Agriculture has long been the backbone of the Bosnia and Herzegovina’s economy as it contributes significantly to overall employment and sustains food security for a large portion of the population. In terms of economic value, the agriculture sector contributes to approximately 6% of the country’s GDP. In Sarajevo Canton, the largest number of agricultural farms are located in two municipalities – Hadžići and Ilijaš, whose inhabitants are heavily dependent on agricultural activities to sustain their livelihoods. Agriculture is specific field of economy since it is closely related and entirely dependent on the state of natural resources – soil, water and consequencely weather conditions.

Lately, the impact of climate change on the agricultural sector in terms of land and crop quality has been growing.  In order to support farmers in adaptation to climate change, CENER 21 is implementing a project Capacity building and education on climate change of farmers from the municipalities of Hadžići and Ilijaš.

The aim of the project is to raise awareness of farmers from the municipalities of Hadžići and Ilijaš on the impact of climate change in agriculture, as well as education as a major factor in mitigation and prevention of damage caused by climate change. The purpose of the Project is networking with academia and experts in the field who will be able to provide assistance and solutions in the future. As result of the Project, twenty farms will be able to adapt to climate change and respond to challenges it brings, reducing the risk of damage and crop failure.

Within the Project, CENER 21 will implement the following activities:

  • Workshop for 20 representatives of agricultural farms – The two-day workshop will strengthen capacities and educate participants on the impact of climate change on agriculture presenting concrete ways and technologies for disaster adaptation and prevention, and promoting good practices from the field.
  • Procurement of equipment for soil analysis – Soil analyzers will serve to test the soil pH value, moisture humidity, temperature and plant light intensity. Devices will be distributed to farmers after the practical education.
  • Guidelines for adaptation to climate change in the agricultural sector will systematically and in one place give a detailed overview of all topics and conclusions from the workshop, as well as the results of discussions and answers to questions that participants had.

The positive impacts of the project will be reflected in the application of measures for adaptation to climate change that farmers will learn through the project, e.g., remediation of degraded agricultural land through several agronomic and biological techniques (crop rotations, agro-forestry, reduced tillage, cover crops).

The Project is implemented with the support of Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), for a period of 6 months.