The rural sector is one of the most important and largest sector in Albania, referring to the contribution to economic growth, gross domestic product, level of employment in the country and increasing the welfare of the population living in rural areas. The average small farm sizes, combined with the excessive land fragmentation, the low level of investments, poor infrastructure, and the loss of agricultural land due to the change of use, have been major structural challenges for the agriculture sector in Albania. The farm structures are dominated by smallholders with many small farms (1.2 ha/farm) and few large farms. Farmers and smallholders are critical for food security, as well as for poverty reduction of rural areas. The smallholder farmers facing a number of challenges such as lack of access to reliable and timely data on market prices as well as markets, inability to access appropriate infrastructure such as storage facilities leading to post-harvest losses or low prices as a result of low-quality produce. One way to counter the above challenges is through the agricultural value chain. If a strong market linkage is created, then it can lead to the development of the value chains, and stimulate an increase in the productive base of the smallholders. An effective market linkage increases opportunities for value addition which can benefit the farmers as well as the smallholders. This paper is intended to highlight the importance of farmers and smallholders in the value chain as a key to sustainable development for the rural sector.
The political changes after 90s were accompanied by major economic changes, transforming from a centralized to a decentralized economy. During the past two decades, public sector in Albania has been through a dramatic change, mostly on structural aspect. The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the performance of the public sector through indicators based on citizens' perceptions.Another aspect intended to be addressed through the questionnaire is the assessment of consumers'expectations of the public good, with issues related to the economy, legal and institutional framework, modernization of public administration, etc. The survey took place in Albania, wherein a number of questionnaires were delivered and fulfiled.In this context 16 variables were developed considering the sectors education, health, safety and security, law enforcement, transparency (information, accountability), property rights, investments and public utility services. The other purpose of this study is to analyze the differences in the perceptions of public sector performance that could come from different groups of interviewees, grouped by: gender (male or female), education (higher or secondary) and sector where the interviewee is employed (in the public or private sector). Evaluation of variables in this study are rated using Likerttype scale. Each variable is measured through items, which are estimated through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) as the most used technique in social sciences studies, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method is implemented. Referring to the citizens' expectations, this paper will contribute to enhance the performance of the activities of public organizations and government institutions. In addition, the results of this study, aim to help policy-making structures to improve the performance of public administration in providing public services to citizens.
The objective of this study is the consumer’s willingness to pay a premium price (WTP) for greater safety of fresh tomatoes and the factors that determine it, in the city of Tirana, Albania. Primary data are used for over 800 individuals collected through a special face-to-face survey. Econometric methods, such as multivariate regression model and multinomial logistic models have been used. Tomato consumers are willing to pay an average premium of around 16% over the current price. Among the most important factors identified as positively affecting WTP are the level of perceived safety risk of the consumer, the frequency of adverse health events in the past, the level of risk intolerance, consumer concern about food safety, and consumer knowledge about food safety. Household income and its size are two other factors that positively impact WTP, while consumer perceptions of the farmer's ability to produce healthy tomatoes have a negative effect on expected WTP. The religious affiliation of the consumer turns out to be a determinant of WTP. Demographic and cultural characteristics, such as gender, age, and educational background do not seem to affect WTP for safer fresh tomato. Finally, some political implications are discussed. Received: 30 October 2020 / Accepted: 03 January 2021 / Published: 5 March 2021
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