Reforms in Albanian Agriculture

Book excerpt: Agriculture provides the livelihood to 60% of the Albanian population. Even though it is still fairly primitive and it will never probably ensure self-sufficiency in major agricultural commodities, it represents a useful shock absorber in the current situation of economic and social unrest. Since it started its transition to a market economy in 1991, Albania has carried out major reforms in the agricultural sector at large, achieving remarkable increases both in output and total factor productivity. However, more needs to be done to reduce rural poverty, stop environmental degradation and increase integration with regional and international economies. The paper provides an overview of the different policy and institutional aspects that will need to be considered for a balanced outcome.