Development Assistance to Livestock Farmers in the Mountainous Areas of the Former Republic of Yugoslavia

Yugoslavia

02/2003 - 12/2004

The overall objective is to facilitate the gradual economic recovery of the agricultural sector, by revitalising and developing livestock production for farmers in the different agro-ecological situations in this mountainous region. The main objective is to establish three "Co-operatives of Livestock Producers" in the isolated, backward and poorest Sjenica, Tutin and Prijebolje areas, in order to encourage these livestock farmers to progress and develop into more viable commercial businesses with a steady cash flow. Additionally, this project would assist in establishing livestock breeders associations as well as producer and marketing groups over the whole Sandzak region, incorporating highland areas and valleys that would each be able to offer something different to the relationship. Linkages would be established with other organisations involved in the sector. Lactofreeze milk tanks for cow and sheep milk and generators, a limited selection of farm equipment, and quality cattle semen will also be provided, with the aim of improving the technical and managerial expertise of farmers. The project is primarily designed to strengthen farmers' self-reliance, but also to maximise co-operative relationships and at the same time assist in working towards the region's overall economic recovery.