Kosovo faces significant economic challenges, with a large portion of the population living in poverty and the workforce participation is lower than the European average, particularly among women, who encounter traditional barriers to formal employment. Despite most people living in rural areas, few are engaged in agribusiness, showing a lack of awareness about opportunities in agriculture, especially for women and youth. To address this, the Kosovo Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development (2022-2028) aims to boost rural business growth and strengthen farms by promoting modern agricultural practices. A key focus is on gender equality and increasing women’s participation in agriculture. However, despite plans for training programs, local authorities lack the necessary support to establish these services, leaving many agricultural producers without the guidance they need. 

AKWA aims to strengthen the involvement of women and young people in the agricultural economy by providing training and technical support for modern agricultural practices. An efficient advisory system model is being developed that can be adopted by local authorities. Gender equality will also be promoted by informing women and men in rural areas about the importance of women’s economic and social inclusion and taking their needs into account in local and national development plans. A public campaign will also be launched to raise awareness of the role of rural women and highlight their successful practices. Traditional ideas about the role of women in society will be challenged to bring about transformation. 

The project will focus on the municipalities of Podujeva and Obiliq, areas with limited foreign investment and underfunded rural populations in high need of support.  

Objectives 

The project aims to promote gender-equitable socio-economic development in the rural areas of Kosovo, particularly in the regions of Podujeva and Obiliq. It supports women-led agricultural businesses through technical and financial assistance to modernize their production and increase sales. Additionally, it creates a favourable environment for women’s involvement in agriculture by improving social dialogue and raising community awareness. The project also promotes local policies that recognize the role of women in the agricultural sector. 

Main Activities 

• Through training in modern agriculture, business strategies, and digital marketing, the skills and knowledge of women are strengthened. 
• Support for women’s clubs and local events enhances mutual support, knowledge sharing, and community cohesion. 
• Improving access to resources: Grants for equipment and branding allow women to expand their businesses and enhance local agriculture.
• Increasing visibility, promotion, and engagement of the project through school initiatives, such as school visits, excursions to agricultural producers, awareness raising sessions with men and social media campaigns, as well as organisation of a local agricultural fair that highlight and strengthen women’s achievements. 
• Advocacy training,  and dialogues aimed at local and national decision-makers to promote women’s involvement in agriculture and influence national policies. 

Participants

• 50 women participating in trainings, out of whom around 40 benefiting from project grants 
• 120 women participating in women´s clubs 
• 60 men participating in awareness raising sessions 
• 120 secondary school pupils (50% girls) 
• 10 teachers  
• 40 local stakeholders (80% men) including representatives of local authorities, companies, buyers etc.  
• 30 (40%) national level officials and stakeholders