North Macedonia is intensifying its efforts to modernize its agricultural sector through digitalization, aiming to boost competitiveness and sustainability. A national consultation workshop, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy, brought together key stakeholders to chart a course for digital transformation.
The event, held in Skopje, focused on identifying challenges and opportunities within the agrifood sector and developing actionable policy recommendations. Participants included farmers, students, government officials, civil society representatives, academics, and private sector professionals.
Key Takeaways
- North Macedonia possesses a strong digital public infrastructure, including data interoperability platforms and digital identification systems, providing a solid foundation for agricultural digitalization.
- While progress has been made in aligning e-government systems with EU requirements, challenges persist in data collection, availability, and system interoperability.
- Despite widespread internet access and device ownership, farmers often lack the necessary digital skills, hindering the adoption of modern technologies.
- FAO is supporting a comprehensive assessment of the sector’s digitalization status to inform policy recommendations tailored to national development goals and EU integration.
Accelerating Digital Transformation
North Macedonia’s commitment to digitalizing its agriculture sector is driven by the recognition that modernization is crucial for economic growth and the well-being of rural communities. The country has established robust digital public infrastructure, which is seen as a critical asset for advancing the agrifood sector. However, the full potential of these digital tools remains untapped due to existing gaps.
Addressing the Gaps
Significant challenges need to be overcome to fully leverage digitalization. These include improving the collection and availability of agricultural data, enhancing the interoperability of existing digital systems, and updating platforms to meet the current needs of the agricultural sector. Furthermore, a key focus is on bridging the digital skills gap among farmers, who, despite having access to technology, often struggle with its effective use. This initiative aims to ensure that digital solutions are accessible and relevant to the farming community.
Collaborative Policy Development
The workshop served as a platform for collaborative policy development, with participants actively engaging in identifying solutions. The findings from a situational analysis conducted by FAO were presented, guiding discussions on how to overcome barriers to digital adoption. The ultimate goal is to formulate practical policy recommendations that will drive inclusive digital transformation, ultimately improving productivity, sustainability, and resilience within North Macedonia’s agrifood sector.
Sources
- North Macedonia steps up efforts to digitalize agriculture, Food and Agriculture Organization.
