Evaluation of the USAID-Kosovo SME and Agriculture - Economic ...

Development Associates, Inc.markets. Bulk shipping to other markets might also bolster the prices farmers receive for theirproducts. These wholesale markets could also serve as a venue for farmers to learn more aboutthe packaging and preparation of vegetables and fruits for different types of consumers.Small scale processing and storage at the village level, possibly in collaboration with the FarmerAssociations, would benefit farmers through higher quality produce and higher prices.Vegetable seeds and fruit tree seedlings are an important and expensive part of the productioncycle. Vastly increased small-scale seed/seedling multiplication programs would greatly benefitfarmers, reducing costs and ensuring quality of the seeds. Continuing USAID support to localprivate nursery development would pay large dividends to farmers for the expansion of vegetablefarms and orchards or in starting up new ones.Farmer Associations could consider purchasing of small-scale processing and handlingequipment with revenues generated from farmer membership dues and fees for services. Withtheir own funds, second-hand equipment could be bought at relatively low prices, even from theU.S. The farmer associations could then provide processing services to farmer members.The issue of technology transfer could be addressed through the existing Farmer Associations.Advisory services could be incorporated into these participating Farmer Associations to workdirectly with members. Farmer Clubs are also possible candidates as conduits for thesetechnology transfer services. Suppliers of inputs are also possible candidates for providingadvisory services to farmers who might eventually become clients. Some grant funding wouldbe necessary to initiate such a program. The farmers are generally knowledgeable and oftenready to accept new technologies, but they need the assurance of demonstrations trials anddiscussion groups that could be provided through these advisory services.2. For activities to stimulate agribusiness growth and efficiency in processing, inputsupply, and product marketing that increase incomes, and employmentGreater efforts are needed to encourage and facilitate the necessary collaboration with markets,exporting associations (Kosovo Exporters Association), business forums, etc. to be able toencourage farmers to play more of a role in the marketing process.There are currently collaborative links between the existing farmer associations and thevegetable and fruit juice processor in the region of the projects. These relationships need to bereinforced and taken to new levels. The presence of a project in an area can greatly affect theserelationships in a very positive way in the embryonic stages of farm development. Othercontacts are being made in the marketing chain, such as with the Kosovo Exporters Association.It was mentioned in one of the early quarterly reports that a “seal of quality” label program wasbeing initiated for Kosovo fruit products. Although the project does not have the time or theresources to pursue such a program, it is something that should be looked into as a possiblefuture intervention.3. For future strategies and coordination methodsA new project should include a more directed approach to implementing a coordinating body atthe national and regional levels in support of vegetable and fruit growers. There have beenEvaluation of the USAID/Kosovo SME 124 May 2004and Agriculture/Agribusiness ProgramsVolume I