Local Solutions: A Path Towards Climate Smart Agriculture in Serbia

One-fifth of the population in Serbia lives and works in rural areas. Their income, well-being, and the quality of everyday life depend on agricultural production, whether they are producers, sellers, or consumers of agricultural products. Additionally, climate change significantly impacts agricultural production: changes in precipitation regimes, droughts and floods can cause damage across different sectors of agricultural production such as livestock, crops, farming, and vegetable cultivation.

In order to provide necessary support for facing risks due to natural disasters at the local level, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been collaborating with local self-governments for many years, offering expertise, tools, and knowledge for adequate and timely handling of risks and challenges arising from climate change, with a special focus on the well-being and protection of the most vulnerable population groups. Through the European Union-funded project "Strengthening Disaster Resilience in Agriculture", FAO is working with twenty-three local self-governments to strengthen their capacities for appropriately responding to the impacts of climate change. 

There is a range of measures that can be implemented at the municipal and city levels. These measures need to be determined considering the needs and general conditions at the local level, available resources, and whether they will be beneficial for agricultural production, the population, and local development.

Disaster Risk Assessment

To tackle risks, analyses and recommendations are necessary, providing a detailed insight into the local context to identify risks characteristic to specific areas, especially those posing the greatest challenges and potentially impacting the population and the development of local communities. The Risk Assessment is a document that offers significant guidelines for finding appropriate responses to natural disasters posing the highest level of risk for an area, such as floods, droughts, landslides, earthquakes, hailstorms, epidemics, and wildfires. The main goal of creating this document is to provide a detailed understanding of potential risks and find concrete solutions that fit the local context to either prevent risks or mitigate their effects. Kraljevo is one of the cities in Serbia that recently prepared a Draft Risk Assessment, supported by the project 'Strengthening Disaster Resilience in Agriculture ' implemented by FAO in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management of Serbia, funded by the European Union. This is an important step for Kraljevo in combating disasters and climate change, enabling it to better anticipate potential hazards based on the Risk Assessment and implement suitable solutions to prevent and mitigate negative impacts in the future.

Strategies and Policies

Agricultural strategies provide an integrated insight into different challenges at the local level. Developing the Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy is crucial to ensure a good understanding of challenges and the existing opportunities in various agricultural areas. It also reveals how connecting these areas, and even other sectors, can contribute to the competitiveness of agriculture at the local level. A strategy is a key tool that can direct the development of agricultural policies with clearer goals and in better alignment with national priorities for sustainable development. Developing and implementing agricultural policies in line with specific challenges and the local context is essential to ensure that efforts and available resources are directed appropriately and contribute to the transformation and adaptation of agriculture to climate change. Strengthening the capacities of local governments to develop policies and strategies is crucial for improving production, product quality, providing legal security for farmers, diversifying production, and better local management.

Agricultural Infrastructure

Investing in infrastructure such as roads, warehouses, irrigation, and drainage systems can improve access to markets, reduce losses during transportation and storage, and enable farmers to increase production and efficiency. To mitigate the effects of climate change and adapt the agricultural sector, it is necessary to invest in infrastructure that contributes to preserving natural resources, energy, and reduces water, soil, and environmental pollution. Furthermore, developing agricultural infrastructure can facilitate collaboration among farmers and contribute to the exchange of experiences, information, and knowledge.

Local Agricultural Support Programs

Properly targeted subsidies at the local level can significantly help farmers reduce the negative effects of climate change and adapt to their impact. It is essential to determine, based on exposure and the frequency of disasters, as well as the type and extent of damage they cause, what type of subsidy is needed to strengthen resilience. For instance, subsidies for purchasing equipment suitable for implementing climate-smart agricultural measures, appropriate seeds, or fertilizers can enhance farmers' capacities and productivity, while subsidies for proper land and water management and use can promote sustainable practices. It is crucial that support is directed towards sustainable agricultural production and consumption, research, development, necessary infrastructure, and equipment.

Raising Awareness within the Local Community

Educating and informing the local population about the impact of climate change on agriculture, rural and economic development, and presenting opportunities that can positively affect the quality of life are prerequisites for adopting sustainable practices and strengthening the sector's resilience to disasters and risks. Local governments, through mutual cooperation, play a crucial role in sharing experiences and promoting sustainable solutions, contributing to capacity building at the local level and significantly improving agricultural production. Some ways to raise awareness about climate change at the local level include socially responsible campaigns, implementing practical measures in demonstration fields, education, and training that provide farmers with necessary knowledge and skills while encouraging citizens at the local level to act and promote more sustainable practices.

The combination of all these measures can create a favorable environment for more sustainable agriculture at the local level, economic development, new job opportunities, food quality, and a healthier, greener, and safer environment in Serbia.

Photos: 

FAO/Igor Salinger

FAO/Oliver Bunic

FAO/Viktor Sokolowicz