Journal of Earth Science & Climatic Change
Open Access

Abstract

Farmers in Albania, in general, are smallholders with poor farming systems; with a low-level of technology and very high production costs. Adding to that, farmers now have to cope with the impacts of climate change. Based on many scientific studies, climatic conditions are likely to bring both negative and positive changes in agriculture. Our goal is to raise awareness about agriculture vulnerability in Albania. Our case study was Shkodra region which is one of the vulnerable regions to climate change in Albania. What is more, historically Shkodra have been historically affected by consequences of extreme weather events which have been intensified also as a result of the compulsory discharges of hydropower plants in the region during winter season. For this study we conducted a survey by interviewing 185 smallholders in 14 municipalities distributed around 4 different types of geographical areas (mountains, hills, fields and coast). The purpose of the survey was to collect information about farming conditions and their vulnerability level under climate change. We also had discussions with experts, in talking about evidences of climate change impacts in Albanian agriculture as well as identifying the factors which makes Albanian famers vulnerable to climate change. A big concern for smallholders was the use of water in agriculture due to a lack of irrigation systems and a fluctuation of precipitation in the recent decades. They have experienced both positive and negative impacts from climate change in relation to food production bug because of market conditions and farming systems they are not responding to such impacts. Statistical methods have been used to analyze information collected from the survey. The techniques that we have been using are mainly tabular and graphical presentations. The participatory approach is based on the perceptions and assessment of the farmers of the selected areas.

Biography

Ada Metaliu has her expertise in agrarian economy. She has been awarded with Ph.D. Scholarship in Socio-economic modelling related to climate change by IPCC and Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. She also received a Master degree in Business management from International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies. She worked for FAO as National Consultant, Gender research assistant and translator in Albania. She became a Climate Leader in Climate Reality Project, Pittsburgh (United States) 2017. She also participated in Climate Change Adaptation" workshop, National ECRAN Adaptation Teams Launch workshop for Balkan (step A, B1, B2) Financed by the TAIEX “Technical Assistance and Information Exchange instrument of the European Commission”
Email:ada.metaliu@yahoo.com