The overall goal of LDF project is to promote integrated and sustainable regional development in the municipality of Suharekë / Suva Reka by strengthening existing local structures and potentials.
The LDF will disburse grants for agro-business development and rural development initiatives which are in line with the guiding municipal development strategies, in particular the Municipal Development Plan, Urban Development Plan, Local Development Plan, Regional Development strategies and National Agriculture and Rural Development Plan .
The LDF vision is to become an important player in economic growth of the region through advancing agro-businesses and rurally based businesses in southern economic region of Kosovo
The LDF is an independent foundation, aiming to support, improve, strengthen and stimulate the development of rural and agriculture sectors in southern economic region of Kosovo mainly through grant provision programs.
The LDF Foundation was established in November, 2011 by the IRDS project which is financed by the Austrian Development Cooperation. During the first phase, (until December, 2012) the Foundation has implemented 36 projects in total amount of 1,337,423.62 Euro, where the IRDS/LDF contribution was 933,498.06 Euro and the private sector contribution was 403,925.56Euro.
Otherwise, the LDF contribution in these projects is 70% while the financial contribution of applicants was 30%.
Many sectors have been supported through these projects, such as: off-seasonal and opened field vegetable cultivation, milk production, meat production, goat cheese production, improvement of breeding structure through artificial insemination, chicken meat industry, beekeeping, creation of collection points for fruist and vegetables, medical herbs and forest fruits, cultivation of decorative plants and juice production from fruits extracts.
The LDF Foundation has supported the rural economic sector through creation of 348 permanent and seasonal job opportunities. More exactly, 147 permanent job opportunities,127 seasonal jobs and 74 self-employments mainly in production of different sectors. Moreover, the women participation in these projects is 42%. The average employment creation cost is 2,682.00 Euro.
