Skopje - Today, USAID launched its new Adaptation to Climate Change in Agriculture project which will promote adaptive agricultural practices and raise awareness of the forthcoming challenges of climate change and the need for joint, community level responses.  Adaptation to Climate Change in Agriculture will be implemented by the Rural Development Network (RDN).

“Real progress to safeguard our natural resources for future generations will ultimately depend upon positive action at the community level by farmers, rural dwellers, and other local groups that have a stake in preserving their source of livelihood,” said Joseph Lessard, USAID Macedonia Economic Growth Office Director.  “I commend RDN’s grassroots development approach that takes into account the needs and priorities of people at the local level.”

The project will focus on the Mediterranean zone, including the Vardar region with parts of Strumica and Gevgelija, as this is the Macedonian region most affected by climate change.   Adaptation to Climate Change in Agriculture will target family farms that market most of their output as well as semi-subsistence farmers. The project will test and monitor techniques to find out what works best under certain conditions so that lessons learned can be replicated in more communities throughout the targeted regions, thereby helping to minimize some of the expected adverse global warming impacts on crops.

NOTES TO EDITORS:   
The Rural Development Network of the Republic of Macedonia works to demonstrate a structured approach in mobilizing rural communities to become stronger agents of local development and improve rural policy at the local, regional, national and EU levels.  RDN works closely with about 1,500 rural leaders and interacts with an estimated 100,000 farm families in Macedonia through the 49 civil society organizations that are part of the Network, voicing their concerns at the national level.  For details, please visit: (www.ruralnet.mk).

The American people, through USAID, have invested over $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID is working with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce.  These initiatives improve the quality of life and support Macedonia’s transition to a stable and prosperous democracy. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit http://macedonia.usaid.gov.