Albania learns to adopt the EU LEADER approach, with FAO help

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Albania Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development are working closely together to scale up efforts to equip the country for the effective implementation of the European Union LEADER measure under the instrument for pre-accession assistance for rural development (IPARD III).

Through targeted technical assistance, FAO is supporting national institutions and local action groups (LAGs) in the adoption of an inclusive and community-led approach to rural development, in line with European standards. This is the essence of the LEADER approach.

As part of the project Support to Improved Land Management and Local Rural Development in the Context of EU Accession, FAO is helping establish the frameworks, tools and capacities needed for successful rollout. This includes developing national guidance materials, conducting LEADER readiness assessments, facilitating knowledge exchange, and providing capacity development for the ministry, the IPARD managing authority, the paying agency, municipalities and local action groups.

Building skills for community-led local development

A capacity-building seminar held at the ministry brought together representatives of registered LAGs and their emerging initiatives, as well as central institutions and local authorities. FAO experts presented an overview of the European Union Common Agricultural Policy and shared experiences from European Union Member States, including from Estonia, a longstanding leader in LEADER implementation.

Participants also discussed the findings of the LEADER Readiness Assessment Report and explored practical steps to operationalize the approach in Albania. The interactive session allowed LAGs and government institutions to reflect jointly on the requirements for an inclusive, bottom-up and partnership-driven model of rural development.
“Building the foundations for effective LEADER implementation is vital for Albania’s alignment with European Union rural development standards,” said Agim Pepkolaj, FAO Programme Support Specialist. “FAO remains fully committed to providing the technical assistance needed to ensure the country is ready for LEADER under IPARD III.”
local action group representatives emphasized the value of learning from European peers.

“The seminar was very beneficial for understanding European good practices in LEADER implementation,” said Nexhmi Torra of the Mokër-Gorë LAG. “Our group looks forward to applying these lessons and strengthening local development in our area.” 

Learning from local action groups in the field

Ahead of the seminar, FAO and ministry representatives visited the ProPërmet LAG, one of the most consolidated in Albania. During the visit, group members shared insights about their governance, territorial approach, partnerships and development priorities.

With previous donor support, ProPërmet has implemented several rural development projects, including establishing a small-scale processing facility that supports local producers and small enterprises. While the LAG benefits from strong collaboration among business stakeholders, discussions underscored the importance of further engaging farmers, women and vulnerable groups to fully reflect the LEADER principles of inclusiveness and local participation.

The road ahead for LEADER implementation in Albania

FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will continue to cooperate towards the operationalization of the LEADER measure under IPARD III. The draft action plan presented during the seminar will guide upcoming technical assistance and training activities, supporting institutions and local actors in strengthening the governance, partnership structures and strategic planning capacities required for LEADER accreditation and implementation.

“Through LEADER, rural actors are no longer passive beneficiaries but active drivers of change in their territories,” said Eranda Selmanaj, Director of Programming and Monitoring of IPARD at the ministry.

Through sustained collaboration, FAO aims to help Albania establish a robust and participatory rural development model that empowers communities throughout the country to drive their own development pathways.

©FAO