Project Description

EPI CENTAR International is conducting a national field survey with agricultural producers as part of activities related to improved management, use and protection of groundwater resources in North Macedonia. The assignment is implemented in cooperation with the National Federation of Farmers, which supports field mobilisation and communication with agricultural producers across different regions of the country.

The project focuses on collecting field-based evidence on farmers’ access to water, existing irrigation practices, costs related to water use, challenges in agricultural production, and needs for improved water-related services. The survey also examines farmers’ awareness, expectations and willingness to contribute to services that can support more efficient and sustainable management of water resources.

Objectives and Project Focus

The assignment aims to provide reliable field data that can support better planning of water-related services and future support measures for agricultural producers. The work focuses on:

• Assessment of Access to Water: Collecting information on how farmers currently access water for agricultural production, including differences between regions, production systems and farm types.
• Review of Irrigation Practices: Analysing existing irrigation methods, frequency of use, efficiency, constraints and the practical challenges faced by farmers in managing water for production.
• Analysis of Costs and Service Needs: Gathering data on costs related to water use and identifying farmers’ needs for improved services, technical support and better water management solutions.
• Farmer Perspectives and Willingness to Pay: Exploring farmers’ views on potential future services, including their readiness to participate in or contribute to improved water management systems.
• Evidence for Future Planning: Providing structured data and analysis that can be used for preparing recommendations, designing educational activities and supporting future programme interventions.

EPI CENTAR International is responsible for the design and implementation of the field research process. The main activities include preparation of the survey methodology and work plan, development and finalisation of the questionnaire, organisation of field data collection, coordination with field teams, quality control of collected data, analysis of findings, and preparation of a field needs assessment report with key conclusions and recommendations.

Expected Results and Added Value

The project is expected to provide a clearer understanding of the practical water-related challenges faced by agricultural producers in North Macedonia. The findings will help identify regional differences in access to water, irrigation practices, costs, service needs and opportunities for more efficient use of water resources.

The assignment will also support the preparation of practical recommendations and educational content for farmers, with a focus on improved irrigation planning, water management and sustainable use of groundwater resources. Through this work, EPI CENTAR International contributes to evidence-based planning and to the development of more practical support measures for agricultural producers in the context of increasing pressure on water resources and the need for more resilient agricultural production.

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