在波斯尼亞和黑塞哥維那的農(nóng)村發(fā)展政策
摘要
本研究的目的是分析波黑農(nóng)村經(jīng)濟(jì)發(fā)展政策的演變。由于權(quán)力的水平不同,對(duì)農(nóng)村發(fā)展的管理也有所差異,農(nóng)村發(fā)展政策的比較分析是在國(guó)家和地方層面上進(jìn)行的。分析的結(jié)果表明,H公司沒有專門針對(duì)農(nóng)村發(fā)展的公共政策。在各級(jí)政府研發(fā)的政策協(xié)調(diào)過程中,通過在波斯尼亞對(duì)農(nóng)村發(fā)展結(jié)構(gòu)和農(nóng)村發(fā)展框架的分析,發(fā)現(xiàn)一些顯著的差異。鑒于目前在波黑的發(fā)展前景,簡(jiǎn)單照搬農(nóng)村發(fā)展的模型,將不能適當(dāng)提高BIH農(nóng)村條件。
關(guān)鍵詞:農(nóng)業(yè)和農(nóng)村發(fā)展的政策措施,BiH,支持的方式
引用
在20世紀(jì)末,農(nóng)村發(fā)展的理論,在發(fā)展中國(guó)家過渡中變得同等重要。克服區(qū)域發(fā)展差距不再是農(nóng)村發(fā)展政策的基本焦點(diǎn)。新的農(nóng)村發(fā)展政策集中在定義有效的機(jī)制來確保可持續(xù)發(fā)展的原則,按照農(nóng)村農(nóng)業(yè)和其他活動(dòng)的協(xié)調(diào)發(fā)展,以提高生活和生命質(zhì)量標(biāo)準(zhǔn)。歷史文化遺產(chǎn),社會(huì)結(jié)構(gòu),經(jīng)濟(jì)和社會(huì)發(fā)展的水平,以及其他相關(guān)的歐洲國(guó)家變得同等重要。因此,在目標(biāo)、制度、金融等方面有顯著差異,支持農(nóng)村發(fā)展。
Rural Development Policy In Bosnia And Herzegovina Economics Essay
Abstract
The objective of this research was to analyze the evolution of the rural development policy in BiH. Due to the different levels of authority over the management of rural development, a comparative analysis of rural development policy was conducted at the national, and subnational levels. The results of the analysis confirm that B & H does not have a common policy for rural development. The process of harmonization of RD policy at all government levels is in progress. By comparing the structure of support for rural development at the entity level in Bosnia and the EU framework for supporting rural development, significant differences are noticed. Given the current prospects of development in BiH, simply copying the model of rural development as it exists at EU level, would not be sufficient or adequate measure to improve conditions in rural areas in BiH.
Key words: Agriculture and rural development policy, BiH, measures of support
Introduction
The concept of rural development in the late 20th century becomes equally important in developing countries and countries in transition. Overcoming regional development disparity is no longer in the basic focus of policy development in rural areas. New rural development policy focused on defining effective mechanisms to ensure coordination of the development of agriculture and other activities in rural areas in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, in order to improve the standard of living and quality of life. Historical and cultural heritage, social structure, level of development of economy and society, as well as other relevant parameters differ significantly among European countries. Therefore, there are significant differences in the objectives, institutional and financial support and general conceptual approach to rural development.
Overall trends in post-war Bosnia, including the development of rural areas, passed through the transition period, as well as all other spheres of social and economic milieu of BiH. This period, when it comes to policies and development of rural areas, can be conditionally divided into three phases:
- The first phase, generally indicates a phase of renewal and reconstruction of rural areas;
- The second phase focused on the development of rural areas within the general agricultural policy;
- The third phase marks the beginning of rural development in BiH, which corresponds with the policies and values of the EU rural development.
The time period of individual fazes is difficult to separate, because the reconstruction projects are still ongoing, the rural development policy is still implemented in the context of agricultural policy, and rural development policy, at some levels of government, has not yet experienced the inauguration of a special policy in the agricultural and regional development.
Rural Development Policy in Republika Srpska
In the evolution of rural development policy in the Republic of Srpska three distinct periods can be observed, in which the different importance was given to investment in rural areas, in terms of type and extent of support, strategic targeting of resources, compliance with the policy of agricultural development and harmonization with EU guidelines for rural development.
The first phase of development refers to the period since 2000. year, with the start of allocation of appropriate resources for the development of agriculture and lasted until 2006. year, with the adoption of the Strategy of agricultural development. The overall conclusion is that during this period more than half of the funds for agriculture development was spent in direct support for individual products (milk, seeds, tobacco).
The second phase of development refers to the period from 2006 til 2009. year, which was marked by the adoption of the Strategy for Agriculture Development of RS. By adoption of the Strategy a shift was made from a purely sectoral approach to integrated development of agriculture and rural areas. This commitment was confirmed with the adoption of a new model of incentives, by which, the support for rural development has become compulsory third axes in total budgetary support:
support to agriculture via current subsidies and incentives (current development);
support to investments – via development programs (long-term development);
support to rural development and non-commercial farms.
The third phase in the evolution of rural development occurs in 2010 by adoption of the Strategic Plan for Rural Development in the RS, when we start to talk about a separate policy for rural development, with specific goals and measures of support. Basic feature of the new policy is the focus of rural development support to three goals:
Improvement of competitiveness of the agriculture and forestry;
Sustainable management of natural resources;
Improvements in the quality of life and the rural economy diversification.
The amounts of investments as well as the structure of support varied from one year to another.
This chart clearly shows the impact of individual reforms as well as the effects of external factors. During the first couple of years, the Ministry, in addition to supporting production, allocated significant funds for loan based production funding – thus the ratio between these two types of support was almost equal. Starting from 2002, lending was left to commercial banks, and the interest rates premiums for agricultural loans have been introduced. Starting from 2006, capital investments for support to agriculture and food industry have been introduced while the subsidizing of interest rates has been abolished, thus the long-term investments became continuous and provide the opportunity for targeted subventions to those types of investments that can contribute to achievement of strategic goals. Production and income generation support dominated the overall support structure till 2010. The reform introduced in 2010, by which long-term investments became part of the support to rural development, that type of support (production and income support) dropped below 50% of the overall agrarian budget for the first time.
Structure of support measures for rural development was also changing from year to year. If observed from 2007, when more diverse and significant rural development support measures have been introduced, it is clear that approximately ten different measures were rotating, although the subsidies model foresaw just three major measures: improvement of competitiveness, economic and social revitalization and the revitalization of structure. Majority of funds within the overall structure of these measures were allocated for infrastructure development.
As we already stated, in 2010, the support structure changed, based on the adoption of the Strategic Rural Development Plan. The greatest share is being allocated for the support to competitiveness and the life quality improvement, with two rather prominent measures: infrastructure development and the purchase of mechanization .
Rural Development Policy of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The history of support to the agriculture and rural development sector in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina can be divided into following periods: from the end of the war till 2001, and from 2001 to 2005 and a third period that can be added, from 2006 to date.
Period from 1996 to 2001 was marked by reconstruction of farms, procurement of mechanization, seeds and mineral fertilizers for agricultural production. Subsidies were usually awarded as donations or the projects providing loans with low interest rates and favourable grace periods. A number of post-war projects were designed in order to be lastingly replicated. In addition, starting from 1997, allocation of funds from the FBiH budget started for subsidies to milk and tobacco production.
Period from 2001 till 2005 introduced visible changes referring to commercial loans with relatively to very high interest rates, LC development projects and new, somewhat clearer approaches in terms of support to production, stronger, yet insufficient federal subsidies, notable but unbalanced allocations for subsidies from cantons. For the first time some municipalities have stepped in terms of support to their agriculture. This period was also marked by the adoption of new laws and the establishment of relevant institutions at the FBiH and national level. Similarly to RS, certain municipalities were allocating significant amounts with the aim to support the agricultural sector however there are no comprehensive records on these allocations.
Production of crops: mercantile production, seed production, planting material production, establishment of perennial crops of fruit and grapes.
Livestock production: cattle, sheep, pig, horses and poultry husbandry, beekeeping and fishery.
Organic production: organic production advisory services and organic products certification
Capital investments: new orchards and vineyards, crops irrigation and livestock production facilities.
Support to professional institutions: a/ breeding and selection activities, b/ introduction in nursery and seed production, plant protection and advisory functions.
Support to introduction of new technologies.
Participation: organizing of professional/expert gatherings, publishing of specialized publications and support to farmers’ associations.
Period from 2006 to 2010 was marked by the adoption of the Mid-term Agricultural Strategy and the disbursement of subsidy funds in line with the model proposed by Strategy:
Subsidizing of production: direct subsidizing of specific production of ‘strategic’ importance, capital investments, interest rate premiums;
Other transfers: activities focusing on strengthening of public professional/specialized institutions, veterinary and plant protection support to events, improvement of existing and introduction of new technologies, organic production, and assistance to NGOs.
Rural development measures, as one may see from the existing models presented were never an explicit part of agricultural incentives, yet they were present in the previous period. Due to lack of political or strategic commitment, this support is marked by lack of continuity and the low level of investments (Chart 4). There was sporadic support to young farmers, supplementary activities, tourism, less favoured areas, etc.
As we can see from the chart 5, in a previous period, only the measures focusing on support to infrastructure and supplementary activities development have continued for 3 to 4 years in a row.
Taking into account that the FBiH Government extended the Mid-term Agriculture Strategy to 2012, a new Law on Monetary Subsidies in Agriculture and Rural Development was added to existing strategic commitments. This new model divides the monetary support measures to production incentives and structural policy measures. Disbursements referring to structural policy measures include: capital investments model, rural development model, income support model, model including other types of support.
As already described, this Law introduced the Rural Development Model for the first time in FBiH. According to the Law, it aims at overall economic, social and cultural progress of population living in rural parts of Federation, taking into account the sustainable development principles. Monetary support focusing on rural development shall be effectuated in the areas of competitiveness improvement, protection and improvement of rural environment and diversification of rural activities .
As a result of the new rural development model, the number of measures that qualify for disbursement increased in 2010, however, next year this number was reduced to zero – due to lack of funds and budgetary crisis only 300,000.00 BAM were paid for rural development – as support to organic production.
Rural development model is primarily focusing to:
a) competitiveness enhancing
investments into farms,
rural infrastructure,
support to young farmers,
professional agricultural training,
traditional products;
protection of rural environment:
areas with difficult economic conditions in agriculture,
organic production,
preservation of indigenous plant and animal species (varieties and breeds),
agro-environmental planning;
diversifying of rural activities including:
services and supplementary activities,
rural heritage preservation.
Rural Development Policy of the Brcko District
Support to development of agriculture at the territory of Brcko District is provided from Brcko District budget, and the amount of this support is increasing each year. Funds from agricultural budget are aiming to encourage agricultural production at the territory of District, and their execution is defined by the Law on Subsidies in Agricultural Production, adopted in 2006.
The 2006 Law did not plan for the use of funds for rural development; however, this category was established in 2008, while from 2011, the Government of Brcko District defined investments into rural development as a regular item in terms of implementation of subsidies in its Rulebook on Modalities and Requirements for Subsidies in Agricultural Production.
According to the new Rulebook, rural development includes investments into agricultural mechanization (self-propelled and trailed), processing capacities and other agricultural investments, organic production and certification by GLOBALGAP standards. Subsidies for capital investments refer to construction of greenhouses and glasshouses, new orchards and rural development.
2006 Law on Subsidies
2010 Changes and Amendments to the Law on Subsidies
a) Plant production: crops, vegetables and fruits production;
1) Plant production: crops, vegetables and fruits production,
b) Livestock production: cattle, pig, poultry, sheep and goat husbandry and other types of animal production,
2) Livestock production: cattle, pig and poultry husbandry, lamb feed, goatling feed and other types of animal production;
c) Organic production;
b) capital investments:
d) Capital investments;
1) construction of greenhouses and glasshouses,
e) Interest rates premiums for agricultural loans;
2) development of new orchards,
f) Development of professional institutions;
3insurance of agricultural production.
g) Introduction of new technologies and cultures in primary agricultural production.
c) rural development
Investments per utilised agriculture area and per beneficiary in Brcko District are higher than in two other entities (Chart 6). When it comes to the amount of funds allocated per beneficiary, the difference is even greater – compared with other two entities if we take into account that the structure of measures within the agricultural budget of BD, contrary to situation in other two entities, does not include investments into infrastructure and the availability of services in rural areas.
Measures within this overview marked as part of funds that were implemented for rural development refer to investments into mechanization, development of new plantations (crops), greenhouses and glasshouses, investments to processing industry, irrigation, introduction of standards and organic production.
Structure of measures for rural development was changing each year. In 2005, these measures included only the support for the mechanization repairs and upgrading and the co-funding of interest rates on investment loans. While the former measure continued in later years, the second one was executed only in 2005, and was not replicated later on. In addition to support for the procurement of mechanization and other tools and equipment for agricultural production, measures related to development of irrigation systems, procurement of drying and cold storage systems etc. were also introduced.
However, Brcko District Government, besides the subsidies for agriculture, allocates additional funds for investments into rural development. Thus the allocation of funds for investments in infrastructure is subject to specific directives. The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management is in charge of investments referring to repairs of gravel roads, clearing and reconstruction of channels used for agricultural production, etc. Amounts of these funds vary each year – the situation in that regard is similar to that in entities – if there are leftover funds, than such projects can be implemented. Funds are approved based on requests submitted by local communities, and priorities are being defined by the Government itself.
Legal and institutional framework for rural development in BiH
An analysis of the legal and institutional framework shows that the rural development support policy measures mainly fall within the mandate of the three Entities and, to a certain degree within the mandate of Cantons - in the Federation of BiH and municipalities - in RS. Due to a need to align policies with EU standards, a harmonization process was initiated at the state level and the BiH Strategic Plan for Harmonization of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (2008-2010) was adopted. In addition, operational programs for BiH, FBiH, RS were also adopted and the measures for, among other things, rural development area were defined.
Other strategic documents complementing this one and defining the policy framework in different Entities include: Republika Srpska Strategic Plan for Rural Development, Mid-term Agricultural Sector Development Strategy (2006-2010) in FBiH.
A Strategic Plan for Harmonization of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development 2008-2011 was adopted at the state level. Its purpose is to enhance the competitiveness of agriculture and the food processing industry as well as the harmonization and implementation of rural development measures via state level. This plan should ensure that the all prerequisites for the implementation of the pre-IPARD actions started in 2008 were met and should open a track for the reception of EU rural development funds in 2011. Furthermore, the AFRD Strategic Harmonization Plan provides a framework allowing the sectoral reforms for the strengthening of coordination and management within this sector to take place; it increases the role and the focus of relevant food safety, veterinary and phyto-sanitary issues and provides for gradual alignment with international standards.
General sectoral goals within the agriculture, food and rural development sector were defined by BiH Law on Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Official Gazette of BiH, 50/08). These goals deal with the use of resources, food safety, alignment with EU policies, income diversification, availability of food, sustainable use of resources, quality of life. It is evident that these go beyond the sectoral goals framework and provide for an extensive approach to development of agriculture and rural areas. The Law defines three sets of measures of support to rural development, aiming to increase the competitiveness, provide for the sustainable use of resources and income diversification and thus they are in line with relevant EU policy.
Entity level strategies dealing with the issue of support for rural development extend to a period till 2015 in RS – the Rural Development Strategic Plan and till 2010 and extended to 2012 in FBiH, while the FBiH Rural Development Program is being drafted. Brcko District never adopted the BD Strategy of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development till 2013. Therefore, only the RS has a specific policy and program for the development of rural areas. As we already described in a chapter dealing with the support system analysis, this had a positive effect in terms of identifying of particular support measures and the allocation of funds for that purpose that shows a growing trend.
The analysis of the strategic framework at the state and the level of entities in the field of rural development showed that:
Rural development policy in BiH is implemented by the entity and regulated by the various policy and other supporting documents;
Law on Agriculture, Food and Rural Development at the state level defines some general goals for BiH in this area;
Jurisdiction over the implementation of rural development policies is given to the Entity ministries of agriculture, and at the state level, authority is entrusted to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations (Division of agriculture, food, forestry and rural development);
Decentralized management structure of rural development policy has not been established at any level of government;
The agricultural support systems at all levels of government have measures supporting rural development and the process of harmonization of policies at all levels has not been reached;
Compliance with EU directives is only partly achieved, and the highest degree of compliance by the structure of the measures has been made in the RS;
Conclusion
Rural development model of EU implies a level of EU economic and social development such is currently not existing in BiH. Such a model is the one whom the BiH should aspire to achieve in terms of competitiveness, sustainable development and natural resource management, income diversification, and improving quality of life in rural areas. To achieve this, the BiH should, at all levels of government, define strategic priorities, management system, measures and actions to achieve the goals, build vertical and horizontal coordination mechanisms, and along with this process, BiH should apply good practice of EU in all spheres of rural development that can be applied in BiH.
Therefore, for the purpose of establishing an appropriate model of Rural Development, it is necessary to define the guidelines at the state level. The aim of the guidelines or document which they were found to be is to:
Set up a common policy framework for rural development in BiH;
Defines the legislative and legal basis for the implementation of rural development policy in BiH;
Set the framework for coordination of rural development in BiH with the EU rural development policy;
Set the framework of the management structure of rural development at all levels of government;
Set the strategic framework of rural development programming at all levels of government;
Set the stage for the delimitation of less favourable areas in Bosnia;
Assumptions to be met by creating policy framework for rural development in BiH are:
Adopt a decentralized management model for rural development in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina;
Define the institutional governance structure of rural development in BiH at all levels of government;
Agree on long-term priorities for rural development in BiH on the basis of the situation assessment and guidelines EU Rural Development Policy;
On the basis of defined criteria, proceed with the demarcation of areas of BiH according to the degree of rurality, the conditions for working and living in rural areas;
This is definitely a new model that will take time to develop in BiH, but is the only effective long-term model that can provide change to the existing situation. At this point it is necessary to emphasize the need for long-term planning of rural development in Bosnia and in this sense, harmonization of donor support in the field of rural development with the national policy is necessary and could result in more efficient utilization of available resources.