Characteristics of farming systems in Albania

This report is based on information collected from a face-to-face survey of more than 1 000 farmers from three regions of Albania (namely Berat, Elbasan and Lezhë To identify a representative sample of Albanian farming systems, a three-step sample design was used. A group of 11 variables dealing with the socio-economic characteristics of farms was selected to build up the farming system typology. Two typologies are used: one for the whole sample (three regions) and a second one for each region. The differences between the two typologies are considered to be a proxy indicator of different characteristics of farming systems in each region. The farm types identified are (1) poly-culture, mainly for the market; (2) leisure farms; (3) arable crops; (4) fruit trees; (5) self-sufficient; and (6) livestock. The farm typology is slightly different for the regions of Berat and Lezhë. The farm types’ strategies are constructed according to the land, infrastructure facilities and the investment availability of farms. Non-agricultural incomes (remittances, income from the construction, trade, pensions, etc.) appear to provide an important economic support for the farm household. Farming structures in rural areas are characterised by the use of more labour and lower inputs. The farm types that tend to specialise in one activity are not always those that make the best use of labour and land. Farming does not provide enough income to repay the work put in at the official minimum wage level. Non-agricultural work is better paid. Albanian farms provide at least a minimal income that is enough to keep the household members above the threshold of extreme poverty. The farm types that base their incomes on agricultural activities are poorer than those that base their income on non-agricultural activities. Income structures and the low incomes generated by work in agriculture suggests that rural migration towards urban areas and abroad is a phenomenon that will persist into the future.JRC.J.4-Agriculture and Life Sciences in the Econom

Whose salad is organic? An attribute segmentation perspective-evidence from Albania

Organic agriculture remains a black box attribute when considering consumer behaviour and preferences in developing countries. This is due partially to a lack of awareness about such products in addition to a lack of trust in relation to the certification bodies responsible. Meanwhile, increasing demand for these products comes as a result of food intolerance and hygiene safety issues. Through this framework it is crucial to clarify the concept from the consumer perspective. The objective of this paper is to understand consumer perceptions regarding organic attributes and identify the characteristics considered by consumers when buying organic products. The relative importance index shows the sensitivity of Albanian consumers in relation to the organic attribute, mainly in fruit and vegetables. Through the Contingent Valuation Method it is estimated that the consumer will pay an average premium of 27.7% for organic vegetables and 28.3% for organic fruit. The segmentation approach indicates that consumers linking organic attributes with health expressed a high willingness to pay for organic products. However, the majority use price as the main indicator of the quality of the product they consume; a higher price meaning an organic product. This conclusion is important in developing countries where consumers display low trust in food safety mechanisms and institutions

Characteristics of farming systems in Albania

International audienceIt aims to provide evidence-based scientific support to the European policy-making process. The scientific output expressed does not imply a policy position of the European Commission.Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for the use which might be made of this publication