On 29 October 2024, Duma.mk published an article highlighting the challenges facing North Macedonia’s agricultural sector and the critical role of digital transformation. The feature covered the SMARTLABOUR project and its workshop held on 3–4 July 2024 in Skopje, aiming to foster innovation, digital adoption, and workforce development in the Western Balkans.
Supported by the regional SMART Balkans initiative and funded by Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the workshop gathered key players, including government representatives, academic leaders, and NGOs like CREDI, RE-PEOPLE, IMPETUS, and WE EFFECT.
Challenges in Agriculture
Agriculture remains vital to North Macedonia’s economy, yet workforce shortages, ageing demographics, and low adoption of modern technology threaten its future. Employment in agriculture has dropped sharply from 121,000 in 2011 to 54,000 in 2023, and agriculture’s GDP contribution has fallen from 10% in 2010 to 7% in 2023. Low wages—20% below the national average—hinder the sector’s competitiveness and its ability to attract young talent.
Solutions Discussed
The workshop spotlighted the urgent need for digital skills and tools like sensors, robotics, and automated machinery to boost productivity and address workforce gaps. Serbian representatives shared their progress, noting agriculture as a key element of their Smart Specialisation Strategy, while North Macedonian stakeholders emphasised the importance of critical thinking, data management, and artificial intelligence integration.
Discussions also highlighted the need for soft skills such as leadership, communication, and foreign language proficiency, alongside project management and adaptability, to build a resilient workforce for the future.
Youth Engagement and Future Steps
One critical issue was the waning interest in agriculture among young people, who increasingly opt for gig economy jobs offering flexibility and short-term gains. To reverse this trend, participants called for a modernisation of agricultural practices, integrating cutting-edge technologies and making the sector more appealing to future generations.
As one participant remarked: “The future of work will be a dialogue with artificial intelligence.”
By equipping the sector with digital tools and fostering innovation, North Macedonia can build a sustainable agricultural future that attracts talent and strengthens its economy.
Read the full feature on Duma.mk!
