CREDI – Centre for Development Evaluation and Social Science Research is organizing an online presentation of the national report Mapping and Analysis of Education and Training Capacities in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Agri-Food Sector on March 27, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM CET. This event is part of the SMARTLABOR project, which focuses on aligning education and training systems with labour market needs in the Western Balkans, with a special emphasis on digitalization and future skills in the agri-food sector.
The SMART Balkans initiative aims to strengthen the socio-economic resilience of the Western Balkans through targeted interventions in key sectors, including education and employment. One of the critical challenges facing the region is the misalignment between education systems and labour market demands. While agriculture remains a vital economic sector, its workforce is often unprepared for modern technological advancements and sustainability requirements.
The SMARTLABOR project addresses these issues by conducting research, engaging stakeholders, and providing evidence-based recommendations to improve workforce readiness. As part of this initiative, the national report on Bosnia and Herzegovina presents an in-depth analysis of the country’s education and training landscape in the agri-food sector, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement.
Key Findings of the National Report
The report highlights several critical findings related to education and training capacities in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s agri-food sector:
- Skills Mismatch and Workforce Readiness
The current education and training systems in BiH do not sufficiently align with labour market needs. Formal education programs, particularly in secondary vocational education and higher education, often lack practical components and fail to equip students with the skills required for modern agriculture. Employers in the agri-food sector report difficulties in finding workers skilled in digital tools, precision farming, and sustainable agricultural practices.
- The Role of Non-Formal Education and Training Centres
While non-formal education providers play an important role in addressing skill gaps, their impact is limited by accessibility issues and outdated curricula. Training centres for adult education offer flexible learning opportunities, but there is a need for stronger integration with formal education systems and industry partners.
- Limited Integration of Digital Skills
The use of digital technologies in agriculture, such as smart farming, automation, and data-driven decision-making, is increasing globally. However, BiH’s education system has been slow to incorporate digital skills into its curricula. Most vocational schools and universities still focus on traditional agricultural techniques, leaving graduates unprepared for the digital transformation of the sector.
- Challenges in Knowledge Transfer and Innovation
Agricultural advisory services, research institutions, and universities have the potential to drive innovation in the agri-food sector, but collaboration between these stakeholders is weak. The lack of structured mechanisms for knowledge transfer means that new research findings and technological advancements are not effectively reaching farmers and industry professionals.
- Policy and Institutional Barriers
The absence of a national framework for skills forecasting and workforce planning makes it difficult to develop responsive education and training programs. Additionally, fragmented governance structures in BiH’s education system create challenges in implementing coordinated reforms.
These findings underscore the need for a strategic approach to workforce development in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s agri-food sector. Without targeted interventions, the country risks falling further behind in agricultural competitiveness and sustainability. The same challenges are present across the Western Balkans, where aging populations, labour shortages, and skills mismatches hinder economic growth.
By addressing these issues, BiH can strengthen its position within regional and EU markets. Investing in skills development, digitalization, and public-private partnerships will not only enhance the productivity of the agri-food sector but also create new employment opportunities, particularly for young people and rural communities.
The presentation is intended for policymakers, education and training providers, industry representatives, researchers, and development organizations working in the fields of agriculture, education, and labour market policy. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions on how to enhance workforce development and ensure the alignment of education systems with labour market needs.
The findings of this national report provide a roadmap for improving skills development in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s agri-food sector. By strengthening collaboration between education providers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers, BiH can build a more resilient and future-ready workforce. The upcoming online presentation will serve as a platform for discussing concrete steps toward achieving these goals.
For more information and to register for the event, please contact ikurtovic@credi.ba
The Zoom link for the event will be shared upon registration.