Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture

Focus

The Western Balkans region is already particularly hard hit by the consequences of climate change. In the future, the expected increase in extreme weather events in particular will pose major challenges for agriculture in the Western Balkans. The aim of adaptation measures should be to mitigate the effects of more days with extreme heat, more frequent tropical nights, longer and more intense periods of drought and increasing heavy rainfall. Accordingly, this working group focuses on ways in which agriculture can adapt to climate change, while mitigation strategies only play a subordinate role for the time being. 

Activities

Launched in 2023, the working group on climate change adaptation in agriculture (CCAA) is the largest working group of the APD. The kick-off meeting was attended by more than 40 participants from the region, representing the relevant ministries of agriculture and environment as well as experts from the Western Balkans. 

The initial focus is on a comprehensive analysis of the status quo of adaptation to climate change in the region. This analysis will be carried out by sub-working groups on socio-economics, animal husbandry, plant production, water and soil. In addition to detailed country reports, a comprehensive overall study will be prepared for the entire region.

In October 2023, members of the plant production and water subgroups took part in an exposure visit to Germany. German experiences and strategies from the areas of policy, research and practice were presented and brought to life. There will be a similar study trip for the animal husbandry subgroup in October 2024. 

This working group is co-financed by the GIZ project "Promotion of Economic Diversification of Rural Areas in Southeast Europe (SEDRA II) in SEE".