Resource information
The Albanian National Land Consolidation Strategy is a national strategy with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe is a 15 year period from 2014 to 2028, divided into three major phases. The Strategy promotes the creation of economically viable, competitive and sustainable family farms. The overall aim is to contribute to sustainable development and to enhance the agricultural sector in an inclusive and gender and socially equitable manner, so as to ensure food security, alleviation of poverty and the rational use of natural resources. The specific objectives include: a) assisting farmers to improve farm structures by reducing land fragmentation and enlarging farm sizes; b) developing conditions for land consolidation, including a national land consolidation programme and the adoption of a legal framework; and c) implementing successfully the land consolidation projects. The Strategy is aimed at all farmers, with its primary target group being farming families (including all their members, male and female, young and old) who have the potential to drive agriculture production.The Strategy establishes a linkage wbetween land consolidation and rural development policies. Priority is given to equitable development of the quality of life in rural areas. Development of farmer associations will be supported. Land consolidation will give way to small farmers increasing their profitability and ensuring a better livelihood. Land consolidation will also make rural areas and farming become more attractive for the young generation. The development of rural infrastructure will create new jobs and prevent migration. The rural development programems will also focus on environmental conservation and sustainable development. It will be ensured that all members of farming families men, women, old and young will participate in land consolidation projects. The land consolidation projects will respect the property rights of all, including women and youth. A Land Bank will be established to be used in land consolidation activities.Support will be given to improve irrigation infrastructure and strengthening water resource governing bodies, as well as supporting modernization of equipment and distribution of high quality inputs. Investments in agricultural holdings, agro-processing and in the development of agricultural knowledge and skills will be promoted. Farmers will be encouraged to use under-utilized land. Developing rural infrastructure will encourage the development of non-agricultural businesses. The Land Consolidation Strategy will also help to develop and improve the formal land market. The process of implementation of land consolidation will also contribute to commercial family farms and farm activities such as dairies, slaughterhouses, sale of fertilizers. The land consolidation procedure consists of three stages: analysis stage, re-allotment stage and surveying and registration stage. The implementation and outcomes of land consolidation will be monitored and evaluated by three indicators which are land tenure, economic and social indicators.The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Protection will be the leading authority for land consolidation. The Land Consolidation Section designated by the Ministry shall be the implementing entity for land consolidation projects and procedures. Other entities contributing to land consolidation are Agriculture And Food Directorates, the Immovable Property Registration Office, cadastral offices, local government units, Territorial Adjustment Committees, Land Administration and Protection Directorates, Land Consolidation Commissions and Local Stakeholder Committee.
