2014 Volume 5 Issue 2 Pages 11-16
Agriculture still ranks among the most important sectors of Serbia’s economy, with significant contributions to economic and social stability. Primary production accounts for about 10% of the gross domestic product. Over half of the population is rural. Serbian agriculture and rural areas face many problems including an underdeveloped institutional infrastructure. The paper aims at analyzing governance of agricultural and rural development (ARD) in Serbia. The work is based on an extensive secondary data review. It focuses on ARD policy design, implementation and evaluation and organizations dealing with ARD in each phase of the policy cycle. Agricultural policy objectives are set by the Law on Agriculture and Rural Development (LARD). The LARD, implemented through specific measures included in the Agricultural and Rural Development Strategy, also provides a general rural policy framework. ARD policy effectiveness and efficiency is linked also to governance arrangements and coordination mechanisms adequacy. Many national, regional, provincial and local public institutions are involved in the ARD arena. The range of key actors includes also some civil society organizations. Bilateral and multilateral donors implemented many projects during last years. However, the ARD policy framework needs further adjustments to be aligned with the European legal framework. The Serbian agricultural policy requires fundamental reforms at all levels and in all stages of the policy cycle. More attention should be given to rural development. Collaborations between the sectors dealing with rural development can lead to substantial improvements and push for more innovation and cross-sectoral participation. Governance levers require government leadership at all levels - from national to local. Improved policies should maximize complementarities between public, civil society and private stakeholders.
