Albania

We Effect operates in Albania using a rights-based approach, with a strong focus on sustainable rural development, environmental resilience, and gender equality. By working closely with local member-based organizations, we strengthen their capacities, promote social responsibility, and enhance economic stability. Our initiatives empower communities, improve food security, advance gender equality, and build resilience to climate and socio-economic challenges. Through these partnerships, We Effect extends its reach to approximately 50,000 indirect beneficiaries, furthering our mission to foster sustainable development and social equity in Albania. Our efforts are closely aligned with Albania’s aspirations for EU accession, supporting essential reforms and contributing to long-term progress toward a more resilient and equitable society.

Despite Albania’s strategic location and abundant hydropower resources, the country faces significant socio-economic hurdles. The poverty index reveals that 3.9% of the population lives below the international poverty line of $2.15 per day, with 11.3% and 34.2% living below the lower-middle ($3.65) and upper-middle ($6.85) income poverty lines, respectively. Food insecurity and malnutrition are pressing issues, particularly affecting rural communities where outdated farming methods and limited technological access hinder agricultural productivity, thus impacting food security and overall public health.

The 2019 earthquake exacerbated housing shortages and overall socio-economic situation, underscoring the critical need for improved infrastructure. Albania’s susceptibility to natural disasters, including earthquakes and climate-related events, poses additional risks. Structural reforms progressing at a moderate pace and escalating fiscal pressures further compound the nation’s vulnerabilities. Agriculture, a vital sector employing a significant portion of the population, faces challenges such as low productivity, inadequate financing options, and climate change vulnerabilities. Unsustainable farming practices have led to soil degradation, deforestation, and biodiversity loss, exacerbating environmental concerns. Gender inequality, discrimination against minority groups remain pronounced as a result of prevailing informal social and gender norms, with women experiencing significant disparities across various socio-economic dimensions. Addressing these disparities is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals in Albania.

In Albania, we support small-holder farmers, and our efforts are dedicated to promoting food security and sustainable development through a comprehensive range of initiatives. From supporting small-holder farmers in establishing cooperatives and empowering women in agriculture to diversifying economic activities and promoting sustainable farming practices, we work tirelessly to enhance agricultural productivity, address gender equality, and uplift marginalized communities. These multifaceted approaches are crucial for achieving long-term food security and sustainable development in the region.

Results in Albania:

• By the end of 2025, our program in Albania has made remarkable progress in promoting sustainability, gender equality, and climate resilience. Over this period, our initiatives have directly reached 1,524 women and 1,174 men, while indirectly benefiting more than 50,000 people throughout the country. This broad impact demonstrates our commitment to empowering both individuals and entire communities.
• A key achievement was supporting 42 farmers in Albania to transition to organic farming. With guidance from We Effect, these farmers adopted signaling forecast programs, which enabled them to reduce chemical treatments, lower production costs, and minimize pollution of soil and groundwater. This marks a significant step toward sustainable agriculture in the region.
• The program also played a central role in establishing Albania’s first local climate coalition, which brought together municipal authorities, civil society organizations, farmers, businesses, and schools. This coalition led to the development and adoption of the country’s first Local Adaptation Plan in municipalities such as Puka and Fushë-Arrëz. The plan integrates climate action into local development strategies, guides municipal policy, and enables resource mobilization for climate adaptation.
• By embedding sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation into local governance, these efforts have delivered tangible benefits to thousands of families and laid the foundation for lasting resilience. The results highlight the importance of local engagement and shared responsibility in building a sustainable and equitable future for all in Albania.