The Digital Agriculture and Rural Transformation (DART) programme reached an important milestone on 29 July 2025, when government and UN partners met at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to review progress and agree on the next priorities.
The meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Anila Denaj, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Ms. Randi Davis, UNDP Resident Representative, reflecting a shared commitment to use digital innovation to modernize Albania’s agriculture sector and reduce rural–urban disparities.
“This programme is transforming how we think about agriculture and rural development. We are not only investing in technology, but in people—farmers, youth, and public servants—who will lead Albania’s digital transition in line with the vision of Agriculture 2030,” said Minister Denaj.
Implemented by FAO, ILO, and ITU in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the programme is supporting the development of a national Digital Agriculture Strategy, upgrades to the Albanian Farmers’ Portal, and efforts to strengthen digital skills across the agriculture sector in line with EU integration goals.
The Steering Committee reviewed progress on a nationwide farmer survey and policy analysis informing the Digital Agriculture Strategy, alongside plans to modernize the Farmers’ Portal based on user feedback, with features expected to include market information, advisory services, and e-learning modules. Discussions also highlighted the need to collaborate with vocational education and training providers to strengthen digital literacy and career pathways for young people in agriculture.
“The digital transformation of rural Albania requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society effort. Through this Joint Programme, we are aligning UN expertise with national ambition to ensure no farmer is left behind,” said Ms. Randi Davis.
Looking ahead, the programme will focus on operationalizing inter-institutional working groups, advancing the Farmers’ Portal through co-design and development, expanding training opportunities, and strengthening coordination with municipalities to bring digital tools and services closer to rural communities.
Original article: https://albania.un.org/en/298826-albania%E2%80%99s-digital-agriculture-and-rural-transformation-programme-reaches-key-milestones
Note:
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds, and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
