Challenges, Barriers and Needs for the Use of Digital Tools in the Rangelands in Bulgaria
The workshop explored the needs and challenges associated with the adoption of digital tools in rangeland systems in Bulgaria gathered during an online workshop involving 17 stakeholders (farmers, advisors, researchers, environmental NGO representatives, and a public authority representative). Participants highlighted structural and institutional constraints affecting grazing livestock systems, particularly in the context of predominantly communal grasslands managed by the municipalities or the state. Despite series of policy reforms following EU accession in 2007 aimed at fair and balanced allocation of common grasslands to individual farmers, challenges persist. Additionally, a significant proportion of mountainous rangelands falls within protected areas or Natura 2000 sites, where strict conservation and non-flexible regulations often limit farming activities, even under extensive practices. Key challenges identified include also labour shortages, especially the lack of skilled shepherds/herders, and a declining interest in livestock farming.
Barriers to digital tool adoption were reported as limited network coverage in remote grazing areas, insufficient and inadequate digital infrastructure, low awareness and knowledge of available technologies, incompatibility with existing practices, complex administrative procedures and digital platforms, and insufficient training opportunities and support for developing digital skills.
Stakeholders emphasized the need for digital solutions tailored to pasture and herd management, including animal tracking, security, and remote monitoring. Additional priorities include improving grassland quality, mitigating wildlife-related risks, and enhancing environmental monitoring and early warning systems for climate-related hazards. Participants concluded that successful digital tools for rangeland systems require context-specific adaptation and the active involvement of farmers in the co-development process.
Additional information
The DIGI-Rangeland project brings together partners from 10 countries, coordinating national networks (France, Romania, Greece, Spain, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Iceland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland), and also disseminating its knowledge within the Balkan network with its Croatian partner. Consult our publications and documents on the project website: https://digirangeland.eu
DIGItal innovation and data technology network for RANGELAND livestock farming systems
Ongoing | 2025-2029
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- France, Romania, Greece, Spain, Croatia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Iceland, Norway, United kingdom, Switzerland