Didactic Farm and two new research institutes inaugurated at the University of Prishtina

IWRM-K Program support strengthens practical learning and scientific research, linking agricultural development with sustainable water resources management and environmental protection.

Prishtina, 19 October 2026 – The Didactic Farm, the Institute for Agriculture, Food, Environment and Agribusiness (IBUMA), and the Institute of Livestock and Veterinary Sciences (IBV) were inaugurated today at the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary of the University of Prishtina. The Didactic Farm and the two newly established institutes have been supported by the Integrated Water Resources Management in Kosovo Program (IWRM-K), creating new opportunities for practical learning, scientific research and cooperation with the agricultural sector.

The Didactic Farm and the two institutes create opportunities to more closely connect education and scientific research with the needs of farmers, businesses and public institutions. Through them, cooperation will be strengthened across the fields of agriculture, food, livestock, veterinary sciences, environment, water resources management and agribusiness, contributing to addressing challenges such as climate change, food security and the sustainable management of natural resources.

“Students will have the opportunity to learn directly through practice, develop professional skills and better understand the real challenges facing the agricultural and livestock sectors. Researchers will have a platform for applied research, data collection and the development of innovative solutions. Farmers will benefit from demonstrations of modern and sustainable practices in farm management, livestock production and natural resource management,” said Ardiana Efendija-Zhuri, representative of the Embassy of Switzerland in Kosovo, a donor to the IWRM-K Program.

Students will have the opportunity to learn about animal feeding, care, welfare and reproduction, young-stock rearing, livestock production management and manure management. These experiences help students understand the links between animal health, production quality, farm management and the protection of water resources.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by representatives of the University of Prishtina, the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, institutions and Program partners, together with students and guests.

“The University of Prishtina is pleased that, through cooperation with the IWRM-K Program, it is creating better conditions for students to work and study, while at the same time providing a didactic space for researchers and agribusiness. This achievement benefits the institution and, above all, our students,” said Arben Hajrullahu, Rector of the University of Prishtina, in his welcoming remarks.

The protection of water resources is also part of this learning process. Proper manure management, including its storage and use according to the needs of the soil and crops, can reduce the risk of water pollution and the need for chemical fertilizers.

“Together with efficient water use and responsible soil management, these practices demonstrate how farm management can bring both economic and environmental benefits,” said Arben Musliu, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary.

Through its support to the Didactic Farm, IBUMA and IBV, IWRM-K contributes to strengthening the Faculty’s capacities for teaching, applied research and knowledge transfer. This connection between the university, scientific research and professional practice aims to contribute to the development of more sustainable agriculture and more responsible management of natural resources in Kosovo.