Supporting Albania’s Digital Agriculture and Rural Transformation: DART 1st Steering Committee Held in Tirana

The Steering Committee for the Digital Agriculture and Rural Transformation (DART) project gathered for its first meeting, marking a practical step forward for Albania’s rural communities. Co-chaired by UN Resident Coordinator Fiona McCluney and Dritan Palnikaj from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), the session launched the committee and laid out plans for the year ahead.

The meeting drew a wide range of participants, including representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), who reviewed and approved the 2025 Workplan, a roadmap for supporting farmers through digital tools and sustainable practices. Also present were representatives from the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy as members, alongside observers from the European Union, SASPAK Agency, and Agency of Innovation and Excellence (AIE). Together, they discussed progress on the National Digital Agriculture Strategy, focusing on keeping farmers at the center of the effort, and explored ways to improve the Farmers’ Portal, a digital platform designed to offer accessible, useful resources for farmers, youth, and rural institutions. 

RC Fiona McCluney emphasized the project’s broader purpose noting that this Joint Programme is about more than technology "it’s about supporting rural communities, meeting their needs, and making sure everyone is included in Albania’s digital changes.” - she said.

The event highlighted a shared commitment to improving rural life in Albania. It also set the stage for ongoing work, with the committee agreeing to form working groups to keep the project moving forward in a coordinated way, ensuring rural voices are heard as the plans take shape. The DART project itself aims to close the digital gap in rural areas by equipping farmers and young people with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. By blending digital solutions with practical needs—like better access and inclusion—the initiative hopes to strengthen Albania’s rural economy.

With the 2025 Workplan now in motion, the Steering Committee’s efforts offer a clear path toward supporting Albania’s rural communities, balancing modern technology with the realities of everyday farming life.

The “Digital Agriculture and Rural Transformation" (DART), is a three-year (2024—2027) programme financed by the Digital Transformation Window call of the Joint SDG Fund.