Rebija Bliznović: Women farmers in Bosnia and Herzegovina thrive with FAO support

In Tršće, a small village near Kakanj in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Rebija Bliznović has built her life around the farm that carries her name. For three years, Rebija has been a registered farmer, giving her independence and marking a turning point in her role as a producer. Together with her husband, she manages a greenhouse and five cows and has been steadily building the farm into a source of livelihood. Having her name on the registry has given her visibility and a sense of ownership in a sector where women’s work often goes unrecognized.

For Rebija, farming brings long hours, constant responsibility and the pressure of sustaining both her land and her family. She initially focused on greenhouse vegetable production, but that alone could not meet the needs of her household. She diversified into dairy farming, managing five cows and producing cheese. Each day she juggles  the greenhouse, her animals and her household responsibilities. Even with help from her husband, the farm’s limited equipment meant that small disruptions such as a power outage could jeopardize the production cycle. And when her younger daughter started school, Rebija adjusted her daily routine around school runs and home responsibilities.

Her situation changed when she joined a project implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and UN Women and financed by Sweden. The project addresses these gaps by giving women farmers recognition, building their capacities and helping them compete in local markets while sustaining livelihoods. Rebija joined an informal platform to connect women involved in greenhouse production in the Zenica-Doboj canton. Through the project, the group supported women to take part in training, explore funding opportunities and connect with local markets. What once felt like a constant uphill struggle became a more predictable, manageable routine.

“Without support, it’s hard for women to compete or stay on their land,” Rebija said. “This gives us a chance to keep going.”

Through this platform, Rebija has been able to share her experiences with peers and build connections that help her navigate daily challenges. Working alongside other women has given Rebija the confidence to showcase her work, increase its visibility and contribute to the collective knowledge of the group. Rebija also has received information on funding support schemes and application requirements, including opportunities such as the Federal Ministry of Agriculture’s grant scheme implemented through the project.

Thanks to a grant obtained through the project, Rebija has significantly improved livestock production. Now, milk stays fresh longer, cows are milked faster (and with less effort), and the farm no longer is forced to halt during outages. Proper milk cooling and a stable power supply directly reduce bacterial growth, improve milk hygiene and lower the risk of spoilage. Rebija also has expanded the production of higher-value dairy products, including cheese with improved quality and packaging that meets higher market standards.

Participation in the network has shown her that empowerment is not only about receiving tools but also about building collective strength, being visible and staying connected. In the informal network, she is known as one of the most active members, encouraging others through skill-sharing, hands-on demonstrations and regular knowledge-sharing interactions.

Similar changes are emerging in other rural areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where women producers are becoming more visible.

“This kind of project offers women who face obstacles every day the opportunity to become competitive, protect production, enable rural development and remain on their land,” said Alisa Čelebić, National Consultant on the FAO–UN Women initiative. “They show that progress is possible when support is targeted and consistent.”

The signs of change are tangible: a woman’s name on a farm registry, a network of peers who share knowledge, and material improvements such as a cooling tank, a labour-saving machine, a generator and a sealed package of cheese ready for sale.

In rural Bosnia and Herzegovina, many small farms are under pressure as people leave for work elsewhere. For families that stay, agriculture remains one of the few ways to earn a living close to home. The support Rebija has received helps her keep production steady and earn regular income, allowing her family to remain in Tršće. Similar support is helping other women farmers, too, continue to work the land and keep their rural communities alive. When they are given the chance to thrive, women farmers contribute to the continuity of rural communities.