002-2012-09-NOA_shkurte_rrustemi_success_story.docx

KOSOVO COUPLE PROVE EQUAL PARTNERS IN ACHIEVING – AND SHARING – SUCCESS

U.S. Agency for International Development www.usaid.gov Learning the basics of jam making – part of the training sessions for 15 farm wives, held by Shkurte Rrustemi.

Sharing the know-how for fruit processing – mixing freshly chopped fruit.

Attractive labeling – an important element in selling more product.

Shkurte Rrustemi is an example of what a strong, hardworking and courageous woman can do. During the 1999 Kosovo conflict, she and her husband, Halim Rrustemi, lost everything, including his carpentry business. Worse, Halim suffered a bad beating, which left him unable to work following the cessation of hostilities. Shkurte, in the meanwhile, got back to work, planting strawberries, raspberries and blackberries on their family farm in the village of Babaj Bokes near Gjakova.

Within a few years, after Shkurte had taken the lead in establishing the berry farm, Halim began to contribute as well, helping the couple explore different crops and new markets, as well as increase sales of their fresh fruit. Shkurte, meanwhile, began turning their fresh berries into delectable jams. So far, the market has responded positively to Shkurta’s jams, distinguished by their attractive labeling, high quality and diverse range.

Working together, Shkurte and Halim jointly represent their farm, side-by-side, in all meetings, transactions and other activities. The two also have been reliable and enthusiastic participants in various sales and promotional activities organized by USAID’s New Opportunities for Agriculture (NOA) project.

Today, the couple wants to expand by collecting and processing fruit grown by other farmers in their area as well. Any increased profits should help to defray the costs of raising their three sons and three daughters. Admirably, even as Shkurte helps chart the future growth of their business, she has found the time to assist other would-be female entrepreneurs too.

Thanks to NOA’s organizational and financial support, Shkurte recently held two three-day training sessions for 15 farm wives, teaching them the basics of jam making. The sessions provided a rare opportunity for female entrepreneurs to share their experiences and know-how, as well as discuss the common challenges and opportunities they face. The participants’ farmer husbands, meanwhile, gathered on an impromptu basis outside the training sessions to discuss farming, marketing and other issues.

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