On 27 June 2018, CNVP Kosovo organised training by representatives of Agroprodukti for 27 young women from Istog area. The training raised their awareness regarding the importance of improving the conditions for collecting, drying, packaging and labelling of medicinal and aromatic herbs (MAHs).

The collection and cultivation of non-timber forest product (NTFP) varieties is beneficial for rural families who can secure employment (especially for rural youth) with which to generate additional household incomes. In the Istog area, women are self-employed 70:30 compared to men in MAH cultivation.

Many women and girls in the region, including marginalised groups, want to be involved in the MAH sector. They need ongoing support in market research, as well as collection, drying, packaging, marketing and labelling, in order to improve market price and diversify revenues. Training is also supporting producer groups to improve the MAH value chain, at the same time as enabling women farmers and entrepreneurs to prepare business plans.

The event was supported by CNVP Kosovo under the framework of the Sida-funded project Strengthening Sustainable Private and Decentralised Forests.