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GOOD PRACTICE

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Growing Nigella sativa L. in Albanian agriculture to promote crop diversification and meet growing demand for natural antibiotics

Albania

Growing Nigella sativa L. in Albanian agriculture to promote crop diversification and meet growing demand for natural antibiotics
Period
2021 - 2023

The practice of incorporating the medicinal plant Nigella sativa L. into the Albanian agricultural system illustrates its positive impact as a strategic measure to promote crop diversification. Moreover, this initiative addresses the growing demand for natural antibiotic plants, establishing Nigella Sativa L. as a valuable resource to meet this urgent need. The versatility of Nigella Sativa, which has both edible and medicinal uses, increases its importance in improving the health and well-being of the community. This initiative aims to address these challenges by promoting knowledge sharing, providing resources for sustainable agriculture and encouraging community engagement.

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Identification needs
During the implementation of our project on diversifying planting structures by evaluating the growth potential of the medicinal plant Nigella Sativa L. in Albania, we encountered several constraints within the community and the territory of interest. One major constraint was the limited agricultural knowledge and awareness of the medicinal benefits of Nigella Sativa L. among local farmers. Furthermore, economic challenges, such as the lack of access to quality seeds and sustainable cultivation practices, presented significant obstacles. Environmental factors, such as soil quality and water availability, also impacted the feasibility of cultivating this medicinal plant. These constraints highlight the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to addressing societal, economic, and environmental issues. The increasing demand for medicinal plant products, particularly Nigella Sativa, has led to a need for diversification. This is due to the rapid growth of the population.
Stakeholder change
The implementation of our good practice involves a comprehensive set of methods and tools tailored to address the identified constraints in the community and territory. Key methods include: Genetic Material Collection: Gathering genetic material from diverse sources, including gene banks of Poland, Washington and Ukraine and seed production companies, to ensure a rich and varied pool for experimentation. Field Experiments: Establishing field experiments in three distinct areas of Albania—Tirana, Karce, and Shkoder—to represent the agro- ecological conditions of the country. These experiments focus on organic agriculture practices, emphasizing the production of quality seeds while prioritizing environmental sustainability. Current Stakeholders: Research Institutions and Academia; 1- Institution of vegetable and melon growing, 2- Kharkov, Ukraine, IHAR-PIB Blonie Poland; 3-Western Regional PI Station (W6), Pullman, Washington, United States Currently, 4- Shkoder Technology Transfer Center, 5- University of Korca, 6- Agricultural University of Tirana. The project involves active collaboration with research institutions and academia for expertise, data analysis, and scientific validation. Emphasizing the current involvement of platforms dedicated to knowledge transfer, ensuring that the insights gained from the project are effectively communicated and applied. Mobilization of these stakeholders involves proactive engagement through personal outreach, community meetings, and collaboration with existing networks. The current focus on research institutions, academia, and knowledge transfer platforms underscores the project's commitment to scientific rigor and effective dissemination of valuable insights.
Change triggered

The described practice of transforming cultivars with Nigella sativa L. is technically feasible. The inclusion of field trials, collaborations with research institutes, and emphasis on organic agricultural practices provide a science-based and efficient approach to agriculture. So far, we have done field tests for 10 different genotypes which have shown an agroecological suitability in different regions of Albania. For example, in the city of Korce, the plant showed a biological cycle of 123 days, while in the city of Tirana, 92 days. These findings underscore the potential for tailored cultivation practices in Albania that can lead to consistent and high-quality raw materials. Such raw materials have wide-ranging applications, from the food industry to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. As Nigella sativa proves its adaptability to Albanian conditions, it offers a promising avenue for economic, agricultural, and cultural development, strengthening its position as a valuable resource in this region. This study not only enhances our understanding of this medicinal plant but also highlights its significance in the context of sustainable agriculture and economic growth in Albania. Easy to learn and use: The process may require moderate levels of technical expertise, especially in terms of organic farming practices and specific requirements for cultivation of Nigella sativa L.. However, consultative meetings have been held with research institutes to facilitate knowledge transfer. With the right training and support, local farmers can learn the practice and use it successfully. Invest in Knowledge Transfer: Prioritize knowledge transfer through workshops, training sessions, and collaborative efforts with research institutions Limits of the Practice: Resource Intensity: The implementation of this practice may require significant resources, including funding, expertise, and time. Replicating it in resource-constrained settings could be challenging due to limited availability of these resources. Market Access: While the practice enhances agricultural productivity, ensuring access to markets for the produce is crucial. The success of the practice may be constrained if effective market linkages are not established. Community Participation: The level of community participation and engagement may vary, impacting the overall success of knowledge transfer and the adoption of sustainable practices. In communities with low engagement, achieving the desired outcomes may be challenging. Constraints in Duplication: Lack of Research Infrastructure: Replicating the collaboration with research institutions and academia may face challenges in regions without robust research infrastructure. Limited access to scientific support could hinder the scientific grounding of the practice. Policy Support: Successful duplication may depend on supportive agricultural policies or incentives at the regional or national level. The absence of such policies could impede the adoption of the practice in certain areas. Cultural Variability: The success of the practice may be influenced by cultural variations. Strategies for community engagement and knowledge transfer may need to be adjusted to suit different cultural contexts. Limited Expertise: The practice involves specific knowledge about organic agriculture and the cultivation of Nigella Sativa. Duplication might face constraints in areas where there is a lack of local expertise in these domains. Climate Sensitivity: Nigella sativa has shown adaptability to climate conditions. Duplication in regions with significantly different climates may require modifications to accommodate these variations. Long-Term Commitment: The success of the practice is contingent on sustained efforts over the long term. Duplication may face challenges if there is a lack of sustained commitment from stakeholders or if there are competing priorities. In summary, while the described practice has demonstrated success, careful consideration of resource availability, local context, community dynamics, and policy support is essential for successful duplication. Understanding and addressing these limits and constraints can contribute to the effective implementation of similar initiatives in diverse settings.

Short description
Invest in Knowledge Transfer: Prioritize knowledge transfer through workshops, training sessions, and collaborative efforts with research institutions. This ensures that local farmers have the required skills and information. Promote Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Emphasize the importance of organic agriculture practices to enhance soil health, minimize environmental impact, and produce quality seeds. This contributes to the long-term success of the practice. Diversify Genetic Material Sources: Continue to explore and gather genetic material from diverse sources, ensuring a resilient and adaptable planting pool that can thrive under various agroconditions. Establish Community Partnerships: Foster strong partnerships with local communities, agricultural agencies, environmental organizations, and healthcare institutions to create a supportive network for successful implementation. Address Market Access: Consider strategies to ensure market access for the produced goods. This could involve establishing market linkages, supporting local value chains, and exploring avenues for the commercialization of Nigella sativa products. Adapt to Local Contexts: Recognize the importance of adapting the practice to local contexts, considering cultural variations, community dynamics, and specific agroconditions prevalent in different regions. Secure Policy Support: Advocate for supportive agricultural policies at the regional or national level to create an enabling environment for the adoption and scaling up of the practice. Monitor and Evaluate: Implement a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track the impact of the practice over time. Regular assessments can guide adjustments and improvements in implementation. Encourage Community Participation: Actively involve local communities in decision-making processes and project activities, ensuring a sense of ownership and sustained engagement. Share Best Practices: Facilitate the exchange of best practices and lessons learned with other communities or regions interested in adopting similar initiatives. This contributes to collective learning and improvement. In conclusion, the adoption of this best practice requires a strategic and collaborative approach, emphasizing knowledge transfer, sustainability, adaptability, and community engagement. By addressing these aspects, others who intend to adopt this practice can enhance the likelihood of successful implementation and positive outcomes.

Good Health and Well-being
Responsible Consumption and Production