Sarajevo, October 01, 2019 - A working document outlining the situation in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the fields of agriculture and food production, rural development and tourism, was discussed today at a workshop related to the creation of the Federation Development Strategy 2021 - 2027, organized by the team of the Federal Institute for Development Programming.
Sarajevo, October 01, 2019 - A working document outlining the situation in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the fields of agriculture and food production, rural development and tourism, was discussed today at a workshop related to the creation of the Federation Development Strategy 2021 - 2027, organized by the team of the Federal Institute for Development Programming.
The main problem of the Federation of BiH agricultural sector is lack of competitiveness on the domestic and foreign markets, which is caused by low productivity per unit of production. Low agricultural productivity is a consequence of small, parceled estates that make it more difficult to specialize, primarily in plant production, then poor technical and technological equipment of farms, ie production dependence on weather conditions, as well as insufficient knowledge of new modern assortments and production technologies. Progress in terms of improving productivity is significant, but this process is very slow.
Agriculture is main, but not the only, activity available to rural population. Forestry has a significant impact as well as the increasing role of tourism in this area. Mountain areas are ideal for winter sports, but also for summer activities as cycling, walking, rock climbing, paragliding, etc. There are traditional customs, crafts, as well as a variety of gastro offers. In addition to those, we have a rich cultural and historical heritage.
Tourism, as a branch of the economy, has become a significant link for the possible rapid development in recent years. According to 2017 data, the direct contribution of tourism to GDP was EUR 350.00 million (2.3% of total GDP), with a projected increase of 5.6% annually in the period 2017-2027. In 2016, tourism directly supported 22,000 jobs, and it is expected to employ 30,000 people, directly and indirectly, by 2027.
Engaged expert, Ivica Sivrić led a discussion during today's workshop that gathered key actors in the fields of agriculture and food production, rural development and tourism (the Government of the Federation of BiH, Federal and Cantonal Ministries and related institutions, the World Bank ...). Outcome of discussion is a matrix of identified problems, challenges and potentials.
After this one, as well as the other 12 workshops, analyzes of the situation in the key areas of socio-economic life of the Federation of BiH will be elaborated, along with proposed development solutions. Following is the organization of a block of workshops during which the vision of the Federation of BiH Development Strategy 2021-2027, strategic goals and framework priorities will be defined.