Albania
In Albania, Oxfam's focus is on livelihoods and increasing farmers' access to markets. We also campaign for fairer trade rules.
Building a better future
The last communist state to fall in Europe, Albania is still one of the region's poorest countries. Its transition to a market economy has been uneven and painful, with a divide opening up between rich and poor.
- A quarter of Albanians currently live in poverty
- Farmers in remote rural areas are particularly badly affected. Many are forced to emigrate to make a living
How Oxfam is helping
We help people make a sustainable living from their land so that they can work their way out of poverty. We are also working with groups of poor farmers to lobby the government to provide better support to the agricultural sector.
Oxfam gave us the belief in working together, and now we co-operate with each other and get a better price for what we collect.
Pjeter, Kiri Herb Marketing Association
Livelihoods: the key to success
In isolated rural areas, electricity, roads and transport are poor. Many people find it hard to make a living and are forced to emigrate for better jobs overseas.
My dream is to see the sons of my son live here and be able to make a living from the land.
Kol Kola, 94, Ukbibaj, northern Albania
How Oxfam is helping
We work with a network of 'key farmers' to develop new farming techniques. They then pass on what they learn to others. Women are specifically included to help strengthen their status in the community.
Before, women did not have specific jobs in the community. Now those who are involved in our project feel proud of their work and have a higher status in the family.
Lume, Ure-e-Shrtentje beekeeping co-operative
Other development work
- Creating marketing opportunities for farmers' groups by hosting agricultural trade fairs
- Developing disaster preparedness plans in case of floods, earthquakes, or heavy snows
Making trade fair
- 50 per cent of Albanians rely on farming, livestock and forestry to make a living
Albanian farmers are struggling to compete with subsidised imports from EU countries. There is no protection for their fledgling industries.
How Oxfam is helping
Oxfam holds rural forums to help give Albanian farmers a voice.
The rural forums give poor farmers a chance to talk directly with decision makers. They give a voice to remote, isolated regions, which were previously completely ignored by the authorities
Anila Vendresha, Oxfam's Albania Programme Manager
We use what we learn from working with poor farmers to lobby for fairer trade rules and policies that favour local producers. As a result of Oxfam's lobbying:
- Official development plans for Albania now specifically address the problems of poor mountain areas
- The Albanian government is aware of the need to represent the interest of small farmers in international trade negotiations
