Facing a growing population and uncertainties in agricultural production and yields resulting from climate change, the need to adapt farming systems is a necessary step towards food security. At GOPA AFC, we understand the multifaceted challenges currently presented to the agricultural sector. Our professional services are designed to enhance resilience and sustainability through the intensification and diversification of optimized agricultural crop and livestock production techniques for market and environment-oriented agricultural development.
Our strategic methodology encompasses the incorporation of sustainable water and soil management practices, advocating for the judicious application of fertilizers and herbicides to preserve soil health, optimize resource utilization, and elevate agricultural performance and productivity. The "Sustainable rural development in Albania Phase II" project, supported by GIZ and set to commence in February 2023, reinforces innovative partnerships among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the agroecology sector. This initiative provides comprehensive work packages in agricultural value chains, particularly focusing on fruits, nuts, greenhouse vegetables, and dairy. The project's primary objectives include validating the feasibility of chosen innovations, fostering the upscaling of sustainable innovations, and making strategic, evidence-based proposals to enhance the rural business environment - all contributing towards boosting agricultural production and productivity. This focus is set on different agricultural innovations which promote productivity, while lowering production costs and increasing revenue for the farmers.
In the realm of livestock production, we adhere to integrated crop-livestock systems grounded on Conservation Agriculture principles. Our project titled "Development of Animal Husbandry and Plant Health and Strengthening of the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Committee and the Plant Quarantine and Protection Agency," in Uzbekistan, funded by GIZ and going on since October 2022, is a testament to our approach. Our holistic strategy aligns with our dedication to fostering sustainable solutions that enhance production while reducing environmental impact.
Supporting farmers’ organisations is a major focus in many of our projects, since such organisations are usually in a better position to formulate farmers’ needs and they are generally more efficient in the delivery of services to their members than public agencies. We provide dedicated support tailored to these entities, concentrating on capacity enhancement measures to boost their technical proficiency and managerial capabilities. This strategic upskilling empowers them to deliver efficient services to their members.
Our mission at GOPA AFC is to foster a resilient and prosperous agricultural future. We achieve this by implementing strategies that promote environmentally friendly practices, market-oriented growth, and inclusive development. We are also pleased that MetaMeta, a renowned Dutch consultancy, is part of GOPA AFC since 2024. Based in Wageningen, the Netherlands, MetaMeta is a thought leader in many dimensions of water, agriculture, environment, and green infrastructure. Its service offering combines research, innovation, policy development and programme implementation. With more than 20 years of international water, agricultural and climate expertise MetaMeta is complementing GOPA AFC's global experience in agriculture and financial sector development.