KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE

development projects

Tomatoes are one of the main vegetable crops grown in Kosovo, providing the central source of income for many smallholder farmers.

so what’s the problem?Due to lack of knowledge, farmers here had a poor understanding of sustainable production and were therefore heavily dependent on pesticides. This threatened not only the quality of the tomatoes but also the health of the consumers, the farmers and the surrounding environment.

what did this project do?In an attempt to resolve these issues, CABI worked with local partners in Kosovo to help implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system.

Overall, this project aimed to build capacity and enable farmers to produce healthier, locally grown tomatoes, which could compete more successfully with imported products on quality, price and continuity of supply. This in turn would contribute to an improved income for the farmer and help boost the local economy.

locationKosovo

datesJanuary 2004 – March 2011

CABI project teamDirk BabendreierEmma JennerUlrich Kuhlmann

improving tomato production in Kosovo

resultsOne of the first activities was to create a legal framework to ensure countrywide implementation of IPM. With CABI’s support, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development developed a set of legally-binding general IPM technical guidelines, defining the minimum agricultural requirements for this system; bringing Kosovo’s crop production more in-line with the rest of the international community.

The CABI team also supported partners to establish a list of legally registered pesticides. Only permitting the use of lower toxicity pesticides aimed to improve human health and reduce negative impacts on the environment.

To ensure this project was successful, farmers had to be informed of IPM techniques and see the benefits of this system. Farmers were therefore trained using participatory methods throughout the tomato cropping season. In addition, a farmer manual was developed to help farmers learn more about IPM – including the “why, what, when and how” of rational pesticide use – and how to implement it.

With a national framework in place and farmers keen to improve their practices, they were then encouraged to take more of a leading role. Using the general IPM technical guidelines, farmers, supported by CABI and local partners, compiled a comprehensive guideline specifically for indoor IPM tomato production. The farmers also developed a ‘Green & Yellow List’ as a traffic light system defining which practices should be used in the prevention and safe treatment of tomato pest problems.

Persuading the public these tomatoes were a worthy product to buy was another hurdle. To promote the benefits to consumers, several awareness raising activities were carried out. A recognizable brand for the IPM tomatoes was created and eye-catching promotional stands were set up in supermarkets. Informative flyers were also produced to create demand for IPM tomatoes.

Successful experiences within this project soon led to increased interest in IPM from other farmers. CABI therefore supported local partners and farmers with the development of additional crop-specific technical guidelines for cucumber, apple and strawberry production.

contactCABI, Rue des Grillons 1, CH-2800, Delémont, Switzerland T: +41 (0)32 421 4870 F: +41 (0)32 421 4871 E: europe-CH@cabi.org www.cabi.org/switzerland ID

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Dirk Babendreier, Project Manager

partner

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, Pristina, Kosovo

sponsors

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)Intercooporation (IC), Switzerland