Babina Greda
Smart Villages Initiative enhancing local agriculture and industry
Description
The Municipality of Babina Greda in eastern Croatia is strategically positioned close to major European routes, and has an economy that is dominated by agriculture and livestock farming. Under the Smart Rural 27 initiative, in 2020 the municipality proposed the launch of the Smart Village Strategy of Babina Greda Village, with four primary objectives and the initiation of smart, environmentally friendly and economically efficient agriculture. To this end, the village sought support for broadband connectivity and foreign investment to spur the development of value-added products.
Technology
The Smart Village Strategy of Babina Greda emphasizes the transmission and adoption of new knowledge, practices, technologies and innovation in support of organic farming, agrobiodiversity, emission reductions, the efficient use of renewable energy sources, and improved waste management and pollution control. Among the realized interventions under the Smart Village Initiative are the creation of a digital cadastre of agricultural land, the development of the county’s broadband infrastructure and the launch of a mobile app allowing access to information about the transport network. The Babina Greda website, radio, e-mail and online communication platforms such as Zoom are the key channels of communication and for the raising of awareness of the general public.
Target
The local community of Babina Greda is the main target of the strategy, with several hundred members and 25 civil society organizations (associations, foundations, communities) engaged in cultural activities, heritage conservation, and traditional music and arts, as well as sporting activities promoting healthy lifestyles, as well as local entrepreneurs (especially young people) with an interest in starting their own businesses.
Impact
The main goal of the Smart Village Strategy of Babina Greda is the sustainable growth and development of the Municipality of Babina Greda, based on the agricultural sector as the main driver of economic growth. All of the strategic objectives focus on improving the rural economy and the well-being of the local community, thus contributing to economic development and strengthening the links between the producers and markets.
Partners
University of Osijek (Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek); European Commission
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
Better life
