions and its ability to generate reasonable income on relatively small plots of land. The total municipality’s fruit acreage is approximately around 20 Ha. Therefore, considering the high potential for orchard and fruit production, during this reporting period five days farm gate trainings for 10 orchards in municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka. 10 farmers have been jointly visited by short term expert engaged by IRDS project and MDC relevant staff member. In addition, one day training on pomiculture has been organised during this period. The workshop training on pomiculture gathered 25 participants, who represented MDC, farmers associations and NGOs. In the workshop, the current situation of orchard and fruit production in the municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka has been presented. The most common diseases of fruits (i.e. apples, pears, berries, ect) noticed throughout the visits were discussed with participants. The trainer explained the main causes and also the most recommended methods for prevention and treatments of the fruits diseases. The workshop was very proactive, there were lots of queries raised from participants and properly addressed by the trainer. In addition, the workshop was used to present appropriate standards for fruits storage. The latest methods of pruning and cutting were presented through videos, which has been found by participants as very successful methodology. The last part of training was used for presenting plant protection methods in pomiculture with organic fungicides (Annex 17 Mission Report). The training has been evaluated as successful by all participants. In addition, two day of farm gate technical assistance has been provided to 10 vegetable producers of Suhareke/Suva Reka. The technical assistance has been provided on managing the greenhouses and overcoming the risks from high snowfalls. Moreover, vegetable producers were supported technically on the new techniques for germination of seeds and prevention of diseases. In addition, 8 lettuce producers of Suhareke/Suva Reka were provided with highly yield varieties of seeds aiming at improving the vegetable value chain production. Thereby, 8 demonstration plots were established with the lettuce seeds provided by the IRDS project. The germination of the seeds is at a satisfactory level. The seedlings were planned to be sown in September 2012. (Annex 18 Mission Report).

With technical support from IRDS, the Municipal Development Centre has developed the following strategies and reports among others: MDC annual report for 2012; MDC action plan for 2013; Strategy for improving the viticulture in the Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka, etc.

The IRDS project team, in close cooperation with the MDC, has organized a one-day training workshop on farm management. The workshop gathered 25 participants from MDC, farmers associations and NGOs. It has been confirmed that the formation of farmer groups and organizations and a coordinated marketing is one way to overcome the problem of ‘smallness’ and supply products to expanding markets. Coordinating production and marketing in groups potentially reduces costs and helps to generate sufficient quantities/volumes of supplies to maintain competitiveness regarding domestic and/or overseas markets. In addition, the training has provided the participants with basic knowledge and skills for managing a farm in a sustainable method. The training has been evaluated as successful by the participants.

Moreover, a two-day participatory workshop training in business planning and business economics, including development theories and economics such as: integrated development and sustainable development. The training gathered 21 participants from MDC, farmers associations and NGOs. Existing businesses and also prospective youth need a clear understanding of the economic environment in which their businesses are and/or have to operate. This training has equipped the participants with necessary skills for applying the economic techniques to the strategic business planning processes, use and application of the economic theory for assessing the market conditions and therefore adjusting their business strategies. Practical and personal skill development has been essential for this training. The training enabled the participants to assemble a business plan. The main task for the participants was to assemble a comprehensive selection of information. Each plan included information on where and how capital would be obtained, along with how much would it be to

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start up or expand the business. The training has been evaluated positively form all participants. (Annex 19 Mission Report).

The IRDS project has organised a one-day workshop for the MDC staff and young professionals on MDC work plans. In the workshop, the forms for consulting, completing clients profile, provision of trainings and documenting the services provided have been presented to the MDC staff and young professionals. The forms have been utilised by the MDC staff members and young professionals (Annex 20 Mission Report).

In this regard, the IRDS project has organized a two days training on human resource management and employment for the MDC, LDF, MDC YPP and other relevant target groups. The training gathered 19 participants from the above mentioned groups. The training enabled participants to get familiar with human resource management issues, which included: appropriate steps for hiring employees, interviewing techniques, contracting employees and compliance with the Kosovo new labour law. In the training, potential follow up activities were indentified such as: establishment of employee annual appraisal system, setting up individual performance objectives for employees, and review of employee contracts to ensure full compliance with the Kosovo new labour law. The training has been evaluated as successful by the participants. The systems for employee annual planning and appraisal have been designed. (Annex 21 Mission Report).

During this reporting period, 10 days of farm gate trainings on improving the value chain of goats milk in Suhareke/Suva Reka have been conducted. The technical support provided has been narrowed down in providing information and training to goat keepers on improved hygiene during milking, storage and transportation of the milk. In addition goat keepers have been trained on increasing the milk yielded through adjusting the fodder to different types of goats and in implementing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). The hygienic maintenance of the milk collection centre has been considered essential for the success of the activity. In addition, the production line has been technically supported on how to process 1,000 liters of milk to 3,000 liters a maximum per day. The recipe developed for the products have been made through the line include: semi-soft white goat cheese, semi-hard white goat cheese and traditional hard goat cheese. (Annex 22 Mission Report)

In this reporting period, farm gate trainings for 25 table and wine grapes producers have been held. Findings and conclusions include the following: The area used for wine in Suhareke/Suva Reka significantly decreased in the last ten years from 3.000 ha to 650 ha. The wine grape growing had no perspective because of the uncertain profit. The table grape vine is growing due to the excellent climatic conditions, farming tradition and the large number of eligible growers who want to be involved in viticulture. The climate conditions are excellent for growing table varieties from earliest to latest varieties. The grape producers fail to make the most of the yield and quality of grapes in the existing conditions without irrigation, appropriate packaging, without the possibility of cooling and storing the grapes, by selling them on low prices in the local markets. The findings and recommendations have been discussed with all 25 table and wine grape producers in a one day workshop held with all table and wine grape producers (Annex 23 Mission Report).

The IRDS project has organised one day training on report writing for the staff of MDC, LDF and MDC YPP. The training gathered 19 participants from the above mentioned target groups. The training was developed and conducted at the request of MDC and LDF with the broad objectives of enhancing the ability of the participants to write quality professional reports ensuring quality and learning. The training aimed to balance a lot of inputs by providing the minimum of theory and maximum application of tools. Group discussions, exercises, tasks and extended hands-on practical work kept the participants’ interest and ensured participation was high. In practical work, participants clearly demonstrated they had not only acquired the knowledge of professional writing and writing reports, but were able to successfully apply the process and approaches learned. The training was evaluated as successful by all participants.

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In addition, the IRDS project in coordination with EU twinning project organised three different trainings for MDC, LDF, and MDC YPP and farmers associations. The training was moderated by international expert for local economic development from EU twinning project. The training topics included the following: Functioning and accounting of farmers associations; Methods for preparing applications for EU funded projects; and Municipal technical support services for agriculture and rural development. These trainings gathered 25 participants from MDC, LDF, MDC YPP and farmers associations. These trainings have enabled participants to get familiar with basic approaches and tools of managing the farmers associations, preparing applications for EU projects and improving the municipal services for the farmers and prospective entrepreneurs. These trainings were evaluated positively by the participants.

In regard to technical trainings, in this reporting period, the IRDS project in close coordination with beekeepers association of Suhareke/Suva Reka have organised a one day training on winterization of beehives and methods for preventing bee diseases. This training gathered 36 beekeepers from the Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka. The training was moderated by two beekeepers and have been positively evaluated.

Moreover, the IRDS project has continued its technical support to the LDF, MDC, MDC YPP and other local organisation in building their capacities for proper financial management. Therefore, a one basic financial skills training to the above mentioned organizations has been conducted. The training has gathered 30 participants from the LDF, MDC, MDC YPP and other local organisation which received funding from the LDF. Besides, targeting these organizations would serve the objective of minimizing financial challenges and loopholes and hence increase the financial capacity of the targeted organization’s staff. The training has also enabled the participants to practice number of financial ratios, which serve to analyse the profitability of the company. The training has been evaluated positively by all the participants. (Annex 24 Mission Report)

In this reporting period, two technical consultancy missions have been carried out. 10 farmers have been visited and consulted at the farm gate on the farm quality management. The improvement measures have been defined and proposed to each farmer. The main findings have been around the environment protection and management. The drinkable water is being polluted from the waste water and possible measures have been proposed, which include but are not limited to having prototypes of water phyto-purification plants.

The workshop training on the presentation of the Austrian model of extension services in agriculture and rural development has gathered 43 participants representing municipal technical advisers, and representative of main stakeholders such as: MAFRD and other international organizations involved in the area of extension services in agriculture and rural development.

The last session of the workshop was an open forum, which enabled the participants to discuss the current challenges, plans and the way forward for implementing the extension services in agriculture and rural development. In this forum, representatives of the MAFRD have explained the current status of the extension services in agriculture and rural development. They have explained that they have trained continuously municipal advisers from all municipal governments throughout Kosovo. These trainings included mainly farm management and numerous technical trainings. The municipal advisers have been certified from Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development (MAFRD). Although, a number of municipal advisers have not been regular in the trainings.

Furthermore, the representatives of MAFRD have explained that they have recently submitted a letter to all the mayors of municipal governments in Kosovo, where they have asked from them 2 – 3 staff members to be appointed for setting up the Municipal Information Centers. They have explained that due to the IMF rules and regulations, they were not able to employ new staff members. Therefore, they have to borrow staff from the municipalities. In addition, this has to be reflected in the midterm budget review. The municipal representatives have posed lot of questions, since it seems they had not been informed before about the

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implementation process. The representatives of the MAFRD have tried to address the raised comments and questions about the implementation process of the extension services in agriculture and rural development and establishment of municipal information centers. Nevertheless, it seems that the process needs to be explained more to the municipal representatives (Annex 25 Mission Report).

In addition, one week technical consultancy on viticulture has been held. 25 vine and table grape producers have been technically consulted at the farm gate on the pruning, leaf wall designs and use of the pesticides. Moreover, training workshop on viticulture has been held with 30 participants. The participants discussed the issues of origin of the table grapes, marketing for table grapes, and the definition of the quality and also the workshop has been focused on fungal resistant varieties of table grape. In addition, the participants have discussed the possible common market of the table grapes (Annex 26 Mission Report).

Furthermore, the IRDS project has organised one day training workshop on designing the activity planning for the MDC and MDC Young Professional Program (MDC YPP) for the next months. The workshop has been also used for reviewing the activities carried out from MDC and MDC Young Professional Program (MDC YPP) in the earlier reporting period. The workshop resulted with detailed activity plan for the MDC and MDC YPP for the next months. The IRDS project has technically supported MDC to prepare a presentation of the EU funded project for the Regional Economic Development to the LDF and MDC YPP. One day workshop has been used for thorough presentation of the EU funded project to the LDF, MDC and MDC YPP. In this workshop the detailed activities to be undertaken under the EU funded project by LDF and MDC have been clarified. The activity plan has been designed in this training workshop. The training workshop gathered 10 representatives of LDF and MDC.

The IRDS project has organised one day training workshop on techniques used for the development of the plan for the activities to be undertaken in the next reporting period. The plan developed in the previous reporting period has been further developed in more details. In addition, the IRDS project has organised one day study tour on managing and licensing the business parks. MDC and LDF staff members have participated in the study tour. The business park in Mitrovica has been visited. The representative of Municipality of Mitrovica have presented in details the needed requirements for establishment and licensing the business parks. In addition, the business park has been visited, where the implementing organization has presented the managing system and structure of the respective business park. The study tour has been evaluated as successful form by the participants, since the representatives of MDC and LDF have cleared all the uncertainties in regards to managing and licensing of business parks. Therefore, the IRDS project has technically supported MDC for compiling the requested documents for receiving the consents from 6 Ministries of Kosovo Government for establishment of the agro industrial park in southern economic region of Kosovo. In this period, three requests have been submitted to the Ministries of Kosovo Government. In addition, the IRDS project has technically supported the MDC staff for the conducting the feasibility study for the agro industrial park in southern region of Kosovo. In this period, the feasibility study has been completed.

The IRDS project has organised a one day at the farm gate training on establishing modern orchards and fruit processing lines. 23 representatives from MDC, LDF, local farmers and NGOs have participated in the farm gate training on establishing modern orchards and fruit processing lines. The smoothies’ factory has been visited. The experts of the company have presented the smoothies processing line in the details. The participants had the opportunity to pose questions to the representatives of the company. In addition, the modern orchards have been visited. The experts from the company have presented new technologies for establishing orchards and also presented productive varieties of fruits. The training has been provided for free from the experts of the company. The training has been evaluated as successful, since the participants have liked the methodology and have had the opportunity to receive responses which were based on the pragmatic level.

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In this reporting period, 4 days farm gate training on best management practices for pest management and control in vegetable cultivation and post harvest management in vegetable cultivation was implemented. In these trainings, 20 farmers have been technically supported. The conclusions from the farm gate trainings have been presented during the one day workshop held with 25 farmers of Suhareke/Suva Reka. The training has been evaluated as successful from the participants. The training material has been distributed to the participants. The training materials were concentrated on recommendations which derived from the farm gate trainings (Annex 27 Mission Report). In addition, the IRDS project has organised 3 days farm gate trainings for 10 farmers on offseason cultivation of strawberries. The trainings were concentrated on methods for adequate preparation for next planting season. In addition, an informative leaflet has been prepared and will be distributed to the farmers. The leaflet contains information on strawberry best recommended varieties, methods for prevention from diseases and also adequate measures required for preparing for next season. In addition, one day training workshop on off seasonal cultivation of strawberries has been held. Following the farm gate trainings organised, the training was used to present to the participants needed measures to be taken for cultivation of offseason strawberries in the greenhouse. The training has been evaluated from the participants as useful and successful (Annex 28 Mission Report).

In addition, IRDS project has supported the MDC staff in organizing one day workshop with wheat producers of Suhareke/Suva Reka. The workshop highlighted the success of the production of wheat this year and also has been concentrated on presenting lessons learned. The MDC staff members have recommended number of measures to be taken in better organizing the wheat harvesting for the next season. In addition, the best farmers have been awarded with prices from the MDC staff members.

In addition, one day workshop on creation of agroindustrial parks has been held. 20 participants who represented LDF and Municipalities of Suhareke/Suva Reka and Rahovec/Orahovac have participated in the workshop. In the workshop, the main factors to be analysed for the creation of an agroindustrial parks have been presented to the participants. The training has also contributed to analyzing the plans for creation of agro industrial park in southern part of Kosovo. The training has been evaluated as useful from the participants (Annex 29 Mission Report).

In this reporting period, 18 young aspiring business men and women form Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka have attended the three weeks business start up program. During this training, 18 participants have been supported in drafting business plans in line with the LDF guidelines for young entrepreneurs program. Out of 18 participants, 2 have withdrawn due to other commitments. The participants have been coached in compiling executive summary, general company description, organizing the management for the start up business or expansion, define products and services. In addition, the participants have been supported in designing the marketing plan, marketing segmentation and marketing mix strategy. In the training, the ready to use format for calculating one year profit and loss projection, cash flow projection, a projected balance sheet and breakeven calculation has been provided to the participants. The last week of the training has been used for refining the business plans and also for the presentation skills. The training has been evaluated as successful by the participants. Moreover, the training manual has been delivered to the participants. The objectives of the training have been met, 16 business plans have been finalised. The proposals have been received under the young entrepreneurs program (Annex 30 Mission Report).

In addition, three days farm gate training on water plant purification systems has been held. In these visits, 10 farmers have been visited. The visits were conducted by an expert on installation of water plant purification systems. The famers have been informed about the possibility of installation of water plant purification systems and simultaneously about the cost and benefits from installation of this system. Following the farm gate trainings on water purification systems, one day training workshop on water plant purifications systems has been held. This training gathered 25 participants, who represented MDC, farmers association, farmers and NGOs. In this training, the method of installation of water plant purification

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systems has been presented. The participants have been informed about the installation cost and about the benefits. In this training the participants have been informed about the next steps for installation of water plant purification systems. The initial identification of potential farmers has been conducted. (Annex 31 Mission Report).

In this semester, one two days training on simulation of business plan has been held. Two days applied training on Business Plan simulation has been provided for 16 young entrepreneurs , LDF and MDC YPP and MDC staff members. The business simulation training has enabled the participants to apply the theoretical knowledge in a simulated business context. The business plan simulation has stimulated the competitive spirit among the participants, since they have been divided into three working groups. As the participants have focused on outsmarting their colleagues, the competitiveness has driven the learning. The learning has occurred as a necessity to exercise and perform better than other teams. As the participants had to make business decisions and analyse and predict the excepted results from their actions, the important business principle has become in a way part of their thinking. The training has been evaluated as useful and successful by the participants, since it helped them to understand the importance of competitive advantage, target customers and requirement to comply with the market needs and demands (Annex 32 Mission Report).

In order to evade unrestricted collection, over use of products and unscientific collection, three days farm gate trainings have been conducted in creating a widespread understanding among the collectors over the sustainable management of non timber forest products in southern region of Kosovo. In total, 25 primary collectors have been informed on the appropriate measures to be taken in order to have sustainable collection of non timber forest products. Following the farm gate trainings, one day training workshop has been conducted in creating a widespread understanding among the collectors over the sustainable management of non timber forest products in southern region of Kosovo. In total, 20 primary collectors have been informed on the appropriate measures to be taken in order to have sustainable collection of non timber forest products. In addition, the findings and suggestions for improvement have been presented to the participants. The training has been evaluated as successful from the participants (Annex 33 Mission Report).

Moroever, one day training workshop on development of economic zones has been conducted, basically concentrating on development phases. This training gathered 20 participants who represented MDC, LDF and NGOs active in rural and economic development. In this training the development plan of agro industrial park has been analysed. The training has been evaluated as successful from the participants (Annex 34 Mission Report).

In order to elude that animals used for meat, eggs, and dairy are not suffering on the farms and are treated as sentient creatures and not as units of production, three days farm gate trainings have been organised to contribute in building understanding amongst the farmers on EU animal welfare and hygiene standards in the stables. In addition, the hygiene standards in the stables and also adequate feeding practices in the farms have been tackled through these farm gate trainings. 20 farms have been visited and technically supported at the farm gate. The findings and recommendations have been presented to the MDC (Annex 35 Mission Report).

Throughout this reporting period, one two days training on project cycle management has been conducted. In this training 21 representatives of MDC, LDF and NGOs active in rural development have participated in the workshop. The training workshop has been focused on the logical framework approach and its application. Group work has been essential part of the workshop, where the participants had the opportunity to apply the logical framework concepts to their proposals. In this training workshop, the guidelines for applicant for the regional economic development have been presented and have been reviewed with the participants. Thus, three ideas for regional economic development have been identified. In line with open discussions, out of three ideas, one has been selected to be developed into concept note. The logical framework for the selected project idea has been designed. The proposed project aims to improve competitiveness of work force in the southern region through provision of job

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placement and paid internships. In addition, the proposed project will enable the creation of linkages between enterprises in the region and beyond. The concept note has been submitted to the donor for potential funding but unfortunately has been rejected. The training has been evaluated as successful from the participants. (Annex 36 Concept Note)

During this reporting period, one day training workshop with MDC staff members has been conducted. This workshop has been used to describe the undertaken steps in establishing the Municipal Development Centre in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka. The training workshop has been used to remind the MDC staff and simultaneously inform new MDC director on the steps undertaken for establishment of MDC. The training workshop covered the subjects from capacity needs assessment, strategic directions of MDC, and also practical involvement of the MDC in providing advice and services for the farmers, prospective business people and association of farmers. This training workshop has been organised in order to prepare the MDC staff for their new type of involvement in the new funded project by Austrian Development Cooperation in the southern region. In this project, MDC staff will be able to exchange and convey their experience gained through the establishment of MDC toward the other targeted Municipalities in the southern region. This has brought the MDC from the level of beneficiary toward an active actor in southern region in improving local governance practices for economic development and employment creation.

In line with conclusions from the last core project steering committee, the IRDS project team has supported the MDC and MDC YPP in initiating the research for measuring the need and relevance for creation of daily fresh market for food items in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka. Moreover, two survey forms (i.e. one for buyers and one for sellers) have been finalised. The feasibility study for creation of daily fresh market in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka has been finalised and has confirmed the need and demand for the market. (Annex 37 Feasibility study)

Besides, one two days training workshop for developing economic zones has been conducted. In this training workshop the economic profile of the region has been compiled. The participants have determined the most important factors for attracting investments in the region. In addition, the participants have compiled the economic background information of the region. In addition, this workshop served as orientation for establishment of the agro industrial park. The training workshop has been evaluated as successful by the participants. (Annex 38 Mission Report)

Three days farm gate training on cultivation of spring crops such as wheat and maize have been conducted. 10 wheat and maize cultivators have been technically supported. The main finding and recommendations derived from these visits have been presented in the one day training workshop with the 20 participants who represented MDC, farmers, farmers associations and NGOs. In the training workshop new and simple technologies for soil analysis have been described to the farmers. It has been noted that most of the farmers who have been visited use the wrong fertilizers. The main findings and recommendations for overcoming the challenges have been presented in the brochure which has been delivered to the farmers. The participants have evaluated the training workshop as successful and useful. (Annex 39 Mission Report)

20 prospective women beekeepers have been trained on how to start up the beekeeping business. Four trainings for winterization and protection from diseases have been conducted for the participants. The participants have evaluated the training as useful, since they have received 5 beehives each from other donors. Therefore, this training has completed the intervention from other donors, enabling the prospective women beekeepers to receive basic skills for becoming a beekeeper. The basic guide has been delivered to them. In addition, one day workshop for 20 prospective women beekeepers has been held on marketing and sales. The participants have been informed on basic concepts for marketing and sale of their products. The basic guide has been delivered to them.

Furthermore, the IRDS project has supported MDC in designing a project for creation of six green zones. This project has been submitted to EU for potential funding. The overall

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requested funding is 220,000 Euros. Unfortunaletly the proposal has been rejected by the donor.

During this reporting period, a handbook guide for start up businesses has been designed. This will be resource for MDC for provision of guidance for new businesses. This handbook has been oriented in guiding more agro-businesses. In the handbook the clear steps for starting a business have been described.

Four days farm gate trainings on wastewater plant purification systems have been conducted, In these trainings, farmers have been informed on the potential benefits of the wastewater plant purification systems. Furthermore, the farmers have been informed on the options for reusing the purified water for irrigation purposes. In these trainings, the farmers had the chance to raise questions about the functionality of the plant purification systems which were addressed by the expert. (Annex 40 Mission Report)

The MDC have been supported for implementation of the EU funded project for establishment of agro-industrial park. The on the job trainings provided for the MDC staff included on the job training for procurement rules and regulations and financial reporting. In addition, the template for financial reporting has been designed and delivered to MDC. The MDC staff members have been trained on requirements and methods for financial reporting. Besides, the MDC staff members have been coached on organizing the process of request for quotation for food processing facility funded by the EU office in Kosovo.

During this period, one two days workshop training on financial management has been conducted. This training has gathered 20 participants, who represented MDC, LDF and MDC YPP. In this training, participants had the opportunity to practice the financial ratios for calculating profitability and other success indicators. In addition, the participants have been trained for analyzing the annual reports. The training manual has been prepared and has been delivered to the participants. The evaluation of the training was that of positive and useful from the participants.

In this reporting period, 47 non timber forest products collectors and semi processors have been trained in the 3 days farm gate trainings on sustainable management of non timber forest products. These farm gate trainings were conducted in the nature and were demonstrative trainings. In these trainings, the expert has demonstrated the sustainable manner of collection of non timber forest products and planning of collection for next year. The main suggestions and recommendations were presented in the produced manual for sustainable management of non timber forest products.

During this period, one day training workshop on regional concept development has been held. In this training workshop 20 participants have participated, who represented MDC, LDF and farmers associations and NGOs. The draft document on regional development concept for Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka has been finalised. The final document for regional development concept for MDC mid term strategy has been finalised and delivered to Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka has been delivered to MDC (Annex 41 Mission Report).

In addition, IRDS project has supported LDF and MDC in compiling final project document with the annexes for Suhareke/Suva Reka Smallholder Farmers Support project financed by Austrian Development Cooperation. As a result, one day workshop on presenting the new project has been held with MDC and LDF staff members. The workshop training gathered 10 staff members from MDC and LDF. In this workshop training, draft action plan for the first semester has been designed. This workshop training has been used for building common understanding and approach for the Suhareke/Suva Reka Smallholder Farmers Support project. The project has supported MDC in drafting the model for functionalizing the farmers market in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka. The project has suggested MDC to use it as a multi functional facility.

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Besides, two modules of English training for the MDC, MDC YPP and LDF have been completed. Furthermore, 5 representatives from farmers associations have participated in the English training. In line with assessment results, the training has been organised in two groups. The participants have passed the final exam and have been awarded with certificates.

The IRDS project has supported LDF and MDC in designing six months activity plan for the Suhareke/Suva Reka Smallholder Initiative project. The activity plan has been designed during two days workshop training conducted for LDF and MDC staff members. The detailed staff responsibilities have been defined in this workshop training. The activity plan has defined the needed supporting role of MDC during the implementation of Suhareke/Suva Reka Smallholder Initiative project.

One day workshop training on new technologies in orchard has been conducted. 26 farmers and 4 representatives from MDC and Associations of farmers have participated. The training workshop has been moderated by English expert for introducing new technologies in orchards. The training has been focused on introducing new technologies for protecting fruit seedlings from various rodents especially in the winter season by installing tree tubes. The training workshop has been evaluated as successful from all participants.

In this reporting period, IRDS project has supported MDC staff members to organise four open consulting days for smallholding farmers on the application requirements and procedures for the Suhareke/Suva Reka Smallholder Initiative project. So, the first two sessions will be used for determining the application eligibility criteria with interested smallholding farmers and then last two sessions for directly supporting farmers in developing the applications.

Furthermore, the IRDS project has supported MDC staff members to design the final regulation for managing the farmers market in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka.

During this period, 12 MDC and LDF staff members have participated in one week study tour conducted in Austria. In this period, 5 days of comprehensive visits to industrial zones and municipal governments of lower Austria were conducted. During these four days, the participants were introduced to the best practices of operation models of economic zones in this region. Furthermore, the participants have visited integrated economic zones in Lower Austria. In addition, one day training workshop has been held on Gender Awareness and mainstreaming in agriculture and rural development. The visit has been evaluated as successful from the participants.

Activity 1.E.5 Facilitation of institutional forums of cooperation: The IRDS team in close cooperation with the Municipal Development Centre have organised more than 20 municipal forums on local development in which the application requirement, priority funding areas, eligible activities and other requirements for the LDF funding rounds have been presented. These forums organised in Suharekë/Suva Reka gathered more than 600 participants, representing mostly prospective youth businessmen and women. Number of questions has been addressed in the forum by the LDF and MDC staff members.

In addition, 2 forums on municipal development have been conducted. These forums gathered 56 representatives of MDC, farmers, association of farmers and NGOs. These forums have been used for informing midterm strategic planning for MDC. As result, the final version of midterm strategy for agriculture and rural development for Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka has been compiled.

On the other hand, the IRDS project team and MDC staff members have been invited and included in the Regional Thematic Group for agriculture and rural development, facilitated by the Regional Development Agency (RDA) South. In addition, the project team and MDC staff members for the relevant sectors have participated in the first sessions of the strategic planning workshop which aimed at designing the Medium Range Strategic Planning document for agriculture and rural development in the region. It is worth mentioning that all municipalities

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of the region have been invited to participate in the session. In the first session strategic directions in the area of agriculture and rural development have been designed and validated between the participants for the region. During the second strategic planning session held on November 2010, the priority areas of sector of agriculture have been determined by the participants for the southern region of Kosovo. In addition, all actors involved in the strategic planning exercise have shared the progress and future plans of the intervention.

In regards to strengthening the cooperation between farmers, the IRDS project team in close cooperation with MDC have organised six workshops on producers’ association with vegetable producers of Suharekë/Suva Reka. The first workshop gathered 25 vegetable producers from Suharekë/Suva Reka. The workshop has been facilitated by IRDS project team and MDC staff members. During the workshop, participants have presented problems that they have faced throughout this production season. The problems identified by the participants included:1). Agriculture inputs (i.e. high price and low quality); 2). Lack of subsidies from the government; 3). Inadequate fiscal policies and inadequate policies for promotion of local products at central government level; 4). Lack of vegetable collection and storage facilities; 5). Lack of professional advisory services for treating vegetables from various diseases; 6). Market, inadequate marketing; and 7).Problems in exporting products. After the identification of the problems, the facilitators have described the supply chain. The six phases of supply chains which include: inputs; farm production; grading, storage and transport; processing; wholesaling and consumer sales, have been discussed with the participants. Afterwards the participants have brainstormed possible solutions for the identified problems that they have faced. During the discussions, all of the participants have debated about the possibilities to address the mentioned above problems at the individual or at the group level. The discussions have been concluded that the group actions are the most appropriate solutions for the problems identified above. Therefore, all 25 vegetable producers have agreed to proceed with the establishment of the vegetable producers of Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka. Having in mind the interest shown from the participants for establishing the vegetable producers association, facilitators have concluded the workshop by designing an action plan for the next period, which included: 1). Developing business plan of the vegetable producers association; b). Facilitate the establishment of board of directors and c). Official establishment of vegetable producers association of the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka. Following the first workshop the IRDS project in close cooperation with MDC staff members have organised the second workshop on producer’s association. The workshop on producer’s association gathered 25 vegetable producers from Suhareke/Suva Reka municipality. The workshop served the participants for designing the mid term vision of the vegetable producers’ association. In addition, the main strategic directions have been designed. Moreover, several broad activities have been designed under each strategic direction.

The next workshop on of appropriate measures for the establishment of producer’s association was attended by 25 vegetable producers. In this workshop, the participants designed one year action plan and responsibilities were divided for each activity. The statute and registration of the association will be completed in the next reporting period. The following workshop on establishment of the vegetable producers association has been organised. The workshop gathered 25 vegetable producers of Suhareke/Suva Reka. In the workshop, the participants have reported on the progress achieved by the thematic working groups. The working group for upgrading professional advisory services for vegetable production has held two meeting throughout the month of November 2011 aiming to define the needed technical support for the vegetable producers. The working group for improving quality of vegetables have presented the data of each producer which included: varieties of vegetables planned to be sown next year; number of seedlings needed and other essential inputs. The group is responsible for organising the joint purchase of the agriculture inputs and presumably negotiate better prices with the contractors. Whilst the working group for agriculture mechanisation has reported the collected data for the existing mechanisation and simultaneously the types of the needed mechanisation. In the workshop, 25 vegetable producers have elected the board of directors, consisting of 5 members who represent farmers and MDC staff members. In response to the obvious need for vegetable production skills development, the vegetable producers have prioritized their training needs for the next

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calendar year. Once the needs were discussed with the participants, the training plan for the next calendar year has been designed in line with the next year planting season. The training plan has been implemented mainly by the IRDS project and MDC technical staff members. On the other hand the limited expertise for the planned training workshops have been addressed by the IRDS project and it’s implementing partners.

The last workshop on establishment of vegetable producers gathered 25 vegetable producers of Suhareke/Suva Reka. During the workshop, the statute of the vegetable producers association has been finalised. In addition, the application for registration has been finalised with the 25 vegetable producers. Furthermore, the application has been submitted for the registration with Ministry of Public Services. The registration has been completed within 30 days. In addition, the vegetable producers have finalised the organisation of joint purchase of agriculture inputs for the next planting season (Annex 42 Workshop Producers Association)

In line with this, the IRDS project has assisted the farmers to establish a linkage between vegetable producers and vegetable processor in Kosovo. As result, the vegetable producers have signed a contract for selling cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes. Approximately 6000 T cucumbers; 10000 T tomatoes and 5000 T peppers have been sold to three processing enterprises through vegetable producers association.

In addition, project has organised a series of workshops with 20 women farmers of Suhareke/Suva Reka in establishing women producers association. The workshops were used to analyse the current challenges and problems of the individual farmers in producing, processing and marketing of agricultural products. The common needs and challenges have been agreed in this training. Furthermore, the participants have agreed that it is better to address the common problems and challenges as a group rather than as an individual. In addition, the participants have identified some possible opportunities for decreasing the production costs, such as transportation, marketing, etc,

In these workshops the strategic objectives of the women producers association have been defined. In addition, the management board has been elected. The statute of the organisation has been designed and also the number of membership has been determined. The women producers association has also discussed the issues and challenges of each sector that they represent and possible strategies for overcoming them. The application for registration has been completed and delivered to the local authorities. Therefore, the women producers association of Suhareke/Suva Reka has been established.

Activity 1.F.2 – Open Days: Project internal and official kick off events have been organized and completed successfully. In addition, for the official kick off event number of local and national media have been invited and responded to the invitations. Moreover, the IRDS project team together with a contracted website specialist have developed the design and content of project website. The project and LDF websites have been designed and launched.

During this course, 9 LDF call for proposals have been launched. The announcements for the LDF call for proposals have been announced in the newspapers and in the websites of the project and municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka.

In addition the IRDS phase I end of the project conference and IRDS phase II launching ceremony were held on 6th of December 2012. The conference was attended by 100 participants representing important national and international institutions in Kosovo, such as Austrian Embassy in Kosovo, ADC Technical Cooperation Office in Prishtina, USAID Kosovo, EU office in Kosovo, UNDP Kosovo, World Bank, GIZ, Swedish Embassy, DANIDA, Finish Embassy in Kosovo, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development and various international NGOs. During the conference, the results of phase I were presented and as well as the plans for phase II.

The final project closure event has been organised and held in the reporting period. In this event, 170 participants representing different national and international institutions have participated. In regards to the visibility, one detailed report with 82 case studies has been compiled and presented in the final project closure event (Annex 43 Contributing to lasting

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changes report). One project documentary movie in short and long version has been produced and presented in the final project closure event. The final project closure event has been broadcasted in national television of Kosovo, in a 20 minutes documentary movie produced by the national television.

The IRDS project in close coordination with Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka has launched the farmers market in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka. The launching cermony has been broadcasted in the national television. The launching ceremony has gathered over 100 participants who represented Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka, Austrian Development Cooperation, farmers and farmers associations. The handover protocol has been signed between Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka, Austrian Development Cooperation and IRDS project. (Annex 44 Handover protocol of farmers market in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka).

Activity 1.F.3 – Visibility Material & Actions: Important progress has been made with Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka, Municipal Development Centre (MDC), where IRDS project documentation was agreed to be included in their library and made available for public access. All available manuals internally produced by the project and also other resource materials from other sources were handed over to the municipal authorities. The project also distributed all of the publications and manuals to producers/processor in the respective sub-sectors. These included number of leaflets on off seasonal cultivation of vegetables, decorative plants, animal husbandry, poultry farming, farm management, marketing, etc.

Throughout the project implementation, more than 20 articles in national newspapers emphasizing positive impact of the project on enhancing agriculture and rural development in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka has been published.

In addition, one leaflet for LDF has been designed and distributed to number of stakeholders in the country.

During this course, the MDC annual reports have been designed and distributed to a number of relevant stakeholders, which include: Ministry of Forestry, Agriculture and Rural Development, Associations of farmers, Regional Development Agency, and producers association.

One project documentary movie in short and long version has been produced and presented in the final project closure event. The final project closure event has been broadcasted in national television of Kosovo, in a 20 minutes documentary movie produced by the national television.

The IRDS impact report for the period 2009 to 2012 has been published. In addition, the IRDS contributing to lasting changes report has been published and delivered to number of stakeholders.

Expected Result 2: Municipal departments and their staff, as well as representatives of other development players in the community (NGOs, coops, associations) have the capacities necessary for promoting the integrated development of the municipality

Activity 2.B - Training in Development Practice and Technical Skills: A SWOT analysis workshops have been organised for the MDC staff members. The workshops gathered 25 participants representing MDC, LDF Foundation and farmers’ associations from municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka. 25 participants were divided into three thematic groups, which included: vegetable production, livestock and forestry. The groups have analysed the current situation of Suhareke/Suva Reka, respectively of the value chain from the perspective of vegetable production, livestock and forestry. Therefore, the groups were able to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for each sector of agriculture. In addition, the groups were asked to develop three options for four combinations which included the following: strength and opportunity; weakness and opportunity; strength and weaknesses and opportunity and threat. Furthermore, the groups have designed strategies based on the results from the working groups. This workshop has enabled the participants to enforce their practical skills in problem

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solving, strategizing, initiating development initiatives, developing concept notes and providing qualitative services for the local farmers. Participants praised the participatory nature of the workshop and the practical hands-on nature of the activities. The working groups were also described as useful. (Annex 45 ODE Mission Report)

The IRDS project team has managed to facilitate a partnership between MDC and Mercy Corps for developing a proposal for improving business opportunities for small-scale farmers, processors, and other value chain actors working with fruits and vegetables in municipality of Suhareka/Suva Reka. The project has been developed together with MDC and Mercy Corps. The IRDS project team has facilitated the partnership and also assisted the partners for this project in developing the proposal. Therefore, several meetings were held with farmers associations, NGOs and other relevant actors while developing the proposal. Main activities of the project will include the following: Design and construct 800m3 cold storage facilities with other processing equipment; Creation of Steering Committee and facilitation of regular meetings to improve coordination between public and private sectors on rules and regulations; Core curriculum training courses in production, marketing, packaging, bookkeeping, exporting, hygiene, quality standards and other technical topics; Study tours with farmers to exchange skills and experience in order to improve productivity and competitiveness; Assessment of export market and development of entry strategy. The project proposal has been submitted for funding under the EC rural grants. Unfortunately the project proposal has been rejected by the donor.

The IRDS project has organized three workshop trainings for MDC staff, LDF, local farmers, farmers associations, NGOs in the subjects of Monitoring and Evaluation, Strategic marketing and consultancy techniques. The conducted trainings gathered 126 from the above mentioned institutions. The three days workshop training in Participatory planning – including participatory research / data collection and Monitoring and Evaluation aimed to share with participants information on planning, data collection, and Monitoring and Evaluation, as well as produce a logical framework, which could be developed into a project proposal. In addition, this training aimed to equip the participants with the knowledge about Monitoring and Evaluation as a tool for improving their project management and project drafting skills. The training session targeted the officials from Suhareka/Suva Reka and Rahovec/Orahovac municipalities, as well as civil society representatives and business representatives from Suhareke/Suva Reka. The main achievement of this training session was the design of a logical framework, which has been developed further into a project proposal and submitted by municipalities of Suhareke/Suva Reka and Rahovec/Orahovec for funding by the European Commission Liaison Office to Kosovo (Annex 46 Mission Report). Therefore, the IRDS project has provided on the job training for both municipalities and LDF Foundation for developing the regional economic development project in the southern economic region of Kosovo. The specific objective of the project is that of supporting the economic development in southern economic region of Kosovo by creating conducive business environment, employment creation and skills development. The estimated results include the following: 1).The establishment of regional agro industrial park provides favourable conditions for the development of at least 40 prospective enterprises in the southern economic region of Kosovo; 2). Access to professional services for expansion and improvement of emerging business has improved through the establishment of the business incubator; 3). The income from agricultural products has increased through establishment of the regional wholesale market; 4). A favourable environment for foreign investments in the southern economic region of Kosovo is created. The IRDS project, through it’s on the job training, assisted the Municipalities of Suhareke/Suva Reka and Rahovec/Orahovac in finalising the project proposal for developing a regional agriculture industrial park in the southern economic region of Kosovo. The project proposal has been submitted to EU office in Kosovo for potential funding. Apart from the final product, the development of this project proposal has allowed the MDC and LDF staff members to become familiar with EU guidelines for grant applications. A few proposal and budget revisions have been requested by the EU office in Kosovo, whereas the IRDS project assisted the Municipalities of Suhareke/Suva Reka and Rahovec/Orahovac in finalizing the revisions. The proposal submitted to EU office in Kosovo, was awarded a contract to establish a regional agro industrial park and has been signed at the beginning of the first semester of 2013. The approved budget is EUR 452,600. The project is implemented

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by LDF Foundation and the Municipalities of Suhareke/Suva Reka and Rahovec/Orahovac. The project is supporting the economic development in the southern economic region of Kosovo by creating a conducive business environment, employment creation and skills development.

Further on the IRDS project has supported MDC staff members in satisfying required criteria for licensing the regional agro industrial park from the Ministry of Trade and Industry and has technically supported the MDC in submitting the entire needed documentation for requesting consents from 6 Ministries of Kosovo Government for establishment of agro industrial park in southern region of Kosovo. MDC has completed all needed documentation and has submitted six requests for receiving the consents to six Ministries. With technical support from IRDS project, the business plan for establishment of agro industrial park in southern region of Kosovo has been designed by the MDC young professionals and submitted to the six Ministries. In addition, the MDC and MDC young professionals have been technically supported in conducting the feasibility study for creation of agro industrial park in southern region of Kosovo. As result of the provision of technical support the feasibility study for creation of agro industrial park in southern region of Kosovo has been finalised.

Activity 2.D – Coordination of Municipal Development Actors: The IRDS project team in close coordination with the Municipal authorities of Suharekë/Suva Reka have constituted and organised the first municipal forum on local development. The forum organised on 28th of September 2010 in Municipal Assembly Hall in Suharekë/Suva Reka gathered more than 50 participants, representing local farmers, farmers associations, local businesses, Municipal authorities and NGOs. The forum was chaired by the project team in coordination with representatives of Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka. Representatives of Austrian Development Agency, office in Prishtina, attended the forum as well. The forum was used to present and inform the participants for the LDF’s first call for proposals application requirements, procedures and priority funding areas. Furthermore, numbers of questions were addressed by the project team which enabled further clarification about the LDF grant system and procedures for the participants. Following the first municipal forum on local development held in September 2010, the IRDS team, in close cooperation with the Municipal Development Centre, has organised the second municipal forum on local development, which was used to discuss the LDF lessons learned and collect suggestions directly from the participants for the next LDF funding rounds. The forum organised on 22nd of December 2010 in Suharekë/Suva Reka gathered more than 36 participants, representing local farmers, farmers associations, local businesses, Municipal authorities and NGOs. Around 25 applicants that were not successful during the LDF’s first call for proposals have been invited and attended the forum. The forum was chaired by the project team in coordination with representatives of Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka. A number of questions have been raised and addressed around the LDF application requirements during the forum held in December 2010. The presentation delivered has been evaluated as useful from the participants (Annex 47 LDF lessons learned). The LDF lessons learned have been validated with all participants. The IRDS team closed the forum planned as per agenda and all participants endorsed common suggestions and recommendations which included the following:

Simplify more the application requirements for the next LDF call for proposals, respectively the technical application form.

At least two information sessions to be held during the LDF call for proposals The spring planting season in 2011 to be addressed through the LDF next call for

proposals

The municipal forum on local development on Gender Mainstreaming in Agriculture and Rural development has been organised by the IRDS project and MDC. 15 women organisations (i.e. members of Kosovo Women’s Network) from the southern region of Kosovo have been invited to attend in the forum. However, only 5 organisations have participated in the forum. The forum Gender Mainstreaming in Agriculture and Rural Development gathered 15 participants from various women organisations, MDC, farmer’s associations and OSCE. The forum has been facilitated by the IRDS project team and MDC staff members. In the forum various

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reports have been discussed, produced by UNDP and other organisations (i.e. Human Development Report 2010). In addition, participants have discussed about main challenges for Gender Mainstreaming in Agriculture and Rural Development. Some of challenges included: 1). Low number of women engaged in agriculture and rural development or low number of women entrepreneurs; b). Cultural barriers for women participating in trainings; c). Issues with women’s inheritance and land rights and d). Low number of women representation in Municipal Governments.

Furthermore, participants have brainstormed few ideas how to address the above mentioned challenges. One of the objectives of the forum was also getting direct concerns and suggestions for the LDF poverty reduction call for proposals. One of the requests was to enable in-kind contribution for the women, due to obstacles in financing the contribution through loans. In addition, funding priority areas have been recommended for the LDF poverty reduction call for proposals.

More than 20 forums for encouraging coordination between development actors in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka and southern economic region of Kosovo have been held. The IRDS team in close cooperation with the Municipal Development Centre have organised the municipal forum on local development in which the application requirement, priority funding areas, eligible activities and other requirements for the LDF for proposals have been presented. These forums were held in Municipal Assembly Hall in Suharekë/Suva Reka gathered more than 600 participants, representing local farmers, farmers associations, local businesses and NGOs. These forums were chaired by the project team in coordination with representatives of Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka. In these forums attended also the representatives of ADC Technical Cooperation Office in Prishtina.

Expected Result 3: A Local Development Fund providing grant funding to agricultural business initiatives in the Municipality is operating

Activity 3.A: Establish the LDF Mandate, Identity and Structure: The project has established a Local Development Fund (LDF) to provide financial support by introducing a grant system to farms / rural businesses in Suharekë/Suva Reka and the Economic Region South. Initiatives in line with the municipal development strategies were eligible to apply. Each application round applies strict rules and quality requirements (technical and social standards, co-financing of applicant, etc.). The fund functions as a stand-alone entity and is designed to work beyond project duration.

The project team has assessed the founding and registration procedures. The project team has met with the officials at the NGO registration and liaison department within the Ministry of Public Services. In addition the team has consulted some foundations operating in Kosovo. Therefore, the establishment of the LDF foundation was foreseen to be initiated by the founding persons or organizations. It is worth noting that one founder needed to reside in Kosovo. The project team has been advised by ADC Technical Cooperation Office in Prishtina on behalf of the project, to establish and register the LDF as an independent Foundation. This has been advised due to the need of having a separate entity managing the funds, which avoided the inevitable conflict of interests that would have occured, if the fund’s assets were managed by the municipality. The Local Development Fund (LDF), was founded in 2011 as an independent foundation with an international board, and was designed to operate the 2 million grant component of the project. The grants were disbursed following a rather complicated application and evaluation system, which assured that grants were awarded in a highly transparent manner (Annex 48 LDF Concept Note).

Activity 3.B.1 Recruitment of a Board of Directors: In line with Kosovo legislation, number of individuals has been nominated for LDF board of directors. The nomination of board’s members was based on criteria for selecting suitably qualified independent individuals with a range of relevant professional skills and experience and free of personal interests in LDF and its purpose (for example, professional financiers, municipal or central government development experts, NGO representatives, agriculturalist or farmers from outside the

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Municipality, foreign or national donor representatives, etc). During this course, three suitable individuals have been selected for LDF board members.

Activity 3.B.3 Recruitment of LDF Secretary: During this period, the IRDS project has initiated the recruitment process for the LDF Secretary. The advertisement has been published several times in national newspapers throughout April 2011. The main aim was to recruit the professional secretary through a process of open competition which has been opened for a month. 14 applications have been received for the LDF secretary position. Out of 14 applicants, only 5 candidates have been invited for an interview, which was held on 6 th of June 2011. The interviewing panel consisting of LDF board of directors and representative of Austrian Development Cooperation that have selected the candidate.

Activity 3.C – Facilitation of the Local Development Fund:

The IRDS project team in close coordination with LDF secretary have designed basic organisational policies, that of HR, Procurement and Financial Manuals. In addition, the IRDS project has designed the job description for the LDF secretary and LDF board of directors. Meeting with LDF board of directors for the LDF secretary has been facilitated by the project. Moreover, the IRDS project has provided daily coaching and support to the LDF secretary for carrying out the administration of the LDF.

In line with this, one day workshop training on NGO Governance has been conducted. The training aimed at knowledge building around NGO decision making processes and usage of public resources. In addition, training enabled the participants to be informed about the main differences between management and governance, board responsibilities and conflict of interest. The training gathered 19 participants representing LDF Foundation, MDC, farmers associations and NGOs. The training methodology was that of participatory which enabled the participants through exercises to understand the subject. The training was appropriate and needed for the NGOs for their further activities with communities. The participants were quite interested for the subject and took part actively during the presentation of the whole training session. In addition, IRDS project team has organised a two days comprehensive workshop training in fund management for the LDF staff members, MDC and other relevant stakeholders. The workshop training gathered 25 participants who have represented the above mentioned institutions. The training included the following topics: managing funds; Methods in defining award criteria and methods of decision-making; Overseeing the secretariat; managing people and Monitoring and evaluation. The training has been evaluated as successful from the participants (Annex 49 Mission Report).

During February 2012, the interviews for the LDF financial administrator have been organised. Out of 30 candidates, only 8 have been invited for an interview. In line with the requirements for the position, the interviewing panel had difficulties in selecting the appropriate candidate in the first round. Hence, the interviewing panel consisted of: LDF Secretary, Representative from ADC Technical Cooperation office in Prishtina and IRDS project staff have unanimously decided to re-advertise the position and in the second round has selected the appropriate candidate. The IRDS project team has supported LDF secretary on finalizing job description for the new staff.

For the whole project duration, 4 LDF board of directors meetings were held. In the meetings, the LDF Foundation progress and challenges encountered were discussed. The LDF boards of directors were informed about the LDF plans that have been endorsed. The quarterly narrative and financial reports were endorsed by the board members (Annex 50 LDF BOD Meeting Minutes)

In the first operational year or LDF, the LDF fundraising strategy has been finalised and discussed with all the relevant actors. (Annex 51 LDF fundraising strategy).

Moreover, the IRDS project has facilitated 4 yearly audits of LDF Foundation.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________The following funding rounds were launched:

Funding Round Period Amount (Euro)

Training for writing calls for proposals September 2010 101,503.52

Local development call for proposals with anemphasis on agricultural production, processingand marketing

March 2011 348,056.90

Special interest call for proposals (i.e. womenempowerment, environmental protection andmanagement and minority reintegration)

July 2011 136,789.50

Regional development call for proposalsaiming at addressing poverty and long-termunemployment through active labour marketmeasures promoting job opportunities in theareas of agriculture and rural development.

September 2011 150,124.94

Special interest call for proposals on marketing,regional branding and packaging of agriculturalproducts in Suharekë/Suva Reka and the region.

March 2012 197,023.20

Local development call for proposals with special emphasis on increasing and/or improving production, storage and marketing of agricultural production in the Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka

February 2013 407,403.46

Regional development call for proposals aiming at improving and/or creating agri-food establishments for processing and marketing of agricultural products in southern economic region of Kosovo

March 2013 379,514.65

Young entrepreneurship grants for unemployed youth for engaging actively in the agriculture and rural development

August 2013 140,247.65

Special interest call for proposal on environmental protection and management (i.e. water purification)

July 2014 10,000.00

Construction of farmers market in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka

Expected to be completed in December 2014

200,000.00

A total of 82 projects in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka and southern Kosovo were supported. In total there were nine calls, of which two were regional, including a special call for NGOs and pro-poor action. All projects underwent regular monitoring visits to assure that the contract conditions are met. As result the total number of new jobs came to 1,150 new

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employment opportunities. The LDF Foundation has managed to enable access to other funding opportunities for the southern economic region of Kosovo.

Over the project implementation, two prototypes of waste water purification plants connecting 6 households in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka have been installed. Furthermore, the IRDS project has provided on the job training on installation of waste water purification plants for relevant staff members of Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka. The two installed waste water plants are operational and the percentage of purified water is around 80%, which makes it usable for irrigation and other purposes. It is worth noting that total investments amounted around 8,000 Euros for both waste water plants. Thereby, the model has been presented to the Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka and know how has been transferred for potential investments in other parts using the funds from Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka.

To provide an appropriate market linking, a farmers market is envisioned as a vibrant market hall where independent, farmers and businesses feature food from the region, with an emphasis on fresh produce, fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, baked goods, dairy and other food related products, that will be marketed four days a week. The infrastructure project has been successfully completed. The MDC has published request for application for the interested farmers to be part of the farmers market. The application will be closely observed by LDF staff members. Until the final selection, farmers market is functional which enables temporarily 36 producers and/or farmers to market their products on daily basis. The final selection of farmers for the farmers market will be completed by beginning of May 2015.

The IRDS project team in close coordination with the LDF and MDC staff members has conducted regular monitoring visits for the LDF funded projects. The progress made is described in the table below:

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Project TitleTotal grantamountfunded byIRDS/LDF

Contributionof grant recipientin EURO

Progress Photos

The improvement of the breeding structure of diary cows in the municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka

€ 30,000.00 € 7,500.00 The project for improving the breeding structure of milking cows through loans without interest has managed to collect 23,200 Euros. The Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka has matched to this amount additional 60,000 Euros and has subsidised with 70 % purchase of more than 62 milking cows of simmental breeds to the farmers of Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka.

Equipment for producing and packaging of honey bee food

€ 13,200.26 € 5,000.00 During the last year the grant recipient has managed to produce around 80,000 kilograms of beehives nutrition which have been sold for an average price of 1.50 Euro per kilogram. Total annual turnover for this period was around 120,000 Euro whereof 33,800 Euro was net profit. The grant recipient declared that he supplies in 20 municipalities of the country. In the production 3 family members have been engaged and 2 seasonal workers during the peak season.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Goat milk processing, products: cheese, yoghurt and curd

€ 24,000.06 € 11,405.00 In this processing line, 5 T of goat cheese has been produced. Nevertheless, the grant recipient has had financial difficulties in paying the suppliers and the production has been paused. In the last six months, there was no production of goat cheese through the last period. The grant recipient is out of country and his family members were contacted which declared that through this period there was no production. All the machinery for processing was in goat cheese production facility and not utilized in the last semester. The grant recipient has declared that the production will be done in the next season.

Cultivation of lettuces and other vegetables using new greenhouse of size 2.000m2

€ 16,489.20 € 7,066.80 In the last years, the greenhouse of 0.2 ha has enabled 4 crop rotations, that of lettuces and cucumbers. The average annual turnover was 9,870 Euro with net profit up to 7,000 Euro. Total production was 60,000 pieces of lettuces and 7,100 kilograms of cucumbers. The project has enabled creation of self employment by engaging 7 family members. Moreover, 1 seasonal worker was hired during the summer season for 5 months and was paid on daily rate of 20 Euro.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________The extension and transfer of technology for the production of fresh chicken meat

€ 17,814.00 € 11,876.00 Throughout the reporting period, this slaughterhouse has managed to slaughter around 100 T of fresh chicken meat and total turnover has reached to 230,000 Euro. There are 9 regular employees and 8 seasonal workers on 5 months contracts mostly women.

Improvement of the infrastructure in a dairy farm

€ 10,932.80 € 2,733.20 The current number of cattle in this stable is 25; out of them 10 are milking cows. At the beginning of the year the beneficiary has 14 calves in this stable and during this period have been marked sales and increases of the number of livestock. The yearly milk production is 20,000 liters of milk per year. From the sales of the milk during 2014 the incomes were in amount of 9,600 EUR while the expenses were in amount of 3,000 EUR including the transportation) making net profit of 6,200 EUR. In addition during this year the grant recipient has sold 6 cattle in total amount of 5,000 Euro. Three family members have been involved in the managing of this dairy farm.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Greenhouse and cooler for the protection of agricultural products

€ 49,580.00 € 17,420.00 During the year, the vegetable collection point has managed to collect 360 T of cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage and watermelon. Total turnover was 42,000 Euro and the net profit was 30,000 Euro. The beneficiary has made agreements with 20 local farmers, 7 of them are from the same village. The grant recipient has 12 family members involved in the farm and employs 6 additional seasonal workers on 5 months contract throughout the year.

Building of the greenhouse for the production, capacity increase of off-season production

€ 12,000.00 € 4,036.00 Throughout 2014, the grant recipient has managed to an annual turnover of 32,600 Euro by selling the seasonal flowers, other decorative plants and by provision of gardening services. The net profit was 7,000 Euro. Regarding the flower bouquets, during the reporting period, the grant recipient has reported total sales of 8,000 Euro with net profit of 3,000 Euro. The project has enabled investments in the cooling room which has ensured storage of fresh flowers and as such, the quality was significantly improved and that has directly affected the sales capacity. There are 2 permanent female workers and during the season, 1 more is hired usually during the summer period. The fresh flower bouquets are usually sold to individual customers, restaurants and hotels or public institutions. The flowers are normally required for different occasions but the highest demand is

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during the summer season when lots of weddings are appointed.

Cultivation of off-seasonal vegetables through greenhouse

€ 16,706.90 € 7,160.10 The grant recipient has managed to rotate three crops in 2014. These included 4,000 kilograms of cucumbers, 10,000 kilograms of tomatoes and 15,000 pieces of lettuces. Total expenses for this period were roughly 3,000 Euro and net profit of 9,600 Euro. The grant recipient has employed 5 family members and one seasonal worker on 4 months contract during the year.

Intensive program for producing of vegetables through greenhouse

€ 22,680.00 € 9,720.00 Throughout the year, the grant recipient has managed to rotate three crops, that of cucumber and lettuces. The production was at 30 T of cucumbers and 20,000 pieces of lettuces. The yearly turnover was 11,600 Euros with estimated net profit of 7,000 Euro. The grant recipient has engaged 11 family members and 6 seasonal workers on two months contract throughout the year.

Cultivation of off-seasonal € 21,350.00 € 5,425.00 During the reporting period, the grant

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________vegetables through greenhouse

recipient had three crop rotations, that of cucumbers and tomatoes. The total productivity was 4,560 kilograms of cucumbers and 5,000 kilograms of tomatoes. Total incomes generated from these products have reached around 8,000 Euro. The sales were realized mainly at the farm gate. The grant recipient has engaged the family members in the farm.

Collection, storage and sale of local agricultural products

€ 49,644.20 € 14,828.80 Throughout the year, the collection point has collected 3 T of strawberries, 6 T of cucumbers, 6 T of tomatoes, 7 T of peppers and 7 T of cabbage. The whole amount was sold mainly to processors. The net profit was calculated at 4,000 Euro. There are 4 permanent employees and 5 seasonal workers. Both permanent and seasonal employees are paid at the rate of 200 Euro per month.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Expansion of farm capacity for fattening of calves

€ 40,801.00 € 49,868.00 Currently the number of cattle in his farm is 70. Total yearly sales were 150,000 Euro and the net profit around 20,000 Euro. There are two permanent employees and 6 seasonal workers which are paid 15 Euro per day contracted for 4 months.

Expanding the capacity and functionalizing of the cattle rearing farm for beef

€ 17,465.00 € 7,485.00 The current number of livestock in this cattle rearing farm for beef is 29 cattle and all of them for the moment are ready for sale. During the last year, the grant recipient has managed to sell 15 cattle and purchase 20 other. The yearly turnover was 55,000 Euro with estimated net profit of 15,000 Euro. 2 permanent employees have been engaged in this farm and 2 other seasonal for 3 months period which have been paid for 300 Euro per month. Furthermore with the gained profit, the grant recipient has constructed a new stable and has doubled its production capacities.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Cultivation of off-seasonal strawberries through greenhouse

€ 12,636.00 € 6,804.60 The grant recipient in the last year has produced 2,400 lettuces, 500 kilograms of strawberries, and 4000 kilograms of peppers. The yearly net income was 3,600 Euros. Since this is a family business, 5 members are permanently involved and 2 seasonal employees on the 5 months contract during the planting and harvesting season.

Improvement of the breeding structure through artificial insemination of cows

€ 39,970 € 19,985 Throughout the year, as result of artificial insemination for improving the breeding structure of cows, the number of pure Simmental breeds reached 1,460 cows.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Increase of the number of cows and improvement of the conditions of dairy farm

€ 10,000.00 € 2,500.00 The dairy farm has currently 5 milking cows and 2 cattle. Monthly milk production from this farm is 2,000 liters which as usually is delivered to the collection point and paid at rate 0.3 Euro per liter. The financial turnover per year is around 7,000 Euro (including milk production and the sale of the young cattle during the year) while the expenses during this period were in amount of 2,000 Euro. 4 family members have been engaged for the work completion and the beneficiary hired 2 other seasonal works on two months contract and paid 200 Euros per month.

Expanding of off-seasonal vegetable production

€ 23,250.00 € 23,250.00 The grant recipient has generated 14,500 Euro net profits from the sales of seasonal flowers. In terms of employment has hired three permanent workers and three seasonal which have been paid on a daily basis at the rate of 12.5 Euro and engaged for a period of four months a year.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Cultivation of off-seasonal vegetables through greenhouse

€ 21,011.00 € 9,005.00 In the last year, the greenhouse has rotated two crops that of tomatoes and spinach. The productivity was 30,000 kilograms of tomatoes which was sold for average price of 0.30 Euro per kilogram and 7,000 kilograms of spinach was sold for 0.40 Euro per kilograms. The total expenses were at the rate of 2,500 Euro and the products were sold mainly in neighboring municipalities. The grant recipient has created 2 permanent jobs and 5 seasonal jobs contracted on 4 months.

Establishment of a storage room for milk and a septic tank in the stable

€ 14,737.00 € 4,912.17(In-kind contribution)

The dairy farm has 30 livestock, 26 milking cows and, 2 heifer and 2 calves. The daily milk production is roughly 260 l which is sold for 0.3 Euro per liter. Total annual turnover is about 13,610 Euro. There are two permanent employees and 6 seasonal which are paid 12.5 Euro per day. The milk is delivered to the collection point in neighboring municipality. The dairy farm is managed by a woman farmer.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Collection, processing and production of extracts from fruits from local products


During the reporting period there was no production of the extracts of fruits in this project due to the family circumstances (death of the beneficiary). His son continues to manage the processing factory. Actually the family is doing some renovations of the facility and they are planning to start the production in the next year.

Collection, processing and storage of non timber forest products


During the reporting period the grant recipient has managed to collect, dry and sale the non timber forest products which included:22 tones of Pine cones of different varieties; 25 T of juniper; 7 T of blueberries; 12 tones of rose; 500 kilograms of mushrooms and 200 kilograms of primrose.Total turnover for this period was 49,500 Euro whereof 14,600 Euro was net profit. During the whole year for the collection of these non timber forest products the grant recipient has cooperated with 160 primary collectors. The products mostly have been exported directly through the collection point to western European countries, mostly in Austria.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Cattle rearing for organic meat € 24,750.00 € 6,611.19

(In-kind contribution)

Currently in this farm are total 30 livestock, whereof 16 are milking cows and 14 calves. The daily milk production is actually 70 liters of milk per day. The total turnover through the sales of milk and also the sales of calves is around 7,000 Euro. Besides the family members who are engaged in daily work , the grant recipient has hired 5 seasonal workers for two months for the collection of animal feed and for fertilizing the meadows.

Establishing vineyard € 14,948.00 € 3,740.00(In-kind contribution)

The grant recipient has managed to maintain vine seedlings in high-quality through undertaking adequate measures. The production is expected in 2015. 2 family members are engaged in managing of the vineyard for the reporting period. In addition 2 other seasonal workers have been engaged for the period of 20 days.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Cultivation of off-seasonal vegetables through greenhouse


The grant recipient has cultivated different types of vegetables seedling in the greenhouse. These included: 150,000 leek seedlings, 21,200 tomato seedlings, 60,000 pepper seedlings, 2,000 cucumber seedlings, 1,700 lettuce seedlings and 60 kg of onion (tuber) seedlings. As the result of sales the grant recipient generated yearly incomes of 7,100 Euro. 2 permanent employees have been engaged for the completion of the work and other 4 seasonal workers have been engaged for cultivation of the crops in opened field.

Increase of the production capacity of vegetables in an open field with a more advanced technology


The grant recipient has cultivated number variety of vegetables in the open field. Total incomes generated throughout the reporting period, were around 11,600 Euro, whereof 5,600 Euro were expenses, while the net profit is calculated at the rate of 6,000 Euro. Considering that this project was financed for opened field cultivation, the grant recipient has declared considerable damage and losses due to rainy season. Onions in the area of 0.6 ha and cauliflower in the area of 0.4 ha were totally damaged. There are only family members involved in agriculture and roughly 6 seasonal workers on 4 months contract paid at the rate of 15 Euro per day.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Strengthen production, collection and sales of vegetables with 1 ha greenhouses for 20 producers & Agroserra collection center in Mamusha

€ 88,445.94 € 39, 854.06 During the reporting period, all 20 greenhouses were planted with tomatoes and cucumbers. Total amount of planted seedlings was 31,800 pieces, and amount of collected products was 54 T. While 14,752 kilograms were sold to Euro Tac collection point and markets. All farmers have hired 40 seasonal employees and their average annual incomes generated through off seasonal production is 3,000 Euro.

Southern Kosovo Agriculture Value Chain Revitalization

€ 61,675.00 € 15,625.00 During the reporting period, the collection center has managed to collect: 100 T of mild pepperoni, 160 T of hot pepperoni, 640 T of tomatoes, 300 T of peppers and 800 T of different varieties of peppers. Most of the collected vegetables were exported to Western European Countries.

Production of high quality strawberry – for the wellbeing of the population

€ 49,075.00 € 14,580.00 In the previous phase, 5 Greenhouses have been completed with construction, irrigation system and provision of feeding material to 5 farmers in different locations: Bukosh, Bllace, Savrove, Neprebisht and Suhareke. During the reporting period, according to direct beneficiaries, the greenhouses of 0,05 Ha have resulted with productivity of 2,600 kilograms of strawberries which were sold for average price of 1,50 Euro

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per kilogram. Fruits are sold mainly in local market in Suhareka.

Construction of 1000 m2 greenhouse made of zinced blocks with upper ventilation, fencing and nylon UV+

€ 13,650.00 € 5,850.00 Throughout the reporting period, the grant recipient has planted the greenhouse of 0,1 Ha with various seedlings: 50,000 cucumbers, 22,000 peppers, 35,000 flower seedlings, 15,000 watermelon, 9,000 tomatoes and 60,000 apple seedlings. The seedlings are sold mainly in Prishtina and total incomes generated from the sales are 5,000 Euro. By the end of reporting period, the greenhouse was planted with 4,000 cucumber seedlings.

Collection, storage and drying of small fruits

€ 22,100.00 € 8,800.00 During the reporting period, the famer has managed to collect 10 tones of juniper and has delivered to exporting company. In addition, grant recipient has collected 10 tones of mushrooms and delivered exporting company for average price of 3 Euro per kilogram. In this process, 200 collectors have been engaged in the field operations and 5 permanent workers including one female are working in the collection point.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Increase of the quality and production capacities for decorative plants vegetables during the off-season

€ 10,721.00 € 3,573.00 During the reporting period, the grant recipient has planted 10,000 seasonal flowers. This amount was sold to individual customers for the price of 0.25 Euro per piece. In addition, 1,000 pine seedlings were planted in the greenhouse as well.

Technology for bees wax processing

€ 50,000.00 € 20,000.00 During the reporting period, the beekeeper has collected 6,000 kilogram of raw material which was processed into wax palettes and was delivered back to beekeepers. They have paid 2 Euro per kilogram for processing. During this period, 2 seasonal employees have been engaged and were paid 200 Euro per month.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Expansion of existing stable and production capacity increase in the sheep farm

€ 19,147.20 € 4,786.80 During the reporting period, grant recipient managed to sell 140 lambs for average price of 90 Euro per piece. Generated incomes in totally 12,500 Euro. Currently, there are 150 sheep and 40 lambs in the farm. Besides covering family expenditures, the grant recipient has managed to ensure animal feeding and purchased 2 equipments for the farm’s needs.

The expansion and reconstruction of dairy cows farm

€ 20,441.00 20, 441.00 € Currently, total number of cattle in the farm is 61 including 34 milking cows. Considering favorable climate conditions during the summer season, the monthly milk production is 14,600 liters which enables the grant recipient to create incomes up to 4,300 Euro. Beside 3 permanent workers, 2 seasonal employees are hired through 2 months period for ensuring the animal feeding.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Improvement of the production technology for onion seedlings (tuber)

€ 11,893.00 € 5,097.00 Investments in new technology through grant provision, the farmer has managed to increase the production capacity of onion tubes. During the reporting period, grant recipient has planted 2 ha which will be extracted and made a turnover of 7,000 Euro, out of which 4,600 were net profits.

Modernization in greenhouse incubator 200 m2 with central heating, one block greenhouse galvanized with airing in the four sides and ventilation from above, with dimensions 1500 m2

€ 32,933.00 € 14,115.00 During the reporting period, the farmer has collected around 4600 packages of lettuce (each package has around 17 pieces) and has sold them for average price of 3.30 Euro. Total amount was around 9,936 Euro. In addition, during May and June, the farmer has collected 13,200 kilogram of cucumbers and sold them for average price of 0, 25 Euro per kilogram. Meanwhile, grant recipient has hired 1 permanent employee and 2 seasonal.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Eggs production in a free system in nature, creating a new brand in the region , village eggs

€ 12,810.00 € 5,490.00 Current number of chickens in this farm is around 1200 and daily eggs production ranges from 800 to 900 per day. The grant recipient has managed to expand his clientele network beyond the southern region. He is regularly supplying the big markets and individual customers who value the quality of free range eggs. This is an innovative family business, the only in the region and has real potential to expand further. The farmer is currently planning to increase the number of chicken in the farm. Since the completion of the project, the farmer has paid particular attention to hygiene of the farm and access of visitors or customers in order to avoid eventual disease. Four permanent employees are engaged in this business while 1 seasonal worker was hired during the winter period who receives the monthly salary of 200 Euro.

Complete functionalizing of the milking cows stable

€ 18,750.00 € 12,500.00 The farm has currently 17 milking cows and the average daily milk production is 160 lit. Milk is regularly delivered to the collection point and the price is 0.30 Euro per liter. As a result, the grant recipient has managed to ensure an average income of 600 Euro per month. His family members are also included in the farm and during the summer season, the grant recipient has hired up to 10 seasonal workers for a period of 2 months and have paid them 15 Euro per day.

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Increase of beekeepers incomes for 10% for any beehive and production of propolis spray and propolis tincture

€ 11,777.71 € 5,047.59

There were no significant activities during this period beside collection of 50 kilogram of propolis which have been collected by 20 beekeepers. This amount will be kept in refrigerator for some time in order to prepare this product in smaller amounts as spray and tincture.

Increase of the quality of the mountain fruits juniper and blueberry for 30% through the cleaning machine and calibration

€ 11,543.00 € 4,947.00 During the reporting period, the grant recipient has managed to collect 1 T of dried mushrooms, 500 kilograms of wild strawberries, 60 T blueberries, 230 T juniper, and 10 T canker rose. Total turnover for this period was: 402,500 Euro, whereof 147,600 Euro was net profit. During the collection season, the beneficiary has cooperated with 540 field collectors. The products have been exported to Western European Countries through another company.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________The construction of a new stable to accommodate sheep and lambs

€ 35,000.00 € 30,370.50 The grant recipient has 246 sheep and 24 lambs. During 2014, the grant recipient has managed to sell 204 lambs and 17 sheep. Besides selling the animals, another activity was processing the sheep cheese. The grant recipient has managed to produce and sell 900 kg mainly to individual customers.

Construction of a Cooling Room for Storing the Bouquet of Flowers

€ 8,100.00 € 3,472.00 The grant recipient has sold more than 600 bouquets for a price of 10 Euros per piece. There are 2 permanent female workers and during the season, 2 more are hired usually during the summer period. The fresh flower bouquets are usually sold to individual customers, restaurants and hotels. The flowers are normally required for different occasions but the highest demand is during the summer season when lots of weddings are appointed.

Collection of fruits, extraction of extracts and production of juices from domestic fruit trees and grapes

€ 34,150.00 € 18,350.00 The project has not commenced the operations yet. The equipment is purchased for juice production, but due to family circumstances, there are some changes taking place. Actually, the late grant recipient’s family is doing some renovations of the facility and they are planning to start production in the next season.

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The increase of milk quality and quantity through milk hygiene – fulfilling of customers demands as well as reduction of costs € 8,700.00 € 2,900.00

The farm has increased the number of milking cows from 10 to 20. The average daily milk production is 120 lit which is delivered to the collection point. The grant recipient creates average monthly incomes at the rate of 1200 Euro, mainly from milk production and calves sales. There are 2 permanent employees and 2 seasonal which are usually hired for 3 month.

Construction of slaughterhouse and the supply of customers with veal/ fresh calf meat

€ 34,350.00 € 34,350.00 During the reporting period, the grant recipient has managed to accomplish the slaughterhouse but it’s still not operational since is adding from his own budget some other equipments apart from the project. The grant recipient has also been advised to consider the environmental protection and he had invested in special tank for animal liquid waste collection.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Supplementing the dairy farm with milk storage, equipments for environmental protection and improvement of animal

€ 11,426.80 € 4,897.20 Current number of livestock in this farm is 25, including here 16 milking cows. Daily milk production is 200 liters which is being delivered to the collection point for the price of 0.32 Euro per liter.

Creating better conditions for animal’s health and milk’ hygiene, increasing quantity and quality of milk by building a new stall

€ 10,400.00 € 5,600.00 In the dairy farm, there are 16 milking cows. The daily milk production is 100 lit and is usually delivered to the collection point. The turnover per year is around 9,600 whereof, 5.600 Euro is the net profit. His plans for future are expansion of the farm in term of increasing the number of cows.

Production of ready-made grass (cover grass) as a new product in Kosovo

€ 18,676.45 € 10,056.55 The grant recipient during the last year has managed to sell grass in amount of 50,000 Euro. There are 1 permanent employee, and 2 seasonal workers hired for two months.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________The production of queenbee, cleaning and packaging of honey

€ 16,087.50 € 8,662.50 During the reporting period, as a result of investments from grant, the grant recipient has managed to increase the number of beehives from 50 to 140. Due to weather conditions and heavy rains, the grant recipient has not yield significant honey production this year.

Enlargement of the calves stable and their growth in bio manner

€ 22,984.00 € 12,316.00

The project has directly impacted the increase of farm capacity. As a result of extension and improvement of overall conditions, the grant recipient has purchased 60 calves and total turnover from the meat sales was 61,200 Euro. The net profit was 4,960 Euro. Due to high demands for natural meat, roughly 80% of the calves are sold in the farm and the rest in the markets. There are 4 permanent employees who are family members and 5 seasonal workers.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Increase of production capacities of seasonal vegetables (seedlings) and off-seasonal vegetables

€ 11,760.00 € 3,100.00 During the reporting period, the grant recipient has managed to have 3 crop rotations, including peppers, spinach and cucumbers. The purchased machinery was used for planting 1 ha area with potatoes but the farmer has used his equipment also for service provision for other farmers.

Establishing of a new greenhouse for off season vegetable production

€ 14,820.00 € 4,180.00 During the reporting period, the grant recipient has managed to cultivate 3 crops that of cucumbers and lettuces. Total productivity was 40 T and turnover in amount of 7,000 Euro and net profit 4,000 Euro. 3 Permanent workers are engaged in this family business, including 1 female and 2 seasonal workers for a period of 4 months have been hired with monthly salary of 200 Euros.

Completion of the collection point with all equipment

€ 29,400.00 € 12,600.00 The modern machinery purchased by the grant, has enabled grant recipient to cultivate the following seedlings: 30,000 cucumbers, 60,000 peppers, 25,000 tomatoes, 15,000 watermelon, 50,000 salads and 100,000 seasonal flowers. Beside this, the farmer has collected from local farmers the following vegetables: 80,000 kilogram cucumbers, 30,000 kilogram, tomatoes and 70,000 kilogram cabbage, which have been sold to previously contracted markets.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Regulation of internal infrastructure of slaughterhouse for meat processing

€ 22,612.00 € 7,538.00 During the reporting period, the grant recipient has managed to conduct totally 660 slaughters. Besides this, the same meat was processed and the price for this service was 65 Euro each. As a result, he has generated incomes in amount of 42,900 Euro whereof 20,900 are his net profit. During this period, there were totally 10 employees – 4 permanent and 6 seasonal workers hired 2 months per year. His main customers are individuals and hotels and restaurants. The grant recipient has declared that he has identified a need for meat storage room and completion of a barn for keeping the animals before slaughtering according to the standards.

Qualitative food for bees, increasing the quality of honey

€ 13,123.00 € 5,907.00 The grant recipient has declared production of Feed bee in amount of 10,600 kilograms. Total turnover was 15,166 Euro and the net profit 6,000 Euro. This is a successful family business which has directly affected increase of socio economic situation. They have managed to purchase 7 cows in amount of 12,000 Euro and machinery in amount of 13,000 Euro. Five family members are engaged in this business. They have managed to expand their customers’ network with possibility of exporting to European countries. The family incomes are increased for 100%.

Developing broilers sector, € 28,000.00 € 15,000.00 During the reporting period, in this

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________growth of productivity, quality and creation of new working places

poultry farm the grant recipient has purchased 22,000 egg laying chickens. Out of these 2,000 chickens have been sold to the smallholder farmers (the selling price was 4,80 Euro per chicken). In addition in May the grant recipient has purchased also 14,000 broilers (the purchase price was 0.60 Euro per piece) rearing for chicken meat and all of them have been slaughtered within 30 days. Beside eggs production, the grant recipient has meat reserves in amount of 11 T which is mainly sold to the markets and restaurants in the southern region. The farm has 11 permanent employees, while 5 women are usually engaged during the slaughtering process for cleaning the chickens.

Increased incomes of south region farmers (including women farmers) through improvements in livestock production and processing capacities

€ 53,377.00 € 14,378.00 The project has directly supported 46 farmers from 3 municipalities, including Malisheve/Malisevo, Suhareke/Suva Reka and Zhupa/Zupa valley villages. The investments have directly impacted the increase of production, improvement of quality and increase of knowledge gained through organized and improvement of overall socio economic situation in their families. As a result, 66 new job opportunities have been created. Based on the last monitoring visits, all grant recipients have marked progress in production capacity and income generation. In all groups of farmers, the average increase of incomes has reached at the rate 67%

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comparing to the period before receiving the grant.

Farmer agricultural regional methods to enhance revitalization (farmer)

€ 69,120.00 € 17,280.00 The collection point has improved the quality of the services for the farmers. Since the collection point was supplied with the weight up to 50 t, 873 farmers have been supported through offering free of charge measure of their products. Moreover, 10 farmers have been certified with Global GAP standard. Up to the end of season, the collection point has managed to collect and export: 246 t peppers, 10 t table grape and supplying 196 farmers with 58,900 packages of 5 kilograms.

Using natural resources through increasing the quantity and quality with processing of medical herbs and mountain fruits by completing market demand and creating employment

€ 29,775.00 € 9,925.00 The grant recipient has managed to increase the collection capacity and improve the quality of the service as a result of new equipment and new premises. His average incomes per year have reached at the rate of 46,000 Euro, whereof 10.500 Euro are net profit. The sales of the products are done through the companies which export these products to the European countries. The project has enabled creation of 3 permanent job opportunities and 160 seasonal primary collectors which are paid roughly 300 Euro per month.

Collection, storage and sale of € 41,230.00 € 17,670.00 The collection point has increased the

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________local vegetables and fruits in the southern economic region of Kosovo

collection capacity for approximately 80% comparing to the period before the grant was awarded. There are 5 permanent employees and 8 seasonal workers have been hired during the period July – August. The beneficiary has constant agreement with 20 farmers, while during the summer season; the number increases. The customers are usually small markets, small food companies and green market.

Increase of incomes of the beekeepers in Kosovo for 15% through production of the high quality bee hives

€ 26,075.00 € 11,175.00 The grant recipient has managed to increase his monthly production for roughly 300% (from 200 to 750 after the grant). The turnover has reached at the rate of 182,400 Euro whereof net profit is: 63,200 Euro per year. In addition, he has managed to ensure row material in amount of 872 m3 for 157,000 Euro. Total production during 2014 is 5000 bee hives which have been sold to neighboring municipalities. Before the grant was awarded, there were 3 permanent employees. Now, there are 4 more permanent employees and 4 seasonal workers (3 of them women). The average monthly salary for permanent employees is 300 Euro, while for the seasonal workers, it is 200 Euro per month.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Promotion of new women entrepreneurs in beekeeping

€ 15,960.00 € 3.990.00 During the reporting period, the beekeepers have marked double progress, in terms of increase of beehives number for 70% (or from 100 to 167) and increase of honey price per kg from 10 to 12 Euro. This year, the beekeepers have foreseen honey production up to 763 kilograms. This result would be higher but due to weather conditions – especially often rains and general climate changes, these factors have negatively affected the honey production.

Establishing new greenhouse to increase product capacity by supplying market demand with fresh products

€ 29,625.00 € 9,875.00 During 2014 the greenhouse was planted in 3 cycles including salad, spinach and tomatoes. Total sales were 16,700 Euro and the amount of the products has reached 46,000 kilograms. There are 2 permanent employees and during the season, the number of employees was 6. The grant recipient’s plans for future are expansion of greenhouse surface and construction of a cooling room for vegetable storage.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Increase processing and conservation of fruit and vegetable capacities by strengthening women in the village

€ 46,376.80 € 11,594.20 Despite unfavorable climate conditions during this year, the grant recipient has managed to process around 19,000 kilograms of different products and create a turnover at the rate of 46,000 Euro. The net profit was 4,967.50 Euro. Regarding the job opportunities, 13 seasonal workers and 3 permanent workers were hired during the harvesting season. The sales was realised in different ways: in the markets, in the fairs and directly from the processing facility.

Milk processing by establishing new line of production and creating new employment opportunity

€ 57,535.65 € 25,849.35 During the reporting period, there was a total collection of milk from the farmers in amount of 540,000 liters. From this amount, there was a production of yellow cheese (45 T), curd (26T) and ajran production in amount of 21,600 liters. The net profit is reported at the rate of 20,600 Euro. Regarding the job creation, there are 5 new permanent employees and 4 seasonal workers.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Production of the ready grass Sedum as a new product in Kosova and extending production capacities of salads through production of two new varieties

€ 9,500.00 € 2,375.00 During the reporting period, the grant recipient has managed to realize a total turnover in amount of 26,950 Euro whereof 11,700 Euro are net profit. This was achieved through sales of 54,000 sedum grass vases and 700m2 of ready grass sedum. Another progress was selling around 20.000 salads. 3 Permanent workers (including 1 female) and 8 seasonal workers for 3 months have been actively involved in planting the grass and maintaining the production of sedum grass. This is multiple year plant and the investments in the next years are not massive.

Construction of the greenhouse for the cultivation of vegetables seedlings

€ 9,800.00 € 2,450.00 Construction of a new modern greenhouse has enabled up to 4 crop rotations. There were planting of 20,000 pepper seedlings, 10,000 tomatoes seedlings, 3,000 cucumber seedlings and 1000 spinach. Total sales have reached 8,250 Euro whereof 5,550 Euro were net profit. Three family members have been engaged in managing the greenhouse and 2 seasonal workers during the harvesting season have been engaged,

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Development of the production and trading capacities for decorative seedlings, fruits and agricultural inputs

€ 10,000.00 € 2,500.00 The project implementation has been accomplished in the last period of last year and at the moment of reporting, the selling point of agro inputs is functional and is operating. Besides self employment, 2 more permanent employees are engaged in this business. Considering that the grant recipient has his own land, he expanded his business by starting the seedlings cultivation in a greenhouse and further crop cultivations in the opened field.

Central Heated Greenhouse for the cultivation of decorative plants (flowers)

€ 10,000.00 € 2,500.00 The modern greenhouse construction, the beneficiary has significantly increased the decorative plants production. During the reporting period, grant recipient has declared cultivation of 50,000 seasonal flowers and 16,000 other decorative plants. In general, the total incomes from flowers sales have reached at 16.000 Euro. The plants are mostly sold in Suhareke/Suva Reka. During this period, 3 seasonal workers have been hired and paid for 260 Euro per month. Net incomes are calculated at 11,000 Euro.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Construction of the stable (free system) for growing of veal

€ 9,200.00 € 2,300.00 The project has planned construction of stable for calves breeding. During the reporting period, the grant recipient has purchased 11 calves Simmental breed. The average weight of calves was 250 kg and price was 2.5 Euro per kilogram. The grant recipient has made a total turnover of 11,000 Euros and approximately 2,500 Euro net profits.

Construction of the goat stable

€ 9,900.00 € 2,480.00 As a result of investments in the construction of a new goat stable, the farm’s capacity has been increased from 70 to 160 goats. This has directly affected increase of the goat cheese production by 60%. Total amount of processed cheese was 3600 kilograms; total sales have reached up to 11,460 Euro whereof net profit was 3,200 Euro. Around 80% of the products are sold in the farm and the rest was sold in the markets. The grant recipient has engaged 2 permanent employees.

The building of the greenhouse and production of quality vegetables, with area of 0.05 Ha (500m2)

€ 8,640.00 € 2,160.00 The grant recipient has managed to plant around 2000 tomatoes seedling which has further produced 14,000 kg tomatoes. The products were sold for totally 5.400 Euro. Besides that, another crops cultivated in this farm were salad and spinach. Total sales for all products have reached 9,600 Euro whereof net profit was 5,100 Euro. There are 2 permanent employees.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Apple young plant cultivation € 10,000.00 € 2,500.00 The grant recipient has planted around

3600 apple seedlings. Up to the reporting period, she has managed to sell 50 pieces for the price of 5 Euro per each. The results are relatively low, but according to the grant recipient, she has faced damages caused by the hail. Except creation of self employment, she has hired 4 seasonal workers during the process of planting the apple seedlings for a period of 2 months which were paid 270 Euro per month.

Completing the room for extracting – preservation and processing of honey as well as increasing the capacity of production and adding to the value of produced honey

€ 9,000.00 € 2,250.00 Current number of beehives is 72, but due to unfavorable climate conditions, the honey production was only 100 kg which was sold for 10 Euro per kilogram. Besides that, the grant recipient has purchased additional 20 queen bees. She plans to expand her business in a near future.

Construction of a new stable for breeding calves for fattening

€ 9,486.00 € 2,372.25 The stable construction has directly affected increase of capacity and overall progress of this farm. During the reporting period, 30 more calves have been purchased and total turnover for 2014 was 60,000 Euro with net profit of 9,000 Euro. There are 2 permanent employees. The grant recipient intends to expand his business considering that the demands for fresh mat are constantly increasing.

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Package and regular supply of market with olive product

€ 9,920.00 € 2,480.00 The facility for olive packaging is fully equipped but there are still no activities as the project implementation has been developed with delays. However, the grant recipient is expecting that the supply with olive and conservation and packaging will start in the summer season.

Extending the capacity of strawberry production

€ 9,000.00 € 1,800.00 The grant recipient has managed to plant around 2,500 strawberry seedlings. The productivity was around 2000 kg and total turnover 4000 Euro. The net profit was 1,200 Euro since it was the first year of cultivation. Three job opportunities have been created; 1 permanent and 2 seasonal employments (both females) for the period of harvesting.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Medical herbs collection and processing

€ 8,750.00 € 3,750.00 The grant recipient has implemented the project. Though was facing financial difficulties and the implementation process was significantly delayed. Therefore, there is still no result to report. The grant recipient is expecting the first activities to take place in summer next year.

Construction of a modern greenhouse

€ 8,575.00 € 3,675.00 The grant recipient has managed 3 crop rotations, including: cucumbers and spinach. As a result, the productivity has reached 10,000 cucumbers and 1,600 kilogram spinach. Total turnover was 2,700 Euro and net profit 1,700 Euro. Three permanent workers are engaged in farming – including the grant recipient and his parents.

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________Beans plantation in the form of vineyards

€ 8,712.90 € 3,734.10 The planting of beans in 1 ha area has started in spring last year. The harvesting was done in September. Total collected amount was 3200 kg. This amount was sold for 3 Euro per kilogram by creating turnover in amount of 9,600 Euro. The net profit was 7,000. There were 2 permanent employees and 4 seasonal, mainly female which were hired for 2 months. The grant recipient is planning to expand the beans plantation for another 1 ha and cultivate using the same technology. The expansion will be done with its profits.

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Activity 5.2. Organizational structure and processes: During the project implementation, 5 core project steering committee meeting have been held. These meetings gathered participants, who represented ADC Technical Cooperation Office in Prishtina, Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka, CARE Austria and IRDS project team. In these meetings, the IRDS project team has presented the progress achieved, lessons learnt, plans for future. (Annex 52 Core Project Steering Committee Meetings Minutes)

Background/ context

During the whole project implementation, Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka has been supportive and collaborative with IRDS project. Municipal staff especially MDC staff members were always willing to support the project with their technical expertise in the farm gate trainings.

However, the project team in the last year of the project has implemented the interventions more through LDF Foundation, for the main reason of handover this collaboration with Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka to the LDF. In the last semester, the IRDS project has supported LDF in designing the project for improving the socio economic conditions of smallholder farmers. It is worth noting that the main idea derived from Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka. Thus, the project has been co financed with 50,000 Euros from Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka.

Four offices equipped with furniture have been dedicated for LDF staff members, which demonstrate the existing collaboration between Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka and LDF.

The LDF and Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka have developed professional working relations which will serve for future projects in the Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka.

Target group, beneficiaries and local project partner

The structure of the target group, beneficiaries and local project partner as was described in the final project document remained the same during the project implementation without any major changes. Nevertheless, two changes have been recorded in terms of target group throughout the project implementation. The first change is about the LAKTO Theranda cooperative and their engagement with the dairy processing plant. Due to two changes in a row of operational management, the processing facility has been closed and removed from Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka.

Furthermore, IRDS project has found out that Local Action Group (LAG) a voluntary organisation comprising municipal workers and representatives from private business, civil society and local communities, set up by the EC-funded Local Development Strategies (LDS) project with the aim of developing and implementing locally owned rural development planning is not functional since they have never met after the end date of the LDS project. Therefore the project has analysed this change carefully and included them as individuals in the project interventions.

No other changes occurred.

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Intervention logic

Project results/ project status

Intervention logic Indicator as planned (target)

Indicator actual status as at 30th of June 2014 (achievement)

% achieved Sources of Verification

Deviations/ comments/ observations

Overall Objective:To promote integrated and sustainable regional development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka by strengthening of existing local structures and potentials.

1. Increased GDP / capita in Suharekë/Suva Reka and the region

1. There are no available data or instruments for measuring this indicator

2. Increased level of employment in farming, food processing and rural businesses

2. Through LDF funded projects, to date 1,150 new employment opportunities were created.

2. There is no target set up initially about the number of new employment to be reached.

2. Employment contracts, employer records, etc.

3.Increased level of family income in the Municipality and the region

3. The level of family income has been increased in 1,150 families.

3. The creation of 1,150 new job opportunities has contributed in an increase of the family income of at least EUR 200 per month. There is no available baseline date for the level of income in the Municipality and the region.

3. Employment contracts, ect.

4.Increased level of well-being amongst the

4. From LDF funding at least, the estimated number of direct

4. The incomes of the targeted groups at

4. Case studies, etc

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municipal and regional population

beneficiaries was 4,670 and number of indirect was more than 7000.

regional level have increased by at least EUR 1,143 per month.

(Changes of) Assumptions

No changes occurred in the assumptions throughout this reporting period

Project Purpose:

To create an enabling environment in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka for stimulating new rurally-based businesses and creating new jobs.

1. Diversification of farming techniques and innovation in business practice;

1. New farming techniques and innovation business practices have been introduced in the supported sub sectors.

1. Two waste water purification plants have been installed in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka. These prototypes will be potentially replicated in other parts of Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka. The project has contributed to a diversification of farming techniques and innovation in business practice. These include: Improved business opportunities for small-scale farmers, processors, and other value chain actors working with fruits and

1. Lists of grant recipients; Contract with EU office in Kosovo; Mission Reports;

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vegetables in Suhareka/Suva Reka through the establishment of a total of 800m3 cold storage facility with other processing equipment; the project supported beekeepers association and vegetable and fruits producers in strengthening membership, joint input supply and marketing; with technical support from the IRDS, the Municipalities of Suharekë/Suva Reka and Rahovec/Orahovac designed the model of a regional agro-industrial park. In addition, the model for prototype of installing the plant purification systems is presented.

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2. Increased demand in municipality for training and information;

2. To date, over 6,000 farmers have been supported through services of the MDC. This is done through trainings, workshops and seminars. In addition, the centre provided on-site consulting at farms.

2. Similarly as in the previous report, due to lack of available baseline data for the training and information demand in the past, quantification of the indicator remains a challenge.

2.MDC list of supported farmers

3. Increased demand in municipality for business credit;

3. 20 loans have been disbursed to farmers for improving the breeding structure of the dairy cows.

3. Same as above. The quantification of this indicator remains a challenge due to lack of baseline data.

3. Contracts

4.Increased investments in local business

4. To date, private investments in selected sub sectors of agriculture as result of IRDS project have amounted approximately to EUR 784,300.

4. There are no available data for investments in local business. Thus, quantification of this indicator is a challenge.

4.Bank transfers

5.Increased number of business start-ups;

5. To date the number of business start-ups has increased to 25 in the Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka.

5. Same as above 5.Copies of business certificates

(Changes of) Assumptions

No changes in the assumptions throughout this reporting period

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Expected Result 1:A Municipal Development Centre for the support of agriculture and related businesses is established and functioning within the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka

A.1.a: The basis for establishing an MDC, and also its operating principles is negotiated with the Municipality of Suharekë / Suva Reka by the end of month 4.

A.1.a: The indicator has been achieved. However, there is a challenge of putting the offices under one roof, to visualise more the concept.

A.1.a: 100 % A.1.a:Signed MOU A.1.a: MDC will not be run as an NGO as foreseen in the proposal for sustainability reasons. It was also decided to have only one MoU between ADA and the municipality. Obligations between contractor and municipality are defined in the contract between the donor and the contractor

A.1.b: The MDC mandate, identity and structure are established by the end of 6 month

A.1.b: The indicator has been achieved

A.1.b: 100% A.1.b: MDC Mission, Vision and Objectives statement

A.1.b: Initial organisational description / profile of MDC ODE Mission reports

A1.b: Job descriptions of all administrative and professional staff, as well as job description of governing bodies.

A.1.e: Build the capacities of the MDC and its staff for advancing integrated

A.1.e: The indicator has been fully achieved

A.1.e: 100%

The quantification of the indicator might not be

A.1.e: Mission reports ODE

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rural development. the right figure. All outputs foreseen for the project implementation period have been achieved

Mission reports from Technical Experts

A.1.f: Visibility and information

A.1.f: The indicator has been achieved

A.1.f: 100% A.1.f: The project website (www.irds-ks.org)

A.1.f: Project leaflet

A.1.f: Newspapers’ articles about the project and launch event of the LDF call for proposals, etc.

A.1.f: MDC leaflet

A.1.f: 30 minutes documentary

A.1.f: LDF leaflet

A.1.f: LDF website(www.ldf-ks.org)

A.1.f: Newspaper

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http://www.ldf-ks.org/

http://www.irds-ks.org/


Expected Result 2:Municipal departments and their staff, as well as representatives of other development players in the community (NGOs, coops, associations) have the capacities necessary for promoting the integrated development of the municipality.

A.2.a: The Municipal capacity is assessed by the end of month 4

A.2.a:The indicator has been fully achieved

A.2.a: 100% A.2.a: Capacity assessment document

A.2.b: The capacities of the MDC and its staff for advancing integrated rural development is built as well as organisational processes are facilitated by the end of month 34.

A.2.b: The indicator has been fully achieved

A.2.b: 100%

Remarks: All trainings planned for the phase I and II have been conducted. However, the quantification of this indicator is a challenge, as it has also has a qualitative component.

A.2.b: Mission reports

A.2.c: Municipal Development actors are coordinated by the end of month 34.

A.2.c:The indicator has been fully achieved

A.2.c: 100% A.2.b: List of participants

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Expected Result 3:A Local Development Fund providing grant funding to agricultural business initiatives in the Municipality is operating.

A.3.a: the LDF mandate, identity and structure is established by the end of month 18.

A.3.a:The indicator has been achieved

A.3.a: 100% A.3.a: LDF Mission, Vision and Objectives statement; Initial organisational description / profile of LDF; Criteria for application to fund and conditions under which it will work; Founding Statute, including rules regulating governing the Board of Directors; Job descriptions of secretary, as well as job description of governing bodies.

A.3.b: LDF as a Foundation (NGO) is found and registered by the end of month 22.

A.3.b:The indicator has been achieved

A.3.b: 100% A.3.b: NGO registration

A.3.c: The Local Development Fund is facilitated by the end of month 34.

A.3.c:The indicator has been fully achieved

A.3.c: 100% A.3.c: 82 LDF funded projects

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Monitoring, Project management (difficulties encountered, management measures)

The monitoring of the progress has been done on monthly basis. The M&E tools have been utilised in measuring and evaluating the project impact. The results are presented and reflected in the IRDS impact report and IRDS contributing to lasting changes reports, which are annexed to this report.

Evaluation

During this period baseline study has been carried out. The baseline study was conducted using two methods: desk research on secondary data on the municipality and field research using qualitative interviews with relevant stakeholders in the municipality of Suharekë/Suvareka. The objectives of the study was to collect all existing and relevant data on the current condition of the municipality of Suharekë/Suvareka in all fields and sectors, but mostly focusing on agriculture.

The findings of the research are grouped under three main headings and reflect key suggestions for IRDS project. The first set of findings relate to current capacities of Municipal staff and current Municipal financial resources to undertake agricultural and rural development, the second relates to economic development and business environment and current problems and challenges of the municipality in this regard and the third set relate to opportunities and constraints for regional economic, agriculture and rural development in the municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka (Annex 53 Baseline report).

The project has also conducted a project mid-term evaluation, implemented by independent consultants, which were carried out during this reporting period, on the request of the donor (Annex 59 Midterm evaluation report).

In addition, the final evaluation has been conducted presenting main results and main lessons learnt (Annex 60 Final evaluation report).

The main project implementing partners of IRDS project have consolidated the main lessons learned acquired throughout the project implementation and include the following:

The IRDS project has been managed by a light team and has faced some difficulties in establishing more effective and efficient M&E system. The development of M&E database would have enabled the team to synthesise and compare the project progress on more systematic manner. In addition, the visibility of the project would have been more effective if the project would have had a relevant staff member for managing the communication of the project with wider audience.

The balance between direct investments and technical support has been limited due to the light managing structure of the project. As above, the project would have had more impact if the funds would have been more allocated for provision of technical support for the farmers and supported projects. This is one of the lessons learnt from the project team. The need for more TA is relevant, either national or international it depends on the type of the needed support.

The project has supported the expansion of the LDF. However this has been relied only in international donor support. There is a missed opportunity for linking Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka and LDF for managing the subsidies provided by Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka. However, this needs to be thoroughly analysed due to the risk of being politically affiliated with the municipal government.

Though the creation of farmers market in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka has been based on the feasibility study conducted by MDC, the impact would have been greater if the market would have been placed in bigger urban area. Nevertheless, the funding was dedicated for Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka.

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The IRDS project team has been engaged and employed with a heavy workload in the project implementation. Thereby, missed the opportunity to create linkages with the central level and other similar donor projects in other regions. This is an area which may perhaps be improved in similar interventions.

The impact of implementation of young graduate program has been visible; however the number of interns engaged was relatively low. This is an opportunity to hire larger number of young, educated technical experts in similar interventions.

The membership base strengthening of existing associations of producers and farmers should be more emphasized in similar interventions, where group grants ought to be enabled. This which would tackle main challenges and obstacles in primary production, processing and marketing of agricultural products.

The project would have been more visible on national level, if regular brochures would have been published and delivered to important stakeholders emphasizing the progress and impact of the project.

The IRDS project inclusiveness approach was extremely successful. However, the project team suggests that impact would have been greater if the project would have focused more on emerging subsectors of agriculture in Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka.

Sustainability

In order to ensure sustainability, IRDS project has used a highly participatory approach. Participation in this case concerned especially: (i) the authorities of the Suharekë/Suva Reka municipality, (ii) the local farmers and agro processing businesses and organisations representing them, as well as (iii)organisations promoting regional development. Particular attention has been paid to the strengthening of the extended project steering as a platform for municipal level consultation and exchange.

Secondly, IRDS has taken into account important lessons learned from past economic and agriculture projects, not only those implemented by CARE but also of other organisations. As result of these consultations and lessons learned, IRDS project has readjusted the establishment of the MDC in way that contributes more to the project impact sustainability.

The IRDS project has supported and strengthened existing structures of Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka. The IRDS project has contributed to building necessary capacities of all relevant actors involved in promoting integrated development of the municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka.

The IRDS project has supported the establishment of Local Development Fund (LDF) Foundation. The IRDS project has recruited the LDF staff and provided ongoing on the job training and monitoring on organisational development and programmatic development. In terms of organisational development, LDF has been supported in developing organisational manuals on: a).Human Resources; b).Financial Management; c) Procurement; d) General administration. In regards to programmatic support, LDF has been supported in developing the following strategies: a).Mid term strategic planning document; b).Fundraising strategy. In addition, the LDF has been supported in developing projects. As result, three projects have been financed by various donors such as EU office in Kosovo, ADC and EU office in Kosovo. The LDF projects will end by December 2016. In meantime, LDF Foundation has been offered to manage the agriculture subventions programs from Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka.

The IRDS tackles certain aspects of local/regional development, namely agriculture and agri-business, and the related departments of the local administration. Nevertheless, it is integrated and inclusive in the attempt to see development of a certain area not as an isolated activity, but in a holistic view of intertwining areas of socio-economic development, combining and interlinking institutional and private sector reform. The approach is not aligned to a singled out theory, but combines different aspects of

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Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture Final Narrative report15th of December 2009-31st of March 2015__________________________________________________________________________________________local development, such as LED (Local Economic Development), and the M4P (Making Markets Work for the Poor) principles.

Dependent on the previous experience of each of the MDC’s staff members, their qualifications and capacity levels, and in accordance with the programme of work set out for the MDC in both the strategic plan and annual work plan, the project provided ongoing and comprehensive capacity building of MDC staff through a combination of training, individual and team coaching and mentoring of professional practice.The IRDS project has implemented activities which corresponded with Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and other relevant strategies.

Perspectives

NTR

Request for next disbursement

Summary project budget (relevant for accounting) according to contract

Amount approved so far

Amount presented for verification as at due date

Remaining budget

3.646.873,56 Eur Direct budget:479.158,58 Eur(as per 25.11.2013)

Productivity compensation:679.324,92 Eur(as per 5.12.2014)

Total: 1.158.484 Eur

Direct budget:2.692.229,05 Eur

Productivity compensation:759.838,67 Eur

Total: 3.452.067,72 Eur

nA

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