A new UN initiative is bringing digital innovation to Albania's rural economy. The "Digital Agriculture and Rural Transformation" (DART) programme, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), aims to empower small farmers, workers and young people with the skills needed for a modern agricultural sector.
Agriculture accounts for nearly 20 per cent of Albania's GDP and employs over 40 per cent of the population. Yet 74 per cent of farmers are smallholders with limited access to information and technology. By introducing digital tools and building the skills to use them -from mobile apps with weather and pest alerts to online marketplaces-DART is enabling them to improve yields, increase incomes and directly access new markets.
What Is Digital Agriculture?
'Digital Agriculture' refers to the integration of digital technologies - such as mobile apps, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, satellite imagery, artificial intelligence, and blockchain - into farming systems. These tools enable farmers to make data-driven decisions, optimize resource use, and improve productivity and sustainability. For smallholder farmers, this can mean yield increases of 30-70 per cent and income boosts of 20-40 per cent.
In Albania, where agriculture remains a cornerstone of rural livelihoods, digital tools offer a lifeline. Real-time information on crop development and weather, animal and plant health, as well as suppliers and markets, these innovations are helping farmers overcome barriers such as limited market access, poor infrastructure, and climate-related risks.
Skills: The Cornerstone of Digital Transformation
Technology alone is not enough. The success of digital agriculture hinges on the skills of those who use it. That's why the ILO's contribution to DART focuses on equipping farmers, agricultural workers, and young people with the competencies needed to thrive in a digital economy.
Through a large-scale survey, the DART programme is assessing the digital readiness of farmers and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) providers, identifying skills gaps, and informing future policy and programme design. This evidence-based approach ensures that interventions are targeted, inclusive, and sustainable.
Over 400 farmers-half of them women-will be trained in digital agriculture practices in partnership with the Agricultural University of Tirana. Moreover, at least 40 public workers (half of them women) and 180 TVET students will benefit from measures to increase their digital capacities. These trainings cover the use of digital tools to monitor crop health, manage irrigation, and access market information, ultimately helping farmers increase the quality and competitiveness of their produce.
Equally important is the integration of digital agriculture into Albania's vocational education and training (TVET) system. Six TVET schools and three adult training centres are receiving support to modernize their curricula, train teachers, and acquire digital equipment. More than 180 students will be trained, preparing a new generation of "agri-tech" professionals who can bring innovation to rural areas and see agriculture as a viable, modern career path.
Building Systems for Sustainable Skills Development
At the macro level, DART is laying the groundwork for systemic change. The ILO is supporting the establishment of an Agricultural Sector Skills Council under the National Agency for Vocational Education, Training and Qualifications (NAVETQ). This council will play a critical role in aligning training programmes with labour market needs, updating occupational and qualification standards, and ensuring that skills development keeps pace with technological change.
Launched in 2024 and funded by the UN SDG Fund's Digital Transformation Window, DART is part of a global movement to leverage digitalization for sustainable development. Albania is one of 13 pioneering countries leading this transformation. With a total budget of USD 3.3 million, the programme aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Albania's national development priorities, including its EU accession ambitions.
DART is more than a development project-it is a catalyst for rural transformation. By combining digital innovation with inclusive skills development and institutional reform, the programme is helping Albania build a resilient, future-ready agricultural sector.
