We kindly inform you that, as long as the subject affiliation of our 300.000+ articles is in progress, you might get unsufficient or no results on your third level or second level search. In this case, please broaden your search criteria.
Risk management is an integral part of the management process of any organization, including in the agricultural sector. The increasing adoption of digital technologies is becoming an essential part of the sector's activities. The aim of this publication is to analyze the opportunities for risk management in the agricultural sector through the introduction of digital activities at both macro and micro levels. Digitalization in agriculture is crucial for managing risks and reducing the negative impact of agricultural activities. It can improve primary production, supply chain, logistics performance, and reduce food losses and waste. However, digitalization may pose risks due to significant investment in digital solutions and lags behind other sectors. Traditional methods often fail to reduce risks, but digital technologies can transform communication channels, build infrastructure, and reduce errors in data entry. By implementing risk management strategies, farmers can obtain more benefits and free up resources for other sectors. At the micro level, new technologies, access to digital markets, and improved risk management are being implemented at the individual farm level, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector. The publication includes the following main tasks: 1) a theoretical review of the key risks in the agricultural sector; 2) an analysis of micro and macro risks in the sector that can be managed through digital technologies; and 3) key findings and conclusions. The publication draws its information from both – theoretical sources and agricultural sector research.
More...
Romania and Bulgaria are the only European Union member countries for which there was only one treaty upon accession. Thus, joining at the same time, we can consider that the starting point was common, since 2007 projects from European structural and investment funds have been attracted and implemented. The present research aims to identify the implications that European funds granted under the Common Agricultural Policy have had on the two agricultural sectors in the Romania- Bulgaria comparative analysis. or this purpose, data from European and international databases on European structural and investment funds attracted will be used, as well as result indicators that will measure the performance and competitiveness of the agricultural sectors.
More...
The leading role in the implementation of environmental protection and climate change policies belongs to the European Union. In this regard, the European Green Pact includes measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and carbon emissions by 2050. Establishing trends and the intensity of ongoing processes are of particular importance in revealing differences in the development of regions, as well as the need to take adequate measures to reduce and limit them. In this sense, in the article, monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions from the implementation of agricultural activity was carried out. An analysis of the levels and rates of change in greenhouse gas emissions by individual components of Bulgaria's agriculture was carried out for the period 2018 – 2022. In addition, a comparative analysis was made compared to 1990 and compared to 2007. The positioning of the individual regions in Bulgaria regarding the reduction or increase in emissions. The main goal of the study is to analyze the main indicators – carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) for the statistical regions in Bulgaria (North – West, North – Central, North – East, South – East, South – West and South – Central planning regions), regarding the current picture of the state and trends in the levels of greenhouse gas emissions from the activity of economic units in the agrarian sector. The analysis of the dynamics regarding the levels of CO2, CH4 and N2O shows that for all six studied regions a significant decrease in values in 2007 compared to the base year 1990 is characteristic. The percentage decrease is greatest for the North-Central and North-East region (–83.48), followed by the North – West (–57.95). The reduction of methane emissions is more than 60% in different regions, and for N2O it is in the range of –58.99 to –62.03. For the period 2018 – 2022, an increasing trend of the CO2 and N2O indicator is established compared to both the base year 1990 and 2007 in all studied statistical regions. For the same 5-year period, different trends are observed in the methane emissions in the individual studied areas. For three of them NWPR, SEPR and the SCPR, a sustainable reduction in emissions is observed. Despite the decrease in emissions in 2007, for the rest of the 5-year period, an increase is reported for the NCPR and NEPR, especially for the last 3 years. The South –West region is characterized by a decrease that continues until 2019, and for the remaining 3 years emissions increase again.
More...
Adaptation to climate change has been raised on the political agenda since the Paris Agreement (2015). The European Climate Law (2021) recognizes that adaptation as a key component of the long-term response to climate change and requires from member states to enhance their adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability as well as maximize the co-benefits with other policies and legislation at both national and regional levels. Local governments thus became an increasing important actor to prepare and act on climate adaptation. The objective of this paper is to assess the climate adaptation readiness of Bulgarian rural municipalities. The study is based on ord and King’s conceptual model (2015) for assessing adaptation readiness at various governance levels based on factors without which adaptation is unlikely to occur. Four factors are assessed in the study: political leadership on adaptation, institutional organisation for adaptation, availability of usable science to inform decision-making, and funding for adaptation planning, implementation and evaluation. Criteria and scores for assessing the factors are developed to address the Bulgarian context. The analytical method applied is content analysis of municipal policy documents. The Municipal integrated development plans (PIRO) for the 2021 – 2027 programming period are required to address their climate mitigation and adaptation needs in a specific section of the plans. By June 2024, 218 rural municipalities have published their PIROs online and 14 were either not available online or not officially adopted. The results show an average adaptation readiness score across the 218 rural municipalities at 3.22, indicating a ‘fair’ level of readiness. No rural municipalities reached a ‘very good’ or ‘e cellent’ level of readiness; 34% scored ‘poor’ level of readiness, 43% – ‘far’ and 23% – ‘good’. The ‘good’ scores are the highest achieved in this assessment and result from several combinations – a priority is given to adaptation and/or a combination of adaptation measures and/or responsible unit(s) defined and/or budget is estimated. The ‘poor’ scores are achieved in PIRO which tick the bare minimum for the PIRO to be approved – only general discussion of climate issues. A comparison of the results for ‘intermediate’ and ‘predominantly rural’ areas indicate no significant differences between these two categories in the EU rural areas typology. Still, the mapped individual adaptation readiness scores indicate certain geographical clustering of ‘good’ and ‘poor’ scores which requires further assessment.
More...
The pollution of natural resources in Bulgaria and the pressure on ecosystems make environmental risk assessment a necessary tool to overcome or reduce the environmental challenges in the country. Many environmental challenges make the topic of ecological risk assessment in Bulgaria actual and of significant public importance. The causes of ecological risks are complex. With increasing environmental challenges, the assessment of these risks become more complicated and comprehensive and the assessment process in both global and regional contexts is dynamic, developing and changing. Risk assessment is a necessary tool for identifying environmental threats in order to be under-taken a response regarding them. The aim of the paper is to assess the ecological risk in Bulgaria, on this basis to identify the types of ecological risks and outline proposals for their prevention. The methodological framework of the article includes a theoretical review of ecological risk assessment, analysis of environmental indicators in Bulgaria for the period 2013 – 2022, assessment of environ-mental risks in Bulgaria based on a survey. The risk indicators that were assessed are contamination of land resources, contamination of water resources, air quality pollution, biodiversity damage, natural disaster, toxic waste contamination, radiation, pesticide contamination, extreme temperatures and climate change. On the basis of the analyses and assessments, generalized conclusions, proposals and recommendations for ecological risk reduction are prepared. Almost all environmental risks assessed are identified as critical, and the strategy that would be most appropriate to address critical risks is risk avoidance. The recommendations that are proposed are as follows: 1) at institutional level – implementation of systems for continuous monitoring of critical environmental indicators, developing early warning systems for natural disasters and climate change, supporting environmental projects and initiatives, and organizing educational campaigns to raise public awareness; 2)at business level – investment in fixed tangible assets with an environmental purpose, renewing facilities and equipment, investing in safe innovative green technologies, optimizing production processes and reducing production waste, building sustainable supply chains and incorporating sustain-ability into corporate social responsibility; 3) at community and the individual level – collective efforts involving education and awareness raising, sustainable urban planning, effective waste management, public participation and volunteering. These and other measures can help to promote environmental awareness among consumers, while at the same time to be supported policy decisions and initiatives that contribute to sustainable development. Implementing environmentally measures and activities at all levels – institutional, business and community in response to the threats would have asynergistic effect in terms of reducing ecological risk and overcoming environmental challenges.
More...
This study aims to explore the relationships among agricultural productivity, inflation, and farmers' income in Greece over a period of 33 years. Data: The analysis utilizes annual time-series data sourced from the Food and Agriculture Data Net-work, focusing on Gross Value Added (GVA) in agricultural production, the Producer Price Index (PPI) for agricultural products, and annual average farm household income (AFI). Results: The Granger causality analysis reveals a bidirectional causal relationship between agricul-tural productivity and farmers' income. Additionally, a significant impact of productivity on inflation and inflation on income is observed, indicating that changes in agricultural production value precede variations in producer prices. Conclusions: These findings highlight the complex interactions within the agricultural sector, sug-gesting that enhancing productivity can improve farmers' income while mitigating inflationary pres-sures. The study emphasizes the importance of targeted policies to foster sustainable agricultural growth and economic stability in rural communities.
More...
The study of rural areas’ development is a subject of extensive research and analyses. Globalization and the process of digitalization have significantly increased the intensity and changed the characteristics of competition at any level, starting from firms and moving to the level of regions and countries. Research interest and efforts towards understanding, conceptualizing and evaluating competitiveness at regional level are growing, but yet the number of studies on the topic of rural regions’ competitiveness are quite limited. The paper aims at specifying methods and approaches used so far by studies devoted to regional competitiveness and how they could be applied on the level of rural regions. Three are the main sections of the paper. The first one briefly discusses definitions of regional competitiveness, peculiarities of rural regions, and changes of policies for territorial development. A transformation of rural regions is also underlined. They shift from traditional industrial structure (agriculture and labor extensive manufacturing) towards diversification of economic activities, also through being an option for the location of companies that are digital manufacturers. The second section introduces a classification of methods applied to assess the regional competitiveness. They are divided into two groups regarding the approach on which are based. With the first approach the focus is on the output of the system through different indicators. To this group belong indexes developed by worldwide acknowledged organizations as World Economic Forum, International institute for management development, Food and Agriculture Organization, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, European Commission, and the World Bank, the Index for measuring regional variation and competitiveness (Huovari et al., 2001), Regional competitiveness index (Dijkstra et al, 2023), and DEA method. The second group of methods are more descriptive and they aim at comprehensive analysis to identify the key drivers of regional development, productivity and economic growth. Among them is the Diamond model of Michael Porter (Porter, 1990). The final section discusses the issue of the applicability of methods used on regional level to assess the competitiveness of the rural regions. Conclusions are derived about the appropriateness of the methods for the assessment of rural areas’ competitiveness and a recommendation is given for the benefits of their co-use. One of significant limitations to assess the competitiveness of rural regions is the provision of data. Also, we assume and give some arguments that using a combination of methods, belonging to both groups, would be more effective way to assess the competitiveness of rural regions. The main methods used for the purposes of the research presented in the paper are a desktop research to produce a comprehensive review of the literature, and the methods of analysis and synthesis.
More...
In a context of rapidly declining populations and deteriorating demographic characteristics, research on the development of implications and causes of spatial disparities is expanding to encompass more and more factors and characteristics of regions. The aim of this paper is to assess the demographic trends in the Southwest and South-Central statistical regions and their implications for rural development. The subject of the study are the territories of the two most populated regions in Bulgaria, which include diverse rural areas – mostly mountainous and semi-mountainous with natural re-sources and potential for economic diversification. They include the two largest cities with characteristics of agglomeration areas, but also the municipalities with the lowest population density. The object of the study are the demographic processes and characteristics and their impact on rural development. A complex methodological approach is applied, which uses and combines quantitative and qualitative methods and thus assesses the impact of the recorded demographic processes and changes. The study was carried out on the basis of information from the population censuses con-ducted in 2011 and 2021, current information of the National Statistical Institute and expert assessment of 57 surveyed specialists in the field of regional development, municipal administration and agrarian economy. The results are analyzed for the nine districts with rural areas in the Southwest and South-Central regions (NUTS3 level). The first part of the report presents and evaluates the changes in the number of the population, as well as some basic characteristics such as educational structure, coefficients of demographic dependence, economic activity, etc. A number of negative trends in the ongoing demo-graphic processes have been assessed, which are most pronounced in the remote and border areas of the territory. In the second part of the report, the expert assessments of the respondents, recruited through a survey conducted in the period September 2023 – April 2024, are presented. They are divided into several areas: assessment of the educational and health infrastructures; assessment of the effects of educational and age structures on the development of rural areas; the impact of migration processes in direction to cities and abroad, etc. A four-point Likert scale was used. The prevailing opinion of the experts is that the level of income, the deteriorating educational and health infrastructures are among the main reasons for the negative demographic processes. They adversely affect entrepreneurial activity, the administrative capacity of local authorities and, in general, the quality of the workforce in rural areas. At the same time, the impacts are more pronounced in remote and border sparsely populated rural areas in the districts of Kardzhali, Smolyan, Kyustendil, Pernik and Blagoevgrad.
More...
The paper studies financial and credit support mechanisms necessary for sustainable development of agriculture in Ukraine, with a focus on addressing the challenges faced by small and medium-sized agricultural producers. The study emphasizes the unique economic characteristics of agricultural sector, which make it highly dependent on external financing due to factors such as price volatility, climatic variability and the high cost of production inputs. Given these challenges, the aim of the article is to analyze the institutional and legal framework of financial and credit systems in Ukraine and to propose approaches for enhancing access to credit for small and medium-sized farms, drawing on successful experience of developed countries. The authors hypothesize that the financial sustainability and growth of small and medium-sized agricultural producers in Ukraine can be significantly improved through the establishment of cooperative financial institutions and targeted state support programs. The study uses a combination of methods, including monographic analysis to explore the role of state support of agriculture in both Ukraine and developed countries, comparative analysis to high-light differences in credit service structures between Ukraine and countries such as United States and European Union members and empirical methods to assess social and environmental benefits of establishing a specialized credit system for agriculture. The study also utilizes abstract-logical methods to synthesize findings and formulate recommendations for the development of Ukraine's financial and credit institutions. The results of the study reveal significant gaps in Ukraine's current financial infrastructure of agriculture, particularly the lack of specialized financial institutions capable to meet the needs of small and medium-sized farms. An analysis of the practice of commercial bank lending in Ukraine shows that these institutions are interested in working only with those who use 500 or more hectares of agricultural land. The article identifies cooperative banking systems in countries like France, the United States and Poland as models that could be adapted for Ukraine. The study concludes that the establishment of cooperative financial institutions, supported by legislative and regulatory reforms, is essential for fostering the sustainable development of agriculture in Ukraine. Additionally, state support is critical to ensure the financial viability of small and medium-sized farms, which contribute significantly to agricultural output but are often excluded from traditional credit markets. Authors recommend the introduction of targeted state programs, the restructuring of existing financial institutions and the creation of legal frameworks that would enable the formation of cooperative banks and credit unions tailored to the agricultural sector. Such measures would improve credit access, enhance the profitability of agricultural enterprises and promote rural economic development.
More...
The two European neighbor countries, Bulgaria and Romania, have a tangled history and share more than the Danube boarder and their location in the Balkan area. They have shared part of their history, culture, religion and traditions. Even more, they constantly compare to one another in terms of development. This closeness has led to European political and strategical decisions to be made commonly for both countries, such as the adhesion to the European Union (EU) in 2007. After a considerable period of being full members of the European Union, Bulgaria and Romania still face similar challenges and are frequently seen as a whole by other members of the EU when important decisions, like adhering to the Schengen area, are made. Nevertheless, Bulgaria and Ro-mania have been full members of the EU for 17 years and need to contribute to the same goals as every member of the EU, including sustainable rural development, currently implemented through the Sustainable Development Agenda. This paper aims to analyze the evolution of the two neighboring countries in this regard by using statistical data from Eurostat bearing in mind the Sustainable Development Goals (such as Area under organic farming or Persons at risk of poverty or social exclusion in rural areas) by using a multicriterial analysis. Some findings suggest that, while both countries have a small percentage of agricultural area converted to organic farming, Bulgaria currently shows a decrease in this area, while Romania is slowly increasing the organic cultivated area. Also, the rate of people at risk of poverty and social exclusion is decreasing for both countries, Bulgaria showing a more accelerated pace. Yet, these two countries are considerably behind the EU average for this social indicator. In Bulgaria being around 39%, in Romania around 45% and around 21% for the EU average. Therefore, these two countries have a difficult time in providing social improvements dedicated to the rural areas. Even more, this piece of research points out that little of the data regarding sustainability available on Eurostat is focused on the rural areas. Therefore, a clear differentiation between stages of development and possible strategies for the rural areas are impossible to make. This comes also as a limitation of this research. The paper points out the current state of sustainable development in the rural areas of the two countries and the weak spots regarding data gathering for enabling proper analysis and should be of interest to both scholars and public decision-makers for further analysis.
More...
Since the beginning of the 21st century, a few positive changes have taken place in rural areas in Poland, including those concerning rural society. At the same time, the countryside has begun to become an attractive place to live, especially areas located near cities, well connected to them. The aspirations and needs of the rural population have begun to resemble the needs of city dwellers. The lifestyle of residents in cities and rural areas has begun to become more uniform. A smaller and smaller percentage of the population has begun to work in agriculture. Several non-agricultural jobs have been created in rural areas, and non-agricultural jobs are also available in nearby towns. Therefore, expanding the educational competences or the level of formal education of the rural population to increase its importance on the labor market in the city and in the countryside is very important. At the same time, both the average size of the farm and the scale of neighboring leases have increased (Karwat-Woźniak, 2015; Karwat-Woźniak and Buks, 2022) and, to put it simply, it can be noted that even in one village, only a few professionally trained farmers (Doichinova, Stoyanova, 2020) run a farm. A positive phenomenon is the increase in the life expectancy of Polish residents, but at the same time, the progressive process of population ageing has been noted. During the period of EU membership, the rural population realized its educational aspirations by increasing the level of education and reducing educational differences in relation to the population in cities. Activities to popularize adult education have become important, consisting both in improving accessibility and in raising awareness of the benefits of lifelong learning and acquiring civilizational competences, including improving digital skills. It should be noted that the course of demographic phenomena, starting from 2020, was greatly influenced by the outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic, which contributed to a higher number of deaths than in previous years and thus deepening the unfavorable trends of population ageing that have appeared in the last dozen or so years in our country and Europe. The article is an attempt to make a social, and primarily demographic, characterization of rural residents in Poland at the threshold of the third decade of the 21st century and the changes that have taken place in this area over the last twenty years.
More...
The Municipality of Prishtina, located in the heart of Kosovo, embodies significant agricultural potential that can be unlocked through innovative practices. Integrating smart agriculture technologies offer a unique opportunity to revolutionize traditional farming methods and empower women farmers as key stakeholders. Women farmers play a crucial role in food production and security but often face challenges such as limited access to resources, technology, and decision-making power. By leveraging smart agriculture solutions tailored to their needs, we can bridge these gaps and create a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector. Through precision farming techniques, IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, data analytics, and other cutting-edge technologies, women farmers in Prishtina can enhance productivity, optimize resource management, and reduce environmental impact. These advancements streamline farming operations and provide valuable insights, empowering women farmers to make informed decisions and adapt to changing market dynamics. The adoption of smart agriculture practices not only boosts agricultural productivity but also fosters economic growth, improves livelihoods, and strengthens the resilience of rural communities. Focusing on empowering women farmers through smart agriculture can catalyze a ripple effect, uplifting the entire agricultural ecosystem in Prishtina. This study highlights the transformative potential of smart agriculture in empowering women farmers, driving rural development, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the Municipality of Prishtina. It underscores the importance of gender-inclusive approaches in leveraging technology for the betterment of agricultural communities and broader society.
More...
There is currently a debate in academic research and in the EU forum about the role of social entrepreneurship in rural development. The Rural Women's Circles has been emphasized for its contribution to positive change in the countryside and for preserving the customs and traditions of regions in Poland and Europe for more than 100 years. These organizations work for the benefit of local communities by providing various services, engaging in reintegration, and creating jobs for excluded people. Many of these organizations are active in promoting culture, tradition, tourism, and other social activities in rural areas. A new area of research is emerging, covering social and economic issues, including entrepreneurship and management. This article aims to highlight the significance of Rural Women's Circles in Poland and Europe and to analyze the changes in the number of these entities. The research was conducted in Poland in 2024 using an online survey method (CAWI) and a total of 304 respondents were obtained. They were women (100%), members of rural woman circles. The survey was anonymous and focused on activities undertaken by women in villages and their motivations. The article presents the most important areas of activities of these entities. The activities of village women's circles are usually dictated by an internal need and their action is usually “bottom-up”. Self-motivation, friendship, and the desire to help the neighborhood are the main drivers for the establishment of rural women's circles in Poland (and Europe). Today's rural women's circles are formed by young women who are active and united by common goals. This is not only to cultivate traditions but also to develop the region and self-career. KGWs apply for various projects, thus acquiring funds for the realization of various goals. Directions for further research and research hypotheses formulated based on the literature analysis are also presented. The conclusions presented in this thesis can also become a guideline for other European countries where the rural women's movement is still in its infancy.
More...
In the last period the grain market in the European Union has been tested, the invasion of Russia inUkraine has affected foreign grain trade in various ways. Ukraine is one of the largest producers ofcereals and oleaginous seeds, with the invasion of Russia, the ports of Ukraine on the Black Seawere blocked, it had to be a land alternative, being the majority of cereals produced by Ukraine,through the countries of Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania (all being EU member states withrelevant agricultural activity). In the study carried out, the foreign trade with cereals in the EuropeanUnion will be analyzed in the context of sustainable development, imports, exports and the tradebalance of cereals will be analyzed in the context of an agriculture that tends from year to year to bemore sustainable, more sustainable with environment. Recently, in the European Union, most agriculturalholdings have taken important steps to become more sustainable, they have made investmentsin the latest generation technologies to reduce the degree of chemistry as well as to reduce theconsumption of fossil fuels. Through the analysis carried out, it is desired to provide an overview offoreign grain trade in the wake of the emerging imbalances, but also in the context of sustainabledevelopment. Globally, in 2023 – 2024 world grain trade is forecast to decline by around 1.8% from2022 – 2023, with export forecasts increasing for Turkey and Ukraine, but weaker export prospectsfor the European Union. This paper aims to analyze the external trade in cereals in the EuropeanUnion in the period 2004 – 2023, a period of many legislative and operational changes in the agriculturalsector in the European Union. The external trade (which includes the value of imports, exportsand the trade balance) will be correlated with a number of agricultural indicators such as chemicalfertilizer consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and certified organic areas in order to observethe state of EU agriculture in the context of the transition towards sustainable agriculture by reducingthe use of chemical fertilizers.
More...
The bakery grain market is an important economic sector of the food industry in Romania and Bulgaria,this product has always been part of the country's traditions. Bread and bakery products arewidely consumed in both countries, based on flour obtained from bakery grains. In 2023, the areacultivated with cereals for the production of grain was 1,977.8 thousand hectares in Bulgaria and5,239.8 thousand hectares in Romania and the harvested production in EU standard humidity was10,343.5 thousand tons in Bulgaria and 24,007.9 thousand tons in Romania. Competitiveness is aconcept used often for the analysis of an agricultural sector, at the macroeconomic level, being in aclose relation with food security and international trading activity from that sector. The subject ofthis study is represented by the analyze of the competitiveness of two categories of bakery grains:wheat and rye, these two being considered the most used grains for the production of bakery products.In this study it was compared the bakery grain market competitiveness from Romania with theone from Bulgaria. The main indicators used for measuring competitiveness, and used also in thisstudy are: bread and bakery products consumption (from 2019 to 2029), sales volume per capita in2023, area harvested with wheat and rye (from 2018 to 2022), the production of wheat and rye (from2018 to 2022), indicators related to foreign trade (import, export and trade balance, for the period),and Balassa Index calculated for wheat, and meslin and rye, for the last 15 years. One of the keyfindings of the study is that the area harvested with wheat and rye remained constant in both countriesfrom 2018 to 2022. During this period, wheat production in Bulgaria increased by 8%, while itdecreased by 14% in Romania. Additionally, rye production rose by 0.1% in Bulgaria and by 23.6%in Romania. In the case of wheat and meslin, trade balance is positive for both countries, while inthe case of rye trade balance is positive only for 2021-2023 in Bulgaria, in rest being negative forboth countries. The export of wheat and meslin on the world market provides a comparative advantage,particularly for Bulgaria, with a Balassa index of 13.8 in 2023, and for Romania, with aBalassa index of 8.70 in the same year. However, the Balassa index for rye indicates that neitherRomania nor Bulgaria has a comparative advantage regarding rye.
More...
The report focuses on livestock waste management, which is a key aspect of sustainable agricultural development. Animal waste, including excreta, bedding materials, waste feed, dead animals, and other by-products, represents a significant environmental pollutant. Proper management of this waste is essential not only for environmental protection but also for reducing farm costs, creating new market opportunities, and increasing the sector’s competitiveness. The adoption of innovative practices in livestock waste management is a modern solution aimed at transitioning towards a circular economy and supporting the European Union’s green policies. The main methods for effective waste management include anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis. An-aerobic digestion is a process that occurs in the absence of oxygen and allows for the conversion of organic waste into biogas. This biogas can be used as a renewable energy source, significantly reducing pollution and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. Another important by-product of the process is biosolids, which can be utilized as fertilizers to improve soil fertility. Pyrolysis, on the other hand, is a thermal decomposition process of biomass without oxygen, producing bio-oils and biochar, which also have applications fuels and soil conditioners. The report highlights the social, economic, and environmental benefits of proper livestock waste management. Effective waste utilization contributes to improving soil structure, reducing methane emissions, and limiting water pollution. One of the most common methods of waste management is the application of manure to agricultural lands, which enhances the organic content of the soil. How-ever, improper or excessive use of manure can lead to nutrient overload and environmental contamination, underscoring the need for precise management. Innovations such as the use of artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies provide new opportunities for process optimization. These technologies help farmers manage resources more efficiently and reduce the negative impacts on the environment. The report concludes that integrating technology, improving regulatory frameworks, and investing in farmer education are essential for sustainable livestock waste management. By adopting these measures, livestock waste can be trans-formed into a valuable resource, supporting both agricultural sustainability and the global circular economy.
More...
The Regional Development Program is a key European Union (EU) policy aimed at reducing regional disparities, fostering economic growth, and ensuring sustainable development in less-developed regions. The program provides substantial financial resources to improve infrastructure, stimulate business activity, and promote social inclusion. A complex institutional framework, involving numerous national and European bodies, ensures the effective and transparent use of these funds. Launching the Regional Development Program during the 2021 – 2027 programming period presented significant challenges. This report examines the program's management and control mechanisms and identifies problematic areas in the preparation of its strategic documents. A crucial aspect of program management is the institutional framework defined within the applicable European regulatory framework. The multi-tiered control framework involves various national and European bodies, with specific functions and responsibilities at European, national, and regional levels. The report also incorporates perspectives from various authors on monitoring and control procedures, informing the development of a conceptual model for managing Structural Funds. Effective control and monitoring, incorporating both internal and external verification mechanisms, are crucial for achieving program objectives and ensuring the efficient use of public funds. Challenges include bureaucratic procedures and inter-institutional coordination. Optimizing procedures and strengthening institutional cooperation are essential for enhancing control effectiveness.
More...
In the face of numerous economic and social challenges, rural communities in Albania, particularly in the municipalities of Dimal and Kuçovë, struggle with income instability and poverty. A key strategy to address these issues is diversifying the economic portfolio of households, which can serve to increase income and reduce vulnerability to external economic shocks. This study investigates the impact of diversifying income sources in rural areas on the economic growth of villagers. Our analysis focuses on sectors such as agriculture, livestock, rural tourism, and services, which together form the core of the rural economy. Using a mixed-method approach, the study combines theoretical frameworks on economic diversification with empirical evidence gathered through both quantitative and qualitative data collection. Quantitative data, such as income statistics and employment figures, are complemented by qualitative insights from interviews and focus group discussions with local farmers, business owners, and policymakers. This comprehensive approach enables us to assess how different forms of economic activity contribute to income growth and poverty alleviation in these communities. The results indicate that households with more diversified income sources, particularly those expanding into non-agricultural sectors like rural tourism and small-scale services, experience higher income growth and greater economic stability. Diversification also helps mitigate risks related to market fluctuations and climate variability, thus making families less vulnerable to poverty. However, the success of such diversification efforts heavily depends on the presence of institutional support, access to credit, training programs, and infrastructural development. Based on these findings, the study proposes several policy recommendations aimed at supporting economic development in rural areas. These include enhancing infrastructure, facilitating access to markets, and creating policies that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in non-agricultural sectors. Institutional support, such as training and capacity-building programs for farmers, plays a critical role in fostering successful diversification strategies. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that economic portfolio diversification significantly contributes to income growth and poverty reduction, thereby promoting sustainable development in rural areas. By addressing both the opportunities and challenges of economic diversification, this research provides a roadmap for policymakers seeking to improve rural livelihoods and enhance the resilience of these communities in the face of ongoing economic and environmental challenges.
More...
The report explores the pivotal role that digital content plays in shaping consumer behavior in the agricultural business sector. It underscores how digital content impacts the entire customer journey, from the initial exposure to a brand, through the decision-making process, to the eventual purchase and ongoing consumer engagement. The research delves into the marketing funnel, a key model for understanding how businesses can guide potential customers through various stages-awareness, interest, evaluation, decision, and loyalty-ultimately transforming them into loyal advocates of the brand. In agribusiness, where traditional practices have long dominated, the integration of digital strategies has become indispensable. The report identifies several strategic components of the marketing funnel that agricultural enterprises can leverage to optimize their digital presence. These components are essential not only for attracting new customers but also for maintaining long-term relationships with them. By utilizing various digital channels such as social media, content marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and targeted advertising, agricultural businesses can engage their audience more effectively at different stages of the customer journey. One of the core findings of the research is the importance of creating a cohesive digital strategy tailored to the specific needs of agricultural businesses. This involves selecting the right mi of digital channels and tools to reach potential customers, raise awareness, and eventually drive conversions. The study emphasizes that, in today's fast-evolving digital environment, agricultural enterprises cannot rely solely on traditional marketing techniques. Instead, they must adopt digital tools that allow for better personalization and interaction with customers. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also builds stronger brand loyalty. Furthermore, the report highlights the critical role that innovation and technology play in modern agribusiness. The adoption of cutting-edge technologies, such as data analytics and automation, can significantly enhance the effectiveness of digital marketing campaigns. Investing in analytical tools allows businesses to track consumer behavior and finetune their marketing strategies for maximum impact. In addition, training staff in digital technologies is key to ensuring that these strategies are implemented effectively. In conclusion, the report recommends that agribusinesses expand their digital presence by adopting innovative technologies and developing comprehensive digital marketing strategies. This includes investing in tools that provide insights into consumer behavior and offering training programs to build digital competency within the workforce. By doing so, agricultural enterprises can improve their competitiveness, foster customer loyalty, and thrive in the rapidly changing business environment.
More...