As part of the SMARTLABOR project, we are pleased to share the National Report: Mapping and Analysis of Education and Training Capacities in the Agri-Food Sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The report provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of education and training in the country’s agri-food sector, including an analysis of secondary vocational schools, universities, adult education providers, informal training centres, and civil society initiatives. The study assessed how well existing programs are aligned with labour market demands and future skill needs, particularly considering ongoing digital and green transitions in agriculture.
The research methodology combined institutional mapping, curriculum review, case studies, and stakeholder consultations, with the aim of identifying system gaps, assessing institutional readiness, and providing evidence-based recommendations for improvement.
Key findings of the report highlight several critical issues:
- Many training programs are outdated and do not reflect current trends such as digitalization and smart agriculture.
- Practical, work-based learning remains limited, and adult participation in agricultural education is very low.
- There is no coherent system of quality assurance, and many donor-driven training initiatives lack long-term sustainability.
- Higher education institutions have great potential but are often disconnected from the needs of the private sector.
The report also offers a forward-looking set of recommendations, including the modernization of curricula, stronger collaboration between education providers and employers, capacity building for teachers and trainers, and the establishment of a national system for labour market forecasting.
The findings were presented during a national event held in March 2025, which gathered key stakeholders from academia, public institutions, civil society, and the private sector. The event provided a platform for dialogue on reform priorities and the modernization of agricultural education in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
📄 You can access the full report here:
👉 Download the National Report (PDF)
This activity was implemented as part of the SMARTLABOR project, coordinated by the Public Policy Research Centre (CENTER) from Serbia, with partners including CREDI from Bosnia and Herzegovina and IMPETUS from North Macedonia. The project is supported by the SMART Balkans – Civil Society for Shared Society in the Western Balkans initiative and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway.