On 15 May 2026, a National Training Workshop for agricultural extension and advisory services with over 40 participants was held in Bitola, North Macedonia. The event was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy of the Republic of North Macedonia, with the support of the Standing Working Group for Regional Rural Development (SWG RRD), within the framework of the regional project “Green Agenda for the Western Balkans – Support to the Western Balkan Countries in Climate Change Adaptation”, funded by the German Government through the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The training aimed to strengthen the technical and analytical capacities of agricultural extension and advisory services in supporting climate-resilient and economically sustainable agricultural practices. The workshop was based on the recently developed Training Manual for agricultural extension and advisory services – Adaptation to Climate Change in Agriculture.
Throughout the workshop, participants discussed key climate-related challenges affecting agriculture in the Western Balkans, including drought, soil degradation, water scarcity, and heat stress. Through interactive presentations, practical examples, and exchange of experiences, the training covered five main thematic modules: soil management, water management and irrigation, crop production, livestock production, and economic aspects of climate adaptation.
The workshop also emphasized the important role of advisory and professional services within the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS), particularly in supporting farmers with practical recommendations, risk management, and the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. The event concluded with discussions on future steps, field application of the presented approaches, and the need for continued capacity building in the area of climate adaptation in agriculture.
