FAO.org

The economic empowerment of rural women is critical for the continuing improvement of agriculture and further development of the rural sector. Increased participation of women in value-added productive activities requires an understanding of all of the barriers that limit their participation along the value chains. Addressing these barriers can transform women’s role in this sector and catalyse their economic empowerment. This study was conducted to contribute to the generation of knowledge for informed policies and interventions, which can close the gender gap in rural areas in order to strengthen the livelihoods of rural populations, reduce poverty and generate sustainable rural development in Albania. The study presents the results of a cross-regional market and gender-sensitive value chain analysis conducted in three geographical areas – Berat, Korça and Vlora – and at different levels of the selected value chains, including producers, processors, exporters and traders. From a list of eight predefined value chains, three were selected for this study: medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), beekeeping, and traditional food and gourmet production. Their selection was based on the high potential for growth that they showed for the actors involved in the chains, and the strong economic opportunities that they provided for the empowerment of rural women in particular. This study also includes an assessment of women's access to public subsidies, and a set of recommendations for governmental institutions and intergovernmental organizations. Finally, the study proposes an intervention strategy to advance towards rural women´s economic empowerment and diversification of the rural economy.