The project “Advancing Kosovo Women’s Agribusiness Inclusion (AKWA)” addresses challenges faced by rural women in Kosovo, including low acknowledgment of their rights and roles in traditional communities, their insufficient participation in agribusiness activities, lack of awareness of local and national authorities about specific needs of rural women, limited public knowledge about women in agribusiness and general insufficient understanding among young people about economic prospects in agricultural sector.
The project’s overall objective is to contribute to a more gender-inclusive socioeconomic development in the rural areas of Kosovo.
More specifically, the project enhances economic and social inclusion of rural women from the regions of Podujeva/Podujevo and Obiliq/Obilic, through improving the competitiveness of their agri-businesses and enabling a conducive environment for inclusive socioeconomic development.
The project aims to achieve the following results:
- Women-led agri-businesses are equipped for modernized production and increased sales through a technical and financial support scheme
- Conducive environment for women agri-business engagement fostered through enhanced social dialogue and awareness in the community
- Local policies and affirmative measures in place, recognizing the role of women in the agribusiness sector
The project raises awareness among rural communities about the importance on women economic and social participation. The project delivers capacity building trainings in agriculture as well as digital marketing also training in advocacy to strengthen women’s participation in decision making process, also men’s club to foster dialogue, peer support and engagement.
During the first year of the implementation these results were reached:
- Awareness on the importance of women’s economic and social participation is raised among rural communities.
- Capacity-building trainings in agriculture, digital marketing, and advocacy were delivered to strengthen women’s participation in decision-making processes, alongside the establishment of women’s clubs to foster dialogue, peer support, and engagement.
- Women’s clubs and men’s awareness-raising sessions were organized, achieving high participation and exceeding expected engagement levels.
- A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the Municipality of Podujeva, enabling the expansion of the grant scheme to include additional beneficiaries.
- A total of 53 women beneficiaries were selected and supported with agricultural equipment on various sectors.
- Direct advisory support and tailored technical guidance were provided by field experts to enhance beneficiaries’ capacities and ensure the sustainability of their agricultural activities.
