Funded by: United States Agency for International Development – USAID
Role: Project implementer
Implementation period: 08/03/2012 – 31/12/2016
Action budget: USD 2,122,716.00
Donor contribution: USD 1,674,809.00
Project Objective
The objective of the project was to develop and promote affordable technologies and practices for climate change adaptation in agriculture. This was achieved through comprehensive public awareness campaigns and capacity-building programmes tailored to the needs of agricultural holdings.
The project focused on implementing adaptation measures in the Mediterranean zone, including the Vardar region and parts of Strumica and Sveti Nikole.
Results
• Adaptation measures were tested on 28 demonstration plots and farms, covering fruit production, viticulture, vegetable production, soil protection, water-saving practices and livestock farming.
• No hail damage was recorded in open-field vegetable and table grape production, and no sunburn damage was observed in orchards protected with UV nets.
• Pear orchards protected with UV nets achieved 55% higher yields compared to unprotected orchards, while improved pruning and thinning techniques contributed to better peach quality.
• Dairy farms with installed ventilation and fogging systems recorded a 24% lower decrease in milk yield, while farms applying new feeding regimes adapted to climate change recorded a 12% lower decrease.
• Contour tillage reduced sediment loss by 92% compared to traditional downslope tillage.
• Cover crops on sloping terrain reduced soil loss by 89% compared to plots without cover crops.
• Ultra-low-volume drip irrigation achieved 50% water savings compared to conventional drip irrigation, with no significant difference in yield.
The results were summarised in brochures, studies and videos, which were distributed to more than 1,400 farmers, agricultural advisors, the Ministry of Agriculture, local self-governments, civil society organisations, media representatives and students.
