1,720,968 research outputs found
OPTIMIZING FARM MANAGEMENT THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF SMART AGRICULTURE AND THE IMPACT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
No full textPopulation growth, shrinking agricultural land areas, changing land use of agricultural lands, global warming, food shortages are the biggest challenges facing sustainable development worldwide. According to the growth trend, FAO reported that the world population would be reached 9.73 billion by 2050, and the increase will continue to reach 11.2 billion by 2100 Based on this challenge, the purpose of the study is to analyze the application and results of smart agriculture in addition to traditional production in different countries to recommend good practices. Analytical and comparative methods have been used, through research of the latest research activities, both in the form of research projects and scientific literature, whenever the results achieved so far, and the challenges still open, as technical as well as non-technical, and then look at existing and future solutions to overcome those barriers. Based on the findings Smart agriculture is based primarily on three platforms, namely science, innovation, and space technologies. Applied science on yield projections and probability maps for diseases and disasters based on a dense network of weather and climate data will optimally allow the cultivation of crops. Space technology can make agriculture more profitable for the farmer even in small parcels through improving soil quality, reducing the waste of water during irrigation, and sharing agricultural information with farmers. The technology will introduce innovations such as the use of drones in agriculture, precision processing in plants, utilizing efficiently all types of energy like smart wind and solar energy, artificial intelligence-based application of robotics. Smart agriculture is the future of the food production sector as well as novel processes to confirm the food safety of the world
Farmer Education and Impact in Agriculture Productivity in Kosovo
No full textThis study aims to investigate the effect of education in farm productivity in economic size. In the study, after a comprehensive literature review, an empirical study by means of a survey questionnaire has been conducted with 300 farmers in six different agricultural clusters in Dukagjini plane.The productivity of farms was analyzed by identifying factors influencing productivity. This was done based on the relationship established between farm productivity (dependent variable) and education ( independent variable). The educational level of sample respondents showed that 37.2 % are with primary school, 57.7% are with secondary school, while 5.13% are with higher education and 12.73% have the proffesional agriculture school.Tis result showed a signifcant mean difference .The results obtained from the survey show that level of educaion have positive effects on productivtiy of agriculture. These results suggest that the increase in investment in education will substantially improve agricultural productivity, which therefore will effectively contribute to reducing poverty in the country
Land fragmentation, agrobiodiversity and farm profits, Case in Kosovo
No full textThe purpose of this study is to study how land fragmentation affects crop biodiversity and farm productivity. This study is based on empirical analysis of farms in Kosovo, based on a preliminary analysis we see that land fragmentation is inversely proportional to farm productivity, while land fragmentation productivity declines and vice versa. In our case with the analysis of 200 populations carried out at farm level, it is seen that land fragmentation increases biodiversity, which means that on one hand it increases the possibility of producing a large number of crops and meeting the community need, while on the other hand it reduces the possibility of applying the composition and determination for the development of strategic products for economic development. The results show us that farm/crop biodiversity plays an important role in farm profitability. Policies that aim to increase land consolidation and reduce fragmentation may overlook the positive link between biodiversity and farm profitability. Policies that encourage land consolidation should, therefore, consider the crucial role that this has on other variables such as farm biodiversity
The important of international trade in managing food security risks during the pandemic time in Kosovo
No full textInternational food trade, in addition to being an economic activity, is also an activity deeply linked to food security, the well-being of the population and politics. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of international trade on food security during the COVID 19 pandemic in Kosovo. Although trade in agricultural products during this period has been shown to be more flexible than trade in other commodities due to the essential nature of food products, additional disruptions in the supply chain can start and undermine this sustainability. Interruptions in food supply chains pose a risk to global and local food security, especially in Kosovo given that according to (Ask, 2020), trade in goods in 2019 represents a trade deficit of 3.113.34 billion euros. Despite the concluded trade agreements (CEFTA, SAA, FTA with Turkey), Kosovo continues to face a large negative trade balance, with an annual trade deficit that reached the value of over 3.1 billion euros in 2019, reflecting a low level of competition in domestic, and foreign markets and with a lack of product variety. Trade plays a crucial role in global food security. This point has been made by several international economic organizations and groups since the outbreak of COVID-19
Practices and Preferences of Kosovo Citizens Regarding the Consumption of Safe Yogurt
No full textYogurt is a popular dairy product known worldwide, not only for its unique texture and flavor but also for its health benefits. The purpose of this study is to investigate the practices and preferences of Kosovo citizens regarding the consumption of safe yogurt. This study utilized a quantitative methodology with a cross-sectional design. A total of 516 Kosovo citizens aged 18-65 participated in the study, comprising 308 (59.7%) males and 208 (40.3%) females. Among the participants, 36% reported consuming yogurt daily, while 45.7% consumed yogurt 2-3 times a week. Furthermore, 43.8% of participants stated that they consume yogurt more during the spring/summer season. Regarding the reasons for purchasing yogurt in a particular market, the majority of participants agreed that safety, affordable pricing, the option to choose desired quantities in various packaging, country of origin, local origin, nutritional values, taste, clear labeling of production/expiration dates, ingredient declarations, and availability in local markets were important factors (p\u3c 0.05). Most consumers indicated that yogurt should not have a sour taste (61%), bitter taste (94%), burnt taste (96%), unpleasant aroma (93%), expired shelf life (94%), physical damage to packaging (85%), or swollen packaging (95%) (p\u3c 0.05). Notably, 50% of Kosovo consumers view supermarkets as the safest place to purchase yogurt. Based on the findings, we conclude that the Kosovo consumer frequently incorporates yogurt into their daily routine, has an accurate perception of yogurt safety, and prioritizes product safety as the primary reason for purchasing yogurt in the market
The Ukraine war and food insecurity in Kosovo
No full textFood inflation, Growth in population, reduction of land surfaces, global warming, natural and health disasters (COVID-19), and world crises have affected food security concerns. Inflation in the area of agricultural and food products as an important macroeconomic indicator was affected as a result of the pandemic, so inflation began to increase at the beginning of 2021, marking unfavorable rates during this year, and continues to increase rapidly during the year 2022 as a result of the war in Ukraine. This paper is focused on the study of the impact of war in Ukraina on inflation in the agriculture and food sector. The paper was based on a descriptive analysis of technical documents, papers, journals, and reports of main international organizations dealing with related issues and other important partners. During this two-year period, agriculture and food products experienced a very large increase in inflation in Kosovo, reaching higher figures compared to other countries. Populations in Kosovo spend more than half of their family budget on food, so the increase the food prices has directly affected their well-being, having a negative impact on the country and beyond. The annual inflation rate measured from July 2021 to July 2022 reached 14.2% for food and agricultural products. The last published data on inflation was significantly higher than expected. Global and local inflation rates continue to rise, faster than expected. Therefore, the peak of the increase in prices of agricultural and food products is visible. The prices of locally produced products are also continuing as a result of the increase in the prices of raw materials, agricultural inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, machinery, fuels, etc.), climate stress, export bans, et
Economic Importance and Potential of Food Industry Waste Valorization for Functional Product Development
No full textIn the era of sustainable development, valorization of food industry waste has gained particular importance as a strategy to reduce environmental pollution and promote a circular economy. This study investigates the potential of transforming industrial and organic food waste into functional products with added value. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was implemented, using a structured questionnaire distributed electronically via Google Forms to 322 respondents representing consumers and food industry stakeholders in Kosovo. Data were analyzed to assess awareness, attitudes, and acceptance toward products derived from food waste. Processing techniques including mechanical, chemical, and biological recycling were explored, alongside the role of innovation in design and technology to ensure functional and sustainable outcomes. The study focuses particularly on waste generated from fruits, vegetables, cereals, dairy, and meat products. Efficient utilization of these wastes offers potential for sustainable development, creating bioactive compounds such as dietary fibers, proteins, antioxidants, and nutraceuticals. Findings indicate significant opportunities for Kosovo, highlighting economic benefits, resource conservation, promotion of circular economy principles, and the provision of healthier consumer alternatives. The study emphasizes the importance of supportive policies, ethical research practices, and investment in technology to ensure quality, safety, and sustainability of products. These results contribute to advancing sustainable practices in the agri-food sector and promoting a greener regional economy
Phytotherapeutic Potential of Lawsonia inermis and Juglans regia in Dermatologic Care: Enhancing Patient Adherence and Outcomes through Community Pharmacy Practice
No full textEczema and superficial mycoses are common, chronic dermatologic conditions that affect quality of life. Conventional therapies may cause side effects and resistance. This prospective observational study evaluated a topical emulsion containing Lawsonia inermis and Juglans regia in a community pharmacy with pharmacist-led interventions. Seventy-three adults applied the emulsion for up to 21 days. Significant improvements in erythema, scaling, and pruritus were observed, particularly in cases of chronic eczema. No adverse events occurred. Pharmacist counseling improved adherence and reduced corticosteroid use. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of phytotherapeutics and emphasize the evolving role of community pharmacists. Further randomized trials are warranted
Impact of Covid-19 on cow\u27s milk producers in Kosovo- the case of Gjilan region
Get PDFThis paper aims to analyze the impact of Covid-19 on cow’s milk production in Gjilan region. It is a descriptive and quantitative survey. The random sampling technique was used to select the respondents of 71 dairy farms in three municipalities of Gjilan (Vitia, Kamenica, and Gjilan). Interviews include farms where 5-78 dairy cows are bred. Data on milk production, farm expenses, and returns for each farm were recorded during the period February- April 2020 and a comparison was performed with the same period for 2019. The farmers reported that restrictive measures undertaken as a result of Covid-19, did not have any negative impact on milk production, sales, expenses and returns, however, 26,8% of the farmers interviewed reported that milk production had decreased. Farmers should improve animal feeding in the second half of 2020 and at least achieve last year\u27s production
Determination of the Drinking Water Quality Based on Diatoms
No full textDiatoms are a major group of algae, specifically microalgae, found in the oceans, waterways and soils of the world. The purpose of this research has been the analysis of the composition of diatomaceous algae, and based on this the biological quality of water in eight periphyton samples, collected at different sampling points, starting from the open channel coming from the river Ibri to the interior of the biggest drinking water treatment plant in Shkabaj (Northern Kosovo). Based on the constituent structure of the periphyton, the nutrient diatom index (TDI) was calculated and the biological quality of the water was classified according to Rott et al. (1999). The number of species is seen to be variable in relation to the sampling points. TDI fluctuates from to 3.3, relatively high for the nutritional status of the waters. As a result, the quality of the eight sampling points varied from the eutrophic level (before entering the water channel, in the middle of the water channel, at the exit of the water channel, and inside the factory at the pre-treatment location) to oligotrophic level at the end of the treatment stage. This quality generally belongs to the waters that are polluted with many nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), it is thought that in such waters the values of total phosphorus range from 30-100 µg / l to over 650 µg / l. The obtained results indicate an adequate water treatment, and in terms of biological monitoring, the water we have analyzed does not pose a potential risk to human health
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