On 24 May 2018, CNVP Albania organised a field visit in Gjakovo on the farm of Halim and Shkurte Rrustemi. The visit was attended by representatives from Kukes Regional Federation, Malzi and Golaj forestry associations and local producer groups.

The Rrustemi family outlined its experience in planting, producing, storing, processing and selling high value non-timber forest products (NTFPs), including jams, and explained the assistance that had been given by donor agencies. (It should be noted that the Rrustemi family donated in 2015 seedlings of strawberries, aronia, blackberries, go berries, and raspberries to a in Golaj village, Hasi Municipality which planted 1,200 M2.)

Participants on the visit raised questions linked to soil conditions, proper varieties, fertilisers, irrigation, sanitary conditions, planting schemes, production capacities, and market demand/access/promotion.

Strengthening producer groups and farm families is an important aspect of CNVP’s work. This is done by introducing and replicating best practice models to potential beneficiaries so that they can increase their livelihood prospects.

The activity was organised through the Sida-funded project Forests for Local Economic Development being implemented by CNVP Albania.