News In Brief:
– IFAD and Montenegro join forces to allocate $10 million to combat climate change in northern mountainous regions.
– The project aims to empower local farmers, enhance ecosystem resilience, and curb rural depopulation through sustainable practices and community engagement.
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has teamed up with the government of Montenegro to launch a groundbreaking aid initiative. Signed to finance the Adaptation to Climate Change and Resilience in the Montenegrin Mountain Areas project (GORA), the agreement will support small-scale farmers and rural communities grappling with the impacts of climate change.
Montenegro’s unique geographical landscape, particularly its mountainous terrain, renders it highly vulnerable to climate change. Accelerated snowmelt, intensified droughts, and rising temperatures pose significant threats to mountain ecosystems, disrupting water flows and increasing the risk of natural disasters such as floods and landslides. Small-scale farmers in these regions bear the brunt of these challenges, facing limited resources and infrastructure.
The GORA project aims to enhance ecosystem resilience and livelihood sustainability in northern Montenegro by promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices. Through collaborative efforts and training initiatives on agroecological approaches, the project seeks to bolster income stability and diversify production systems. Local stakeholders will actively participate in identifying climate vulnerabilities and developing adaptation strategies, including investments in infrastructure and water management.
While IFAD’s $10 million investment may seem modest on a global scale, it holds immense significance for Montenegro. This funding will enable the outreach to small-scale producers in remote areas, empowering them to engage in sustainable practices. Minister Vladimir Jokovic of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management in Montenegro emphasised the pivotal role of this project in supporting rural communities and revitalising economically challenged regions.
GORA builds upon the achievements of IFAD’s previous initiatives in Montenegro, particularly the Rural Clustering and Transformation Project (RCTP). By drawing lessons from successful endeavors and tailoring strategies to local contexts, IFAD aims to maximise the project’s impact and ensure the sustainable development of Montenegro’s agricultural sector.
