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The development of urban agriculture (UA), sustainable agriculture and green economy in the Western Balkan (WB) region allows to support and strengthen prospects for farming, but also society in general. The BUGI project offers capacity-building for different stakeholder groups, like students, graduates/workforce, businesses, researchers and teachers, but also towards planning and infrastructure domains. The starting point of the project was an analysis of existing business models, preferences and capacities in the agricultural sector in WB countries of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BA), Kosovo (XK), and Montenegro (ME), as well as an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses and needs of WB Higher Education Institutes (HEI). These analyses were used to define a framework for curricula for new master and life-long learning (LLL) study programs in UA in the WB region, teachers training, and infrastructure for curriculum implementation. The WB teaching staff underwent 7 study visits to EU partner HEIs and urban agriculture farms and initiatives gaining needed expertise and fostering an international partnership between EU and WB partners. As part of the master programme some required accompanying activities took place, namely learning guide for teachers, skills and competence evaluation guide, module placement guide and diploma supplement were developed for the master programme. The new curricula were successfully developed, accredited and implemented by WB partners with the help and support of EU partners. Univ. of Sarajevo (UNSA) and Univ. of Mostar (UNMO) started with master programme implementation in 2019, and Univ. Donja Gorica (UDG) and Univ. of Pristine (UP) (for UP and Univ. of Peja (UHZ) students) in 2021. Since the new curricula utilise ICT tools and competency-based learning methodology and foster collaboration with the entrepreneurial sector through project-based work, teachers attended two workshops on Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Experiential Learning (EL) in competence-based learning and Distance Learning (DL). The new teaching material for master and LLL courses was developed in local languages and English. WB partners signed a multilateral interinstitutional agreement to foster cooperation on common ECTS design and for the virtual and physical exchange of students and/or staff in the context of the master study programme in UA. Two XK partners signed an agreement on cooperation in the implementation of the study master programme UA and LLL training programme. Special attention was given to collaboration with further stakeholders in order to promote sustainable development and a green economy in the region. It resulted in starting a green entrepreneurship e-portal and android application under the BUGI umbrella - a platform where producers (farmers) meet consumers and vice-versa. LLL modules for BA and ME partners were delivered with the support of the Sarajevo Economic Region Development Agency (SERDA), while UHZ implemented the LLL programme for XK partners. WB HEIs visibility and capacity to deliver more attractive education and training have been increased in line with program countries practices and experiences. The project resulted in the implementation of new state-of-the-art teaching/learning environments accompanied with appropriate transferable competencies and entrepreneurial skills and partnership with the business sector aiming for strengthening students’ employability and possibility for self-employment. It also promotes cross-cultural experience and increases partners HEIs capacity to answer changes in societal needs, sustainable agriculture and green economy.
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