COUNTRY PASTURE/FORAGE RESOURCE PROFILE

Republic of Kosovo

by
Dr. Muhamet A. Kamberi

1. INTRODUCTION
Population
Land area, arable and pastoral areas
2. SOILS AND TOPOGRAPHY
Major soil types
3. CLIMATE AND AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES
Climate
Agro-ecological zones
4. RUMINANT LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
Dairy cattle
Sheep
Goats
Equidae
Export and import markets
Milk and milk products
Meat and meat products
Farming sectors
Traditional systems (pastoral and agro pastoral, mixed smallholder, landless systems)
5. THE PASTURE RESOURCE
Pastoral vegetation
Grazing lands
Arable land grazing
Fodder Supply and Grazing
Use of mineral and organic fertilizers
Legislation and government for livestock fodder and pastures
6. OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT OF FODDER RESOURCES
Development of pastures and meadows
Pasture survey
Infrastructure
8. REFERENCES
9. CONTACTS

1. INTRODUCTION

The Republic of Kosovo occupies a central part of the Balkan Peninsula with 700.7 km of land
boundaries and an area of 10 908 square kilometres. It borders Serbia to the north and east
(351.6 km), Macedonia to the south (158.7 km), Albania to the southwest (111.8km ) and
Montenegro to the northwest (78.6 km) (Source: Kosovo Cadastral Agency). [see map 1]
Kosovo lies between N 43016’; S 41053’; E 21016’; W 19059’,
and is a geographical basin,
at an altitude of about 500 metres, surrounded by mountains and divided by a central
north-south ridge in two sub-regions of roughly equal size and population. (Source:
SOK, Cartography).

Map 1. Geographical position of Kosovo

Source: World factbook

Population
The most recent census in Kosovo was in 1991. Estimates of the present population vary
from 1.8 to 2.4 million. Kosovo‘s total resident population was estimated at about two million
in mid 2000 by UNMIK‘s Department for Local Administration. In the “Living Standards
Measurement Survey (LSMS) 2000“, the population was estimated at 1.97 million. The
Labour Force Survey (LFS) 2001 and the IMF have estimated the population at about 1.9
million. Other estimates indicate a resident population in Kosovo of about 1.9 million.
According to the World Factbook the population estimate for July 2009 is 1 804 838. All
sources agree that Kosovo has a very high population density of approximately 175-220
inhabitants per km2.

According to LSMS (2000), 88% of the population were ethnic Kosovo Albanians. Ethnic
Serbs accounted for 7%, while other ethnic groups (e.g. Gorani, Roma and Egyptian)
together accounted for approximately 5%. The same relative distribution on ethnicity has
been found in other household surveys e.g. LFS (2002) and Household Budget Survey (HBS)
2002.

Table 1 shows the population of Kosovo, based on the census of 1971, 1981, 1991 and the
estimations of World Fact book.

Table 1. Kosovo’s population and ethnic structure

By ethnicity
Year Population
Albanians Serbs Others

1971 1 243 093 916 316 228 264 98 661

1981 1 584 196 1 226 736 209 798 147 906

1991 1 956 196 1 596 072 194 190 165 934

2008 Estimate 2 126 708 1 871 503 131 005 6 550

Figure 1. Ethnic structure of Kosovo population

At the end of the Second World War, Kosovo was a predominantly rural society with 80% of
the population in rural areas. In 1991, the population was still 63% rural. In 2000, the LSMS
estimated the rural population at over 60%. The population is young. About 33% is under 15
years old and more than half are under 25. About 6% is over 65. The active population (15 -
64 years) is 61% of the total. This is a huge potential labour force especially for agricultural
production, an issue to be seriously taken into consideration by all stakeholders.

In 2004 the rural population accounted for nearly 60% of the total of 1.9 million, having
decreased from 68% in 1981 to <65% in 1998. There was no significant change between the
urban and rural population until 1999, when, due to very hard living and working conditions
as a consequence of the war when their animals were either stolen or killed and homes
burnt, a significant part of the rural population moved to urban areas, seeking safer housing
and better living conditions. This migration has directly influenced agriculture especially in
areas where most land is under pastures. When compared to other countries, Kosovo’s share
of rural population to total population is still high e.g. Croatia (42%), Slovenia (43%), Bosnia
and Herzegovina (55%). Riinvest (2002): Survey on Household and Labour Market.

The Agricultural Family Survey of SOK (2006) gives 1 437 585 inhabitants living in
agricultural families. An agricultural family, or economy, is considered one which has at least
0.1 ha of arable land or has at least a dairy cow and a calf, or a dairy cow and a heifer; a
dairy cow and two sheep or grown goats; five sheep or goats; four sheep and pigs together;
three grown pigs; 50 grown fowl; 20 bee hives, more than 20 square metres of fish pond.
The age group is from 15-29 years (29.1%) while those over than 65 years represent only
6.5% of the population.

Kosovo is divided into five main regions (Prishtina, Gjilan, Peja, Prizren and Mitrovica),
and two sub regions (Ferizaj and Gjakova). Currently it is divided into 30 municipalities
(see Map 2) and about 1,500 villages.

Map 2. Kosovo Administrative Map

Click to view full map

Land area, arable and pastoral areas

According to the Kosovo Forest Agency 42% of Kosovo is covered by forest, 31% or
342 400 ha is agricultural land while 13.95% or 153 200 ha are under pastures and
meadows. There is one hectare of arable land per 6-7 inhabitants. Figure 2 shows
more detailed information on relative use of the land.
 Figure 2. Relative land use in Kosovo

Agriculture is the main economic activity and the sector which provides most employment in
post-war Kosovo. The agriculture and rural development plan 2007-2013 (2006) estimated
that 145,000 persons or 42% of the employed population were engaged in agriculture.
Agricultural production contributes approximately 25% of Kosovo’s GDP. After the conflict
most farmers returned, rebuilt their houses and began farming. Kosovo has a high agrarian
density, insufficient agricultural mechanization and an unbalanced cropping pattern. Based
on the 2004 Reinvest family survey, only 49% of families have a tractor, 8.5% borrow a
tractor, 23% rent a tractor and about 19% do not use tractors at all. There is a larger
shortage of associated equipment and motor cultivators. This is especially true in hilly areas
where about 33% of farmers possess some equipment, 7% borrow, 18% rent and 42% do
not use such equipment. Less than 50% of Kosovo’s agricultural land is arable and cereals
predominate with 33%. There are considerable areas under pasture which represent one of
the main potential resources for livestock production, especially in mountainous areas (see
Table 2). Data of the areas differs depending on the source and ranges from about 150 000-
180 000 ha. The areas of pastures by municipalities are given in Table 3.

The yields of feed produced on both cultivated and natural lands is still very low, due to
many factors including, soil quality, limited use of fertilizers, small area under irrigation, dry
conditions in many parts of the country.

Table 2. The structure of agricultural land

Area ha % of Agricultural land

Cereals 193 078 33.46

Industrial Plants 2 520 0.44

Vegetables 21 500 3.73

 Potatoes 7 500 1.30

Vineyards 4 891 0.85

Fruit 4 542 0.79

Pastures 166 769 28.90

Meadows 86 000 14.90

Forage plants 38 000 6.59

Wasteland 52 200 9.05

Source: Cadastral registry of Kosovo (data presented in Agricultural Statistics of Kosovo, 2007).

Table 3. Areas under pastures by municipality, ha

Municipality Private State Not Defined Total

Deçan 400 1400 5400 7200

Gjakovë 4200 2000 1800 8000

Glogoc 400 2800 3200

Gjilan 400 4400 4800

Dragash 600 3800 13200 17600

Istog 2400 2400

Kaçanik 3200 3200

Klinë 2400 2400

Fushë Kosovë 3000 3000

Kamenicë 2400 2400

Mitrovicë 8000 8000

Leposaviq 2000 800 5200 8000

Lipjan 1600 1600

Novo Bërdë 2800 2800

Obiliq 400 400

Rahovec 4000 4000

Pejë 4800 1400 7200 13400

Podujevë 6800 400 5200 12400

Prishtinë 3600 3600

Prizren 200 200 4600 5000

Skenderaj 200 2200 2400

Shtime 800 7400 8200

Shtërpcë 5400 5400

Suharekë 800 3000 3800

Ferizaj 600 4000 4600

Viti 1200 1200

Vushtrri 400 2800 3200

Zubin Potok 3800 3800

Zveçan 2800 2800

Malishevë 800 3600 4400

Total 22400 11000 119800 153200

Source: Kosovo Forest Agency (in Agricultural Statistics, 2007)
Table 4. Average areas planted and yields (2001-2003)

Average Total
Type of crop
Area, ha Yield , t/ha Total, t/year

Wheat 72 108.7 2.60 187 483

Maize Grain 72 047.7 3.37 242 560

Oats 12 943.7 1.10 14 238

Rye 886.7 2.20 1 951

Barley 3 549.7 2.40 8 519

Soya bean 190 1.00 190

Sunflower 1 600 1.10 1 760

Forage Legumes 38 000 3.17 120 333

Meadows 86 000 2.33 200 667

Pastures 180 000 1.33 240 000

Other 109 623

Source: Agricultural statistics (2007) Department for Plant Production & Protection Monitoring Unit,
of MAFRD

Areas planted to different crops and yields (2001-2003) are given in Table 4. According to
these data, potential fodder and feed production areas of Kosovo are:

 161 536 ha with cereals

 2 420 ha with oilseeds

 38 000 ha with legumes for hay

 266 000 ha with pastures and meadows

These areas are an important source for animal feed, and based on the number of livestock
and while the yields reported are low, a considerable supply of main feedstuffs is available
(see Table 5). Demand for concentrate feed ingredients (cereals) and especially oilseed by-
products (oilseed meals) still remains high, but the amount of roughages is very close to
meeting needs.
Table 5. Potential domestic production of animal feed in Kosovo

Concentrated feeds (tonnes) Roughages (tonnes)

242 560 maize 120 333 of Legume hay

50 7323 wheat bran* 200 667 of meadow hay

14 238 oats 240 000 from pastures

1 951 rye

8 519 barley

* It is common practice in Kosovo for farmers to give wheat to mills and after deduction of 18% grist
they receive about 50% flour and 33% wheat bran.

2. SOILS AND TOPOGRAPHY

Major soil types

According to a digital map of soil types (scale 1:50000) provided by the Institute of Soil
Sciences of the University of Prishtina (Elezi et al. 2004) and referring to the WRB-soil
classification (IUSS Working Group WRB, 2006), the most frequent soil types in the plains
are fluvisols. In the hilly areas vertisols, cambisols and regosols are widespread. In general,
the agricultural soils are significantly modified. Especially irrigation (mainly in the western
part of Kosovo) and soil alteration are crucial factors that have impacted on pedogenetic
processes over centuries.

Kosovo possesses diverse soils, even though its territory is small. This is a result of the
landscape structure, geographic base, flora, climate and hydrography. It is estimated that
15% of Kosovo‘s soil is of high quality, 29% is medium quality, and 56% is poor quality. The
high and medium quality soils account for 44% of total land. They are composed of humus
soil (11%) that is mostly distributed in the Kosovo plain, grey carbonate land (8.4%), alluvial
(7.8%) and other dark and serpentine soils. Poor quality soils are mostly laid on hilly and
mountainous areas. They are composed of acidic grey soils, diluvial lands, swamps and other
infertile soils. Fertile soil has been lost to house and road constructions, mine dumpsites and
other constructions and about 10-15 % of the agricultural land of Kosovo is fallow land
(Mehmeti et al., 2009).

However, in the recent past, the reasons for abandonment changed: the fallow land
nowadays includes land that either left the agricultural sector as construction land, or was
abandoned from cultivation due to poor soil quality (e.g., shallow calcareous soils) or high
prices of agricultural inputs (e.g. fertilizer, seed, and fuel).

The most widespread soil types and their distribution is presented according to Elezi et al. (in
press) and also see Map 3:

LITHOSOL-This type of soil is found in volcanic, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. It is

mainly distributed in hilly-mountainous areas such as the Albanian Alps, Sharri Ridge,
Karadak, Kopaonik Ridge, Bjeshkët and Karadakut in Pejë, Gjilan, Leposaviq, Prizren. This
type of soil occupies around 42 143 ha or 3.87% of total area.

COLLUVIUM-Processes of the pedogenesis of this type of soil are specific to hollows. In

Kosovo there are 69 830 ha or 6.42% of Colluvium and it lies in the municipalities of Prizren,
Hollows of Opoja-Dragash, Suhareka, Shterpca, and Istog.

RENDZINA- Lies in lower areas and according to the Pedologic map is more represented in
municipalities of Skënderaj where it takes 48% of areas of this type, then in Klina, istog, etc.
Total area under this soil type for Kosovo is 26 332 ha or 2.42%.

RANKERS- Rankers are soils of hilly-mountainous areas. Mostly found in: Dragash,
Leposaviq, Prizren, Mitrovicë, Gjakovë, Shterpcë, etc. and cover 121 822 ha or 11.24% of
the total area.

VERTISOL- this type of soil is formed in valleys (200–600 m elevation). Vertisols are
present in all forms of relief but mainly in flat lake terraces under semi-arid climate. This is a
very common soil in Kosovo and covers considerable areas (108 444 ha or about 10%) in the
municipalities of Lipjan, Rahovec, Vushtrri, Kamenicë, Gjilan, Drenas, Ferizaj, Prishtinë, etc.

CAMBISOL- based on their distribution, cambisols (Eutric and Distric) represent nearly half
(47%) of the total area of Kosovo. Eutric cambisol takes 173 710 ha or 16%, and is more
present in municipalities of Prishtina, Podujeva, Leposaviq, Gjilan, Zubin Potok, Kamenica,
etc. Distric cambisol takes 282 802 ha or 26% of the total area. It lies in all regions of the
country but is more present in Kamenicë, Gjilan, Podujevë, Kaçanik, Gjakovë, etc.

CALCOCAMBISOL- There are 32 631 ha or 3% of the total area under calcocambisols

mainly in the region of Peja, Istog, Gjilan, Zubin Potok, Deçan, etc.

TERRA ROSSA- Although terrarosa belongs to the Mediterranean zone, it is present in

continental karstic lands, or in places where carbonate rocks predominate. There are 27 845
ha or 2.56% of the areas under this type of the soil and the municipalities where it is found
are Malisheva (with about 26%), followed by Prizren, Klinë, Gllogovc, Gjakovë, etc.

FLUVISOL- This type of soil is present in flooded zones by rivers and takes 83 862 ha or
7.71% of the area. These are the well known regions of vegetable production (near the
White Drini river) in Peja, Gjakova, Klina to Prizren, but also near other rivers in the
municipalities of Deçan, Vushtrri, Podujevë, etc.

PSEUDOGLEY- is present in semi-humid and humid regions with more than 700 mm of
rainfall. This soil is present in Gjakova, Viti, Ferizaj, Podujevë, Prizren, Gllogovc, Istog, etc.
with totally 40 245 ha or 3.7%).

SEMIGLEY- this type of soil is usually associated with fluvisols and takes only 1.26% of
the area with most present in Rahovec, Lipjan, Gjilan, Viti, Gjakovë, Shtime, Ferizaj,
etc.

Map 3. Pedological map of Kosovo

(Elezi et al. 2004)
[Click to view full map]

3. CLIMATE AND AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES

Climate
Kosovo lies in the south of the northern hemisphere, under Mediterranean-continental and
European-continental climatic influences. The main macro climatic factors which influence its
climate are: positioning of land masses (Eurasia and Africa), aquatic masses (Atlantic Ocean
and Mediterranean Sea), aerial masses (tropical and arctic-maritime or continental) and
position of baric systems (maximum of Azores and minimum of Iceland). The main factors
influencing Kosovo’s climate are: relief, waters, terrain and the vegetation. (Source: Hydro-
Meteorological Institute of Kosovo).

Kosovo’s climate (see Table 6) is moderate continental with warm summers and cold winters.
In the plains and adjacent hilly areas, where there is a continental climate, air temperature
may range from minus 20 °C in the winter to +35 °C in the summer. In the Kosovo plain
about 170-200 days per year are frost-free and the mean annual rainfall is about 650 mm.
In the Dukagjini plain, the annual rainfall is higher (about 780 mm) and the frost-free period
is longer (up to 225 days), indicating a pronounced Mediterranean climate influence in the
western part of Kosovo. Overall the average annual rainfall is up to 700m but its distribution
is not very good.

In Eastern Kosovo and the lowlands of Kosovo, Llapi, Drenica and Ana-Morava it is a little
colder compared to Dukagjini (western part). Average annual temperature is 9.5°C, with
fluctuations from 19.2°C for July and -1.3°C (January).

River systems
Kosovo’s main rivers are Drini i Bardhë (122 km), Sitnica (90 km), Bistrica e Pejës (62 km),
Morava e Binqës (60 km), Lepenci (53 km), Ereniku (51 km), Ibri (42 km) and Bistrica e
Prizrenit (31 km). There are 5 lakes larger than 2.5 square km. One characteristic of the
hydrography is that rivers flow from Kosovo to the Adriatic Sea, the Black Sea and the
Aegean Sea.

Table 6. Main meteorological indicators for Kosovo

Parameter 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Average

T max °C 14.7 16.5 16 15.6 16.4 15.8

T min °C 5.2 6.1 5.6 5.6 5.2 5.5

T Avg °C 10.6 11.2 11 11.1 11 11.0

Humidity, % 86 72 73.7 72.7 73.7 75.6

Wind m/sec 1.7 1.7 1.4 1.3 1.4 1.5

Precipitation, mm 722.7 667.5 762.6 739.1 689.9 716.4

Source: Hydro-meteorological Institute

Precipitation is mainly as rain in valleys and snow in higher, mountainous regions (Bjeshkët e
Nemuna and Sharri). In Eastern Kosovo average precipitation is over 600 mm, while in the
west it exceeds 700 mm. In the Bjeshkët e Nemuna mountains there are cases of 1 750 mm
precipitation. Snowfall is common during the colder period of the year. In the lowlands there
is an average of 26 days with snow, while in mountain areas there are more than 100 days.

Total precipitation looks almost satisfactory, but due to very big fluctuations between
months, agricultural production in regions with no irrigation often faces droughts or floods.
See Figure 3 which shows the five year (2002-2006) average, minimum and maximum
values of precipitation.

Average wind speed fluctuates between 1.3 m/sec (in Peja) to 2.4 m/sec (in Ferizaj).
Maximum wind speed reaches 31 m/sec usually during March and April. Kosovo has
insolation levels of 2 066 hours during the year and 5.7 hours per day.
 Figure 3. Precipitation variability in Kosovo (2002-2006)

Agro-ecological zones
Kosovo is divided into three zones which developed in the Oligo-Miocene ( Gashi & Spaho,
2002):Two plains, the Dukagjini plain in the west and the Kosovo plain in the east with
adjacent hilly areas divided by rivers mainly originating in surrounding mountain areas.
Altitude ranges from 265 m to 2 656 m above sea level, with about 80 % of the area below
1 000 m. In most of Kosovo’s plains and adjacent hilly areas, climate and soils are suitable
for agriculture.

4. RUMINANT LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

The livestock sector faced the same difficulties as other agricultural enterprises and because
of the conflict, it was estimated that over 50% of livestock was lost. This was associated with
damage to livestock infrastructure which has not yet returned to a desirable level. This
situation led to shortages of animals and animal products, which had to be imported.
Farmers were faced with problems in recovering these losses. Some donors played a
valuable role helping in livestock repopulation and breed improvement. At least 10 000
pregnant heifers of good breeds were imported and distributed to farmers. Livestock
numbers by municipality are shown in Table 7.

Table 7. Situation of livestock in Kosovo by municipality

Municipality. Dairy Heifers Calves Cattle Total Sheep Goats Horses Swine

Deçan 5 421 1 721 1 920 9 062 2 500 180 350 57

Gjakova 13 340 2 410 2 520 18 270 2 900 190 480 5 200

Gllogovc 4 700 1 470 4 060 10 230 2 865 1 440 60 1

Gjilan 5 500 2 000 2 000 9 500 1 200 1 500 - 7 241

Dragash 7 200 800 400 8 400 25 200 30 500 -

Istog 8 500 4 500 3 000 16 000 210 40 - 444

Kaçanik 3 760 - 2 578 6 338 1 761 234 499 -

Klina 8 500 - - 8 500 1 440 613 - -

F.Kosovo 500 150 300 950 110 - - 1 564

Kamenica 6 000 2 000 2 000 10 000 6 000 1 000 5 029

Mitrovica 1 380 0 0 1 380 4 609 200 404

Leposaviq 4 000 2 000 500 6 500 5 000 600 5 472

Lipjan 6 227 5 870 1 512 13 609 1 500 7 149

N. Bërdë 700 120 480 1 300 490 470 691

Obiliqi 2 500 230 200 2 930 350 85 45 1 360

Rahovec 5 947 2 700 2 000 10 647 4 250 873 600 177

Peja 11 550 3 700 2 500 17 750 4 300 - - 1 263

Podujeva 6 500 1 146 3 200 10 846 4 050 250 60 -

Prishtina 3 000 2 332 - 5 332 3 900 30 - 4 896

Prizren 8 000 500 450 8 950 21 200 1 100 1100 839

Skenderaj 10 285 2 100 5 200 17 585 1 650 470 - 269

Shtime 1 418 238 359 2 015 600 150 60 -

Shtërrpc 1 923 385 625 2 933 5 500 700 - 1 513

Suhareka 4214 613 1 479 6 306 1 403 380 300 82

 Ferizaj 12 500 - - 12 500 3 500 230 280 -

Viti 5 681 2 500 3 509 11 690 100 - 382 3 006

Vushtrri 7 530 1 270 2 150 10 950 2 130 382 - 5 074

Z. Potok 2 000 700 1 500 4 200 4 500 500 500 2 362

Zveçan 1 214 482 211 1 907 485 84 - 1 304

Malisheva 6 688 1528 1 700 9 916 6 395 1 393 456 13

Total 166 678 4 3465 46 353 256 496 120 098 13 124 5672 40 903

Source: Identification and Registration office of MAFRD, Veterinary Food Agency

As reported by SOK, AHS Survey (2006), animal numbers (see Table 8) differ from those
given by MAFRD, Identification and Registration Office of VFA (2003). The relative structure
of animals in Kosovo is shown in Figure 4.

Table 8. Number of Animals October-November, 2006 (SOK AHS, 2006)

NUMBER OF ANIMALS

In small Big and

Type of Animal Total
farms Specialized farms

CATTLE 379 029 2 966 381 995

Calves younger than 6 month 81 512 667 82 179

Calves and Heifers 6-12 month 61 886 421 62 307

Calves and heifers1-2 years 21 506 236 21 742

Bulls and heifers, more than 2 years 7 424 129 7 553

Dairy cows 203 892 1 490 205 382

Oxen 2 548 11 2 559

Buffaloes 261 12 273

SWINE 68 096 127 68 223

Piglets, up to 6 months 41 760 90 41 850

Breeding Sows 18 051 27 18 078

Breeding herds 8 285 10 8 295

SHEEP AND GOATS 95 887 17 056 112 943

Lambs 15 364 2 973 18 337

Breeding Ewes 62 807 12 065 74 872

Breeding Rams 6 398 1 207 7 605

Goats 11 318 811 12 129

HORSES AND DONKEYS 7 260 88 7 348

Horses 6 585 78 6 663

Donkeys 675 10 685

POULTRY 2 224 386 300 147 2 524 533

Chicken 2 037 233 299 853 2337086

Other Fowl 187 153 294 187 447

Bee Hives 72 007 162 72 169

 Figure 4. Relative structure of animals in Kosovo

Dairy cattle
Dairy cows comprise the biggest livestock population. Of 250 000 cattle, about
140 000-170 000 are cows. The various breeds are shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5. Relative structure of cow breeds in Kosovo

Sheep
Kosovo has a very good tradition of sheep production; their numbers were increasing
until the end of the 80s and beginning of the 90s. Sheep production is one of the
sectors within Kosovo agriculture that suffered the most severe decline in the post-war
period. By November 2001, sheep populations were at 56% of their pre-war levels.

Figure 6. Changes of the sheep number in Kosovo

The number of sheep reached its peak of 644 000 in 1961 (see Figure 6). It decreased
rapidly at the beginning of the 1990s and especially after 1996 and according to data
collected from field officers of the Department of Livestock this number is under 100 000,
which is the lowest in the last 70 years. The sheep population by region is shown in Table 9.

Table 9. Current situation of sheep population in the regions of Kosovo

Sheep/ha

REGION I&R* Livestock dpt. Pastures, ha I&R* Livestock dpt.

 Prizren 58448 55387 51289 1.14 1.08

Ferizaj 11361 5031 4062 2.80 1.24

Prishtinë 12775 17354 14596 0.88 1.19

Gjakovë 5400 10912 12154 0.44 0.90

Gjilan 7790 7460 5313 1.47 1.40

Pejë 5950 8610 11448 0.52 0.75

Mitrovicë 18374 13555 11509 1.60 1.18

120098 118309 110371 1.26 1.11

*I&R = Identification and Registration

If we take the dry matter needs of a sheep as 2.5 kg/day, even with an average yield of 1.5
tons per hectare, current pasture production allows for an increased number of sheep. Photo
1 shows sheep grazing at around 1,500m altitude.

The use of the available pastures is limited and could be more efficient because as is shown
in the figure and table above there is still room for more sheep. The main negative factors
for the sheep industry which have caused a decrease in the number of sheep are: lack of
interest of people to deal with this business, low profitability. Problems in sale of products
are:

 poor herd management skills,

 lost market

 very poor/no linkages in the relation of farm-market/consumer,

 variable/inconsistent product quality,

 packaging, and

 a not clearly defined political and economic environment

 Photo 1. Mixed flock of
sheep grazing at about
1500m altitude
[Click to view full picture]

In poor management of sheep production, poor/not controlled reproduction, poor/not

balanced nutrition, low yield of pastures/unmanaged grazing represent the main factors
causing low production, while lack of associations/companies which will organize/help the
system of sale, no marketing, bad or no packaging, not clear political and economical
situation of Kosovo, causes problems in commercialising of products such as milk, cheese,
wool and skins.

Because breeding is one of the most important segments in animal production we should
take into consideration some key factors which can help to improve reproductive efficiency
and animal production results in general:

 Good rams-high fertility and body condition of rams

 Selection of sheep and rams with proven production abilities only -introduction of
genetics

 Replacement of flock-selection of the females for growth,

 Proper nutrition and body conditioning - prevention of underfeeding/overfeeding and

misbalanced feeding

 Specified breeding programme

 Culling of unproductive animals

There is a general opinion that low reproduction rate is mainly due to a large number of
abortions caused by:

 Poor nutrition
 Poor condition of ewes

 Consumption of frozen grass and too much salt

 Contagious micro-organisms

In terms of identifying correct answers it is necessary to do more field and diagnostic work to
determine the main causative agents in a way to develop a good preventive program which
will be introduced to farmers.

Breed structure of sheep

Unfortunately there is still a lack of accurate published data on the breed structure of
the sheep in Kosovo. Earlier estimations of the Department of Livestock production of
MAFRD were that Crosses of Sharri Sheep with Wurttemberg make at least 50% of the
population, followed by Bardhoka with 30%, Kosovo Sheep with 15%, Balusha with 3%
and 2 % of other undefined strains (see Photos 2. and 3.). According to the Kosovo
Centre for Livestock Breeding (EU founded project) the breed structure of the sheep in
Kosovo is as shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7. The structure of Sheep breeds in Kosovo

Photo 2. Local Sheep breeds of Kosovo.

Bardhoka (left) and Sharri sheep (right)
[Click to view full photos]

Photo 3. Other local sheep, Kosovo (left) and

Balusha Sheep (Right)
[Click to view full photos]

Goats
Goat production does not play any important role in Kosovo. As given in Table 8 goats make
up only 3% of the livestock population. Due to increased demand for goat milk and kid-meat,
especially during the last decade, there are some more serious efforts from enthusiastic
farmers in increasing the numbers of these animals.

Equidae
As with goats the situation is even worse with equines. Horses represent just one percent of
the livestock population and their number is falling rapidly. This is mainly because of
mechanization and the increasing use of tractors in lowland areas. Horses and donkeys were
traditionally used for agricultural and other purposes especially in hilly-mountainous regions
where tractors and other mechanization could not work. Because of the high rate of
migration of the population to urban areas and a disinterest in farming in such places the
need for these animals is becoming less and less.

Export and import markets

The Kosovo economy is mainly import oriented. According to the Statistical Office of Kosovo,
imports take more than a billion €. Food imports varied from about 34% in 2003 to 24% in
2005. From the total imports of food: prepared foodstuffs, beverages and tobacco comprise
57% followed by vegetable products with 20%, live animals 19% and animal and vegetable
fats 4%.

Milk and milk products

Consumption of milk products in Kosovo is estimated at 170 kilogrammes/person/year, and
76% of this is supplied from domestic farms. Based on data from the Border Services
processed and published by the Statistical office of MAFRD, there is a high Import: Export
disproportion in milk and milk products during 2006. It is reported that an import volume of
almost 60 million kilograms of this product and 24 million € were paid. Export values are
very low and counts less than a million kilograms and return of 80 000 €.

Meat and meat products

This Import: Export disproportion is also reported in relation to meat and meat products. An
import of more than 2 million € of live animals (cattle, pigs and poultry) and 21 million € for
meat and meat products was reported compared with export of just 215 807€ and 35 000 €
for live animals and meat and meat products respectively.

Farming sectors
The Kosovo farming sector changed rapidly after 1999, by changing ownership of land and
other agricultural infrastructure. Most land is privatised or is in process. One problem is farm
size. Minimum farm size to be considered has changed from 0.1 ha in 2004 in 0.5ha in 2005.
Based on the 2006 Agricultural Household Survey, the Statistical Office of Kosovo, made this
grouping of farms (Table 10).

Table 10. Agricultural land based on the size and the structure of the farm

Farm size Small Big specialized farms TOTAL

Nr of farms % Nr of farms % Nr of farms %

0-0.5 ha 26 074 13.55 9 3.37 26 083 13.54

0.51-1 ha 48 757 25.34 10 3.75 48 767 25.34

 1.01-1.5 ha 59 307 30.82 9 3.37 59 316 30.82

1.51-2 ha 15 877 8.25 9 3.37 15 886 8.26

2.01-3 ha 25 276 13.13 17 6.37 25 293 13.14

3.01-4 ha 6 444 3.35 31 11.61 6 475 3.36

4.01-5 ha 3 738 1.94 20 7.49 3 758 1.95

5.01-6 ha 2 346 1.22 18 6.74 2 364 1.23

6.01-8 ha 2 079 1.08 34 12.73 2 113 1.10

8.01-10 ha 1 002 0.52 20 7.49 1022 0.53

over 10 ha 1 535 0.80 90 33.71 1625 0.84

TOTAL 192 435 100 267 100 192 702 100

Source: SOK, Agricultural Household Survey, 2006

Most of the land is in farms of 0.1 - 2 ha. This certainly affects development of agriculture.

Traditional systems (pastoral and agro- pastoral, mixed smallholder, landless

systems)
Ruminant production systems in Kosovo are traditional and characterized by small
farms and a low intensity of use of resources. Property status of pastures is still not
defined and farmers use them by uncontrolled free grazing (see Photo 4.). The grazing
systems used depend on the situation and the region. Farmers from lowland zones use
meadows and fallows usually till the end of April or beginning of May, depending on
weather conditions. Thereafter they move their stock to higher regions and stay there
till autumn (end of September-October). Summer months are problematic when rainfall
is low and feed gaps are possible. Usually there is quite good vegetation during
September, October and November. This justifies the tendency of increased number of
farms and the number of animals per farm in lowland zones. These farmers are in a
better position than those in hilly areas, since they can use mountain pastures almost
for free during summer and are close to their farms in summer and autumn. They can
graze when possible and give additional feed in bad weather with no need to move
animals far from their farms.
 Photo 4. Traditional pastoral
grazing of Sharri sheep.
[Click to view full photo]

An important issue is scarcity of labour which is the case with all types of jobs related to
livestock production and is more pronounced with shepherds, notably in more remote areas.
Young people are not willing to do this type of job, even when living close to poverty, mainly
because of difficulties in marriages.

5. THE PASTURE RESOURCE

Pastoral vegetation

Existing studies on Kosovo’s pastures mainly cover botanical rather than zootechnical and
nutritional aspects.

Miric (1975), reports the presence of these plant associations in pastures of the Northern
part of Sharri Mountain:

a) Calcareous substratum
Carex laevis- Helianthemum linieri; Carex laevis-Helianthemum vineale; Sub-association of
Carex laevis-Helianthemum alpestre Seslerietosum teniufolise; Carex laevis-carex
sempervirens; Festuca adamovicii-Helianthemum grandiflorum; Helianthemum grandiflorum-
Festuca duriuscula.
b) Silicate substratum
Agrsostidetum capillaris; Calamgrostis arundinacea-Luzula erythranthema; Sesleria
korabensis;-Juncus frisicus; Nardus stricta-Festuca fallax; Nardus stricta-Festuca halleri.

According to the Departments for Plant Protection, Plant Production and the Sector for
Pastures and Animal Nutrition of the MAFRD (2005), the commonest species in Kosovo
pastures are: Trifolium montanum, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Medicago falcata,
Lotus corniculatus, Agropyrum repens, Holcus lanatus, Festuca rubra, Poa alpina, Cynodon
dactylon, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Agrostis alba, Dactylis glomerata, Taraxacum officinale,
Papaver rhoeas, Convolvulus arvensis, Polygonum convolvulus, Plantago major, Amaranthus
retroflexus, Daucus carota, Matricaria chamomilla, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Cirsium arvense,
and Sonchus arvensis.
 Photo 5. Sharri Mountain pasture of
Kosovo, (Brezovica).
[Click to view full photo]

Based on the study carried out by the Institute for Protection of Nature and Environment of
Kosovo (2003), the commonest herbaceous plants that dominate pastures of the Albanian
Alps are: Festuca heterophylla, Dactylis glomerata, Veronica chamaedrys, Fragaria vesca,
Clinopodium vulgare, Helleborus odorus, Melica uniflora, Danna cornubiensis. Less frequent
are Viola silvestris, Primula vulgaris, Lathyrus niger, Lathyrus venetus, Aremonia
agrimonoidesi, and Trifolium montanum subsp. rupestre.

The following plants are also found: Verbascum nikolaii, Wulfenia blecicii, Helleborus
purpurascens, Luzula luzulina, Anemone nemorosa, Festuca heterophylla, and Saxifraga
rotundifolia.

Near the higher limit of woodland, species like Senecio alpinum, Rhamnus fallax, Soldanella
alpina, Lonicera nigra, Hieracium alpinum, Lilium albanicum, Geum bulgaricum, Asperula
odorata, Luzula nemorosa, Anthemis montana, and Dryas octopetala occur.

Above the higher limit of woodland border there are primary and secondary pastures but
their vegetation is excessively damaged by zoo-anthropogenic factors. In most of these
areas the dominating species is Nardus stricta, but there are also species like Centaurea
nervosa, Polygonum bistorta, Dianthus superbus, Gentiana graminea, and Hypericum
quadrangulum.

According to Avdiu (2005), the pasroral flora of eastern Kosovo (Kamenica and Novo Bërda
region) contains 71 species: Achillea millefolium, Antoxanthum odoratum, Aegilops
triuncialis, Astragalus onobrychis, Ajuga laxmannii, Arrhenaterum elatius, Anthyllis
vulneraria, Alopecurus myosuroides, Allium flavum, Asperula cynanchica, Agropyron repens,
Bromus erectus, Convulvulus arvensis, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Cerinthe minor, Cruciata
glabra, Cirsium sp., Chrysopogon gryllus, Dactylis gomerata, Dorycnium herbaceum,
Euphorbia cyparissias, Erodium cicutarium, Galium verum, Genista sagittalis, Koeleria
pyramidata, Lotus corniculatus, Haynaldia villosa, Hypochoris radiata, Hypericum
perforatum, Hieracium pilosum, Onobrychis viciifolia, Potentilla hirta, Poa pratensis, Poa
trivialis, Poa bulbosa, Podosperma laciata, Polygala vulgaris, Phleum pratense, Plantago
lanceolata, Rumex acetosella, Rinanthus minor, Rinanthus major, Ranunculus psilostachus,
Medicago rigidula, Medicago falcata, Marrubium vulgare, Festuca ovina, Festuca arundinacea,
Fragaria vesca, Trifolium dalmaticum, Trifolium incarnatum, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium
campestre, Trisetum flavescens, Tragopogon pratense, Thymus serpyllum, Teucrium
chamaedrys, Salvia verticillata, Silene conica, Sanguisorba minor, Succisa pratensis, Vicia
cracca, Veronica sp., Viola tricolor, Helleborus purpurascens, Faba sp., Lathyrus aphaca,
Daucus carota,and Cichorium sp.

There is high species variation reported although these two municipalities cover eastern
Kosovo with no big variation in climate and agro-pedological characteristics. Figures 8 and 9
show the most frequent species in this region.

Millaku (2006), has compared some lowland pasture fields in five localities (which represents
five Kosovo regions and are spread in altitude from 400-1 000m above sea level) and
reported the presence of these plants: Achillea millefolium, Agropyrum repens, Agrostemma
githago, Alyssum markgrafi, Alyssum montanum, Anthemis arvensis, Bromus sterilis,
Capsella bursa pastoris, Centaurea arvense, Centaurea cyanus, Cerastium umbellatum,
Cirsium arvense, Dactylis glomerata, Echium vulgare, Festua pratensis, Festuca sp., Galium
aparine, Hieracium stoloniferum, Hypericum perforatum, Lathyrus aphaca, Lolium perenne.
Lotus corniculatus, Matricaria sp., Medicago lupulina, Melampyrum arvense, Mentha
longifolia, Phleum pratense, Poa pratensis, Potentilla argentea, Ranunculus sp., Silene
vulgaris, Stachys scardica, Silene vulgaris, Tanacetum vulgare, Trifolium campestre,
Trifolium incarnatum, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, and Veronica chamaedrys.

Figure 8. The most frequent plant species (in percent) in

Kamenica pastures (Northern Kosovo).
 Figure 9. The most frequent plant species (in percent) in
Novo Bërda pastures (Northern Kosovo).

This author has grouped the identified plants in three categories. As shown in Table 11 and
Figure 10, the average structure of the plants from five locations spread in different regions
of Kosovo, illustrates the presence of a higher number of inedible plants in three of five
experimental plots. Apart from the poor composition structure of plant communities, the
author reports low yields, ranging from 5-13 tonnes of consumable herbage per hectare.

As well as high plant species variations, there are also yield variations reported in the
pastures of Kosovo. These yields vary from 310-940 and 870-2 080 kg/ha (Avdiu,
2005) and 510-1300 kg/ha (Millaku, 2006). Miric (1975) reports the yields from 329-
5 225 and 2 064-6 275 kg/ha of consumable herbage for calcareous and silicate
substratum respectively.

Photo 6. Cows grazing at about 700

m altitude
[Click to view full photo]

Table 11. Number of plant species found in five regions of Kosovo (Millaku, 2006)

Total Inedible Edible Worthless plants

I 27 15 7 5

II 38 20 11 7

III 27 15 7 5

IV 33 10 20 3
 V 26 7 15 4

Average 30.2 13.4 12.0 4.8

Figure 10. Plant structure of pastures (Millaku, 2006)

Grazing lands
Kosovo’s pastures are a valuable resource and provide a good feed base for livestock
development, especially for small ruminants. Pastures present a significant base for animal
feed and the preservation of balance in the ecosystem. The importance of the use of
pastures should not be seen just from the aspect of offering basic feed for animals, especially
during the summer season and producing hay as a bulk animal feed. The use of pastures as
generally recommended should be focused on sheep, but with the proper planning this
resource can be used by other animals. In hilly-mountainous areas where mechanization is
not always possible, pastures and grazing systems would replace cropping.

Another important aspect of the use of pastures is promotion of ecological/organic livestock

production in areas suited to natural grazing. Animal products from these areas are gaining
in importance in Kosovo markets, but could become more profitable by introducing them to
foreign markets.

Prior to 1990, pastures were better utilized and organized (see Table 12); management and
monitoring was undertaken by municipalities through the Socially Owned Enterprises (SOEs)
and agriculture cooperatives. Then, the management of pastures in Dragash Municipality, (a
region rich in pastures), was carried out by SOE “Sharrprodhimi”. Regarding pasture
utilization, farmers were obliged to pay annual taxes. Pasture area and sheep numbers fell
between 1988 and 2004.

Alpine meadow vegetation has been modified through centuries of use for summer grazing
and adjacent sub-alpine vegetation has been repeatedly burned to expand the size of the
pastures. Since the war, grazing of alpine pastures has actually decreased because people
fear being in these remote border areas and the number of livestock is less than in the pre-
war period. Some meadows are reportedly being naturally recolonised with trees since
grazing has stopped. (Kosovo Biodiversity Assessment, USAID Kosovo, 2003)

Table 12. Pasture area, number of sheep per hectare and sheep numbers over time

% decrease, 1988-
1955 1980 1988 2004
2004

Pasture area (‘000

193 189 175 153
ha.)

Sheep/ha. of
3.2 1.7 2.4 0.6 75
pasture

Sheep (‘000) 618 321 420 92 78

Arable land grazing

Fodder Supply and Grazing

Most arable areas are in lowland zones in the north and east of the country. SOK gives these
figures for categories of the main agricultural crops (Figure 11):

Figure 11. Structure of the use of agricultural land

Table 13. Areas and fodder production in lowlands

Hectares Production, t Yield, t/ha

Forage and green cereals 96 766.1

 Meadow hay 66 381.1 184.7 2.8

Grass 7 899.5 30.6 3.9

Alfalfa 14 617.5 61 554.9 4.2

Clover 2 261.3 7 471.5 3.3

Vetch+Oats 329.6 1 461.2 4.4

Wheat (green) 674.8 3 320.0 4.9

Barley (green) 79.7 109.9 1.4

Oat (green) 3 595.2 13 338.6 3.6

Maize (green/silage) 788.0 11 388.6 14.4

Some 300 000 tons of fodder is produced from lowland farms, which could replace an
important part of the ration for barn feeding of big ruminants. The most common form of the
feed is still hay produced either from grasses (in natural and sown meadows) or Lucerne
(alfalfa). Silage production is increasing which reduces production costs of animal products.
Silage production also brings more security for farmers for winter feeding but the yields are
still variable and dependent on rainfall. In regions where irrigation is possible farmers
perform much better.

Table 14 gives observations on the animal feeds sector and price per kilogramme of feed
from 2002-2006 (according to MAFRD).

Table 14. Prices of main animal feeds in Kosovo

Price, €/kg

Type of feed 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Alfalfa hay 0.10 0.16 0.15 0.12 0.13

Grass hay 0.08 0.14 0.12 0.09 0.10

Cereal straw 0.02 0.055 0.043 0.05 0.05

Maize Silage 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.03

Use of mineral and organic fertilizers
There are no data on the use of fertilizers on grasslands and pastures but data from SOK-
AFS (2006) gives a general idea on this issue (see Table 15). The most frequently used
fertilizers are mixtures of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium, traditionally known as NPK
fertilizers and in at least 90% of cases the content of these nutrients is 15:15:15. NPK
fertilizers are generally used for basal dressings during land preparation. If applied to
grasslands and meadows they are usually used in late winter or early spring. The other
fertilizers used are nitrogen fertilizers NAG (Calcareous Ammonium Nitrate) with a declared
content of 27% Nitrogen and Urea with a declared content of 46% Nitrogen. These fertilizers
are used for top dressing during spring: February-March in arable lands sown with winter
cereals, but mostly during April-May for perennial grasses. This depends on weather
conditions. Statistics of SOK show that NPK fertilizers are used by 67.4% of small farmers
and 80.3% of big and specialized farms, NAG 23 and 38%; Urea 37.3 and 43% other
fertilizers 3.4 and 1.5 and organic fertilizers (manures) 38 and 54.7% for respective types of
farm.

Table 15. Average use of mineral fertilizers during 2006 (SOK, AHS, 2006)

MINERAL FERTILIZER, kg/ha

Crop Area, ha NPK NAG UREA Other TOTAL

Cereals 109 989 239 86 98 1 424

Vegetables 16 006 307 175 84 100 666

Forages 96 766 82 20 30 2 134

Fruits 4 109 124 34 32 139 329

Other 111 2 1 0 0 3

Total/Mean 226 982 151 63 61 48 315

The highest amount of mineral fertilizers per hectare is used for vegetables (see Table 15),
but because of the bigger planted area the highest total amount (46 000 tons or 65% of the
total) is used for cereals, followed by forages with 13 000 tons or 18%. The use of organic
fertilizers is shown in Table 16.

Table 16. The use of organic fertilizers (manure) in Kosovo during 2006 (SOK AHS,
2006)

ORGANIC FERTILIZERS (MANURE)

 Plant Area, ha Tonnes kg/ha

Cereals 109 989 101 263.0 920.7

Vegetables 16 006 62 778.7 3922.3

Forages 96 766 140 063.0 1447.4

Fruits 4 109 7962.2 1937.6

Other 111 nr nr

Total 226 982 312 066.9 *1 374.9

nr =no record; *Average use of organic fertilizer (manure) per ha(in kg)

Legislation and government for livestock fodder and pastures

Documents which deal with livestock and feed and pastures are:
Issues related to feeds and pastures are closely regulated with Administrative Instruction Nr.
09/2007- The use of Pastures. This document regulates some issues which deal with the
use of pastures such as: taxes to be paid by farmers, the period of the use of pastures,
nomad grazing etc, but is done very superficially.

Law on Livestock Nr.2004/33. This law regulates some more general issues on livestock,
concentrated and compound feeds, but fodder production and pastures are not even
mentioned in this law.

Law on Veterinary Nr.2004/33

 Administrative Instruction MA-NR. 17/2006 – Quality Control of animal feeds and

additives.
 Administrative Instruction MA- NR. 02 / 2006- Feed ingredients for compound feeds

 Administrative Instruction MA-NR. 19/05- Licensing of producers, intermediates, and

traders of animal feeds and additives.

 Administrative Instruction MA – NR. 28/05- Compound Feeds

6. OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT OF FODDER RESOURCES

Development of pastures and meadows

The situation of areas under pastures needs substantial and comprehensive efforts of all
stakeholders involved. Actually this valuable resource is left on its own and the use of it is
more or less anarchic. Although, there are no exact data, the yield and the quality of the
feed produced in natural pastures is variable and depends on precipitation. There is no
measure undertaken from any Kosovor institution to improve utilization of pastures.

There is a tendency for change and improvement of the habits of farmers in lowland areas
and interest in introducing new technologies, apart from the very traditional way of feed
conservation, by drying grasses, haylage and silage production are interesting the more
serious farmers. Due to more experience in maize growing, Corn silage dominates and new
high potential producing cultivars are available. Fodder production is faced with the
difficulties especially in modern equipment. The actual situation with machinery is not very
good. There are a small number of tractors, with low power and mainly bought more than 20
years ago. Some high capacity equipment cannot be actually applied due to high prices of
modern tractors and associated equipment.

Pasture survey
From the available resources and institutions contacted data on pastures are very scarce and
this is also part of the job to be done. The budgets of institutions responsible for this sector
are very low and it is hard to predict any contribution in this direction in the near future.

Infrastructure
This is another important aspect which reflects directly the situation of agriculture in general
and livestock/feed/pasture production in particular. Regions with the highest potential in
livestock production based on pasture utilization are in more remote places where
infrastructure is in quite bad shape. This includes notably roads and electricity supply, which
makes production difficult and especially producer market communications.

7. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS AND PERSONNEL

 Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina, Bill Clinton Bulevard,

nn. 10000 Prishtina,
 Kosovo Institute for Agriculture, Peja

 Department for Animal Production, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural

Development, Mr. Bajram Imeri, Director of the Department

 Livestock Breeding, Production and Marketing Sector, Mr. Arsim Memaj, Chief of the
Sector

 Feed and Pasture Management Sector, Mr. Lulëzim Shamolli, Chief of the Sector
  Department for Plant Production and Plant Protection

8. REFERENCES

Agricultural Household Survey (AHS), Statistical Office of Kosovo, 2006

Agricultural Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Rural Development, Division for
Agricultural Statistics and Analysis, 2007.

Agriculture and Rural Development Plan, 2007-2013 November, 2006

ARD-BIOFOR IQC Consortium, 2003. Kosovo Biodiversity Assessment, USAID Kosovo.

Avdiu, B., 2005. Floristic composition of hilly-mountainous massive of Novo Bërda and
Kamenica, Kosovo. Biological studies, Academy of sciences Tirana (paper in Albanian).

Departments for Plant Protection, Plant Production and the Sector for Pastures and Animal
Nutrition of the MAFRD (2005).

Elezi, Xh.; A. Halimi, and M. Zogaj, 2004. Digjitalizimi i hartës pedologjike të Kosovës.
Departamenti i shkencave të tokës, Fakulteti i Bujqësisë, Prishtinë.

Elezi, Xh. , M. Zogaj, and A. Halimi, (in press). Introduction to Soil Science- Soil systematic
(in Albanian).

Gashi, H. and Sh. Spaho, 2002. Pedologjia. Akademia e shkencave dhe arteve të Kosovës.
Seksioni i shkencave të natyrës, Libri 8, Prishtinë.

IUSS Working Group WRB, 2006. World reference base for soil resources. World Soil
Resources. Reports 103. FAO, Rome.

Kamberi, M.A. 2004. The Agricultural Statistics and Policy Advisory Unit Kosovo (ASPAUK)
Project. Mission Report.

Labour Force Survey (LFS) 2001 and 2002.

Living Standards Measurement Survey (LSMS) 2000.

MAFRD, Identification and Registration Office of VFA (2003).

Mehmeti, A., A. Demaj, and R. Waldhardt, 2009. Plant species richness and composition in
the arable land of Kosovo. Landscape Online, 11:1-29.

Millaku, F., 2006. Pasture Improvement and Management Project. Horticulture Association of
Kosovo, Kosovo Cluster and Business Support Project, USAID.

Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, Institute for Protection of Nature and
Environment of Kosovo, Study on the reasonability of the declaration of the territory of
Albanian Alps as National Park. Prishtina, 2003.

Miric, M. 1975. Fodder base of Kosovo, Union of Scientific Associations of Kosovo, Book 37.
(Publication in Serbian).
Riinvest, 2002. Survey on Household and Labour Market.

Riinvest, 2004. Survey of rural families.

Statistical office of Kosovo, 2002. Household Budget Survey (HBS).

9. CONTACTS

Dr.Sc. Muhamet A. Kamberi , Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary,

University of Prishtina, Bill Clinton Bul,
nn. Prishtinë, 10000, Republic of Kosovo.
e-mail: makamberi@agr.uni-pr.edu

[The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do
not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city
or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries]

This profile was written in March 2009 and will be updated from time to time.

[The profile was edited by J.M. Suttie and S.G. Reynolds in April/May 2009]