kukes region –territorial employment pact for youth

The KR-TEP is prepared in the context of the Youth Employment and Migration (YEM) programme. The YEM

programme is a joint effort of the Government of Albania and the United Nations aimed at enhancing the

employment impact of ongoing policies and strategies. It is funded by the Government of Spain through the

Millennium Development Goal Achievement Fund (MDG-F)

KUKES REGION

TERRITORIAL EMPLOYMENT PACT

FOR YOUTH

Këshilli i Qarkut KukësKukës Regional Council

MDG United NationsALBANIA

UN Joint Programme on YOUTH EMPLOYMENT and MIGRATION

This document was developed with the technical assistance of the International Labour Office

3

The preparation of the 2011 Territorial Employment Pact (TEP) for Youth

was led by the Regional Employment Board, a multi-stakeholder body established

under the aegis of the Kukes Regional Council. The Ministry of Labour, Social

Affairs and Equal Opportunities facilitated the dialogue among national and

local partners and provided inputs into the 6-month long consultation process.

Fation Dragoshi, local economic development expert, conducted the

territorial audit, prepared the final text of TEP, and consolidated all the inputs

in one coherent document under the technical guidance and supervision of

Daniela Zampini, Chief Technical Adviser of the UN Joint Programme on

Youth Employment and Migration (YEM).

Special thanks go to Shefqet Bruka, Chairman of the Kukes Regional

Employment Board, for coordinating the territorial audit and the sessions of the

Regional Employment Board, Kastriot Sulka, Deputy Minister, and Arjeta Late,

Director of Employment Policies at MoLSAEO, for supporting the promotion

of TEPs as a vehicle to facilitate youth employment. Employers’ and workers’

organizations have taken responsibility for leading implementation in the most

remote areas of the Kukes Region. Bukurosh Onuzi and his team have been

instrumental in delivering the commitment of the several actors involved in the

TEP.

Many people shall be acknowledged for having contributed in various

capacities to the articulation of the Kukes Region’s first TEP for Youth, starting

from all the active members of the Regional Employment Board. The best way to

give recognition to their efforts is to successfully implement the TEP and achieve

the objectives that were set out in terms of youth employment and formalization

of workers and enterprises.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible time

and work put in by the YEM support team: Emirjon Kacaj, Teuta Zejno and

Blerina Dhrami. Thanks to Adi Haluli for his careful driving in the most remote

corners of the Kukes Region.

Acknowledgements

5

Contents

List of Acronyms .........................................................................................................................6

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .........................................................................................................9

ACTION PLAN.......................................................................................................................14

Action 1: Regulatory interventions towards the formalization of employment ...........................14

Action 2: Incentives for transition to formalization of workers in the mining industry ..............17

Action 3: Employment generation and formalization through local networks

of producers (apple trees) ..........................................................................................................22

Action 4: Formalization of employment through upgrading of rural enterprises

(goat breeding) ..........................................................................................................................26

Action 5: Formalization of employment through upgrading of rural enterprises

(beekeeping)..............................................................................................................................30

Action 6: Formalization and generation of employment through upgrading of rural

enterprises (chestnuts) ...............................................................................................................34

Action 7: Formalization and generation of employment through upgrading of

rural enterprises (potato growers and collectors) ........................................................................38

Action 8: Generating employment through value chain upgrading (fish) for

micro enterprises .......................................................................................................................42

Action 9: Employment generation for young women in the handicrafts sector ..........................45

Action 10: Creating opportunities for (better) employment for young people in

the tourism sector......................................................................................................................49

Action 11: Regulatory framework for formalizing employment through support

to micro-enterprises...................................................................................................................52

Action 12: Generating ideas for sustainable enterprises..............................................................54

ANNEX 1: Summary Table.......................................................................................................56

ANNEX 2: List of Participants to the KR-TEP .........................................................................58

SIGNATORIES........................................................................................................................60

6

AAAA Albanian Artisans’ Association

ADAD Agriculture Development Association

BDS Business Development Services

CfAA Call for Applications

CfP Call for Proposals

CFWW Contributing Family Workers

CoATU Confederation of Albanian Trade Unions

DCM Decision of the Council of Ministers

GoAA Government of Albania

ILC International Labour Conference

ILO International Labour Organization

ILS LEDAA International Liaison Services for Local Economic

Development Agencies

IMI Illyria Minerals Industry

IOM International Organization for Migration

ISI Institute for Social Insurances

KBAA Kukes Beekeepers’ Association

KFF Kukes Farmers Federation

KRR Kukes Region

KRC Kukes Regional Council

KRTEP Kukes Region Tourism and Environment Promotion

LC Lincoln Centre

LEAAA Livestock Entrepreneurs Association Albania

LFS Labour Force Survey

MADAA Mountain Areas Development Agency

MDG-F Millennium Development Goals Achievement Fund

List of Acronyms

7

MoAFCP Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Consumers Protection

MoES Ministry of Education and Science

MoF Ministry of Finance

MoLSAEO Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities

MVETCNEA Mobile Vocational Education Centre for

North-Eastern Areas

NES National Employment Service

NRC National Registration Centre

OJT On-the-Job-Training

OSH Occupation, Safety and Health

PARD Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development

RDAFCP Regional Directorate of Agriculture, Food and

Consumers Protection

REB Regional Employment Board

REO Regional Employment Office

SADC Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation

SASAA Sustainable Agriculture Support for Albania

SME Small and Medium Businesses

TEP Territorial Employment Pact

UN United Nations

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

UNICEF United Nations Children Fund

UoITUAA Union of Independent Trade Unions of Albania

VAAA Valbona Accommodation Association

YEM Youth Employment and Migration

YES Youth Employment Services

YR@WW Youths’ Rights at Work

9

The Kukes Region Territorial Employment Pact (TEP) for youth is an

institutional innovation1 based on “negotiated planning”, where different

actors at the local level assume complementary and inter-connected roles and

responsibilities in view of employment objectives. The 2011 TEP involves around

40 national and local partners.

The implementation of the 2011 TEP (12 actions) costs 244,180 USD2, of

which 155,180 USD are provided by the ILO in the framework of the Youth

Employment and Migration programme (YEM) and 89,000 USD are in-kind

contributions of public institutions, enterprises, trade unions, and associations.

The TEP also leverages the impact of grant schemes for around 300,000 USD

provided by the Government of Albania for agriculture and rural development

in the region of Kukes3. It will impact 942 individuals (with 440 new jobs

created) in the Kukes Region and between 6-8,000 people at the national level

(trickle-down effect induced by changes in the regulatory framework).

* * *

A striking feature of the Albanian youth labour market is the men/women

and rural/urban divide: Young women are more exposed than their male peers to

inactivity, unemployment and vulnerable employment, whereas youth living in

rural areas are more likely than urban youth to be unemployed or to be working

in precarious conditions, and to be poor. Although regional differences in poverty

rates have narrowed in the period 2002-2008, the North-East part of the country

remains the one where most of the poor are concentrated.

Work in the informal economy appears to be the only opportunity to earn a

living for many young people both in rural and urban areas. Thus, employment

in the informal economy remains pervasive, with approximately 70 per cent of all

young workers exposed to it.

1 TEPs constitute a model of territorial concertation which has been adopted in many European

countries. They were introduced experimentally in 1996 and then re-proposed in a new form for the

period 2000-2006.2 The exchange rate applied throughout the document is 1 USD = 100.6 ALL. In some cases the

amounts are rounded up.3 Government of Albania for agriculture and rural development in the region of Kukes.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

10

To date, actions to address the informal economy have focused mainly on

reducing the corporate tax and social security contribution burden on enterprises,

with little attention paid to the determinants of informality and to issues related

to the enforcement of employment protection legislation. As a consequence, these

measures yielded limited results in terms of moving workers and enterprises to the

formal economy. Little attention has been paid to the costs associated with the

large number of workers engaged as contributing family members, particularly in

the agriculture sector.

The Kukes Region (KR) faces challenges that are typical of the world of work

in rural areas, such as: i) a high incidence of family and informal work; ii) women

and youth disproportionally affected by vulnerabilities; iii) poor occupational

health and safety and working conditions in certain industries; iv) limited

infrastructure and access to public services; v) lack of training and productivity

improvement opportunities.

In light of these specific challenges, the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and

Equal Opportunities (MoLSAEO) has facilitated the preparation of a Territorial

Employment Pact (TEP) for Youth for the Kukes Region, by supporting the

leading role of the regional authorities and regional employment offices (through

the Kukes Employment Board) and mobilising the support of relevant national

partners. The Kukes Region TEP strengthens the local co-ordination of ongoing

activities, programmes, and interventions that have a human and economic

development orientation. It applies an “employment lens” to the ongoing

initiatives in order to bring into focus (youth) employment generation and

transition to formalization. The KR-TEP is a partnership of local actors based on

the conciliation of interests expressed by the multiple forces of the Kukes Region

(local authorities, business associations, trade unions, cultural and environmental

associations, professional bodies, financial institutions, etc.).

The Kukes RegionTEP is based on 4 pillars which revolve around i) transition

to formalization of workers and enterprises; ii) a communication and awareness

raising campaign on safe migration and employment issues; iii) livelihood and

employability training tools delivered through a partnership with the Don

Bosko Center and other training institutions that operate in collaboration with

the Youth Employment Service (YES) Centre within the Regional Employment

Office (REO); iv) work-training programmes established through the REO. The

12 actions included in this document describe in detail the first pillar of the KR-

TEP and highlight a series of service lines established in the Kukes Region to

facilitate youth employment and the transition of workers to formalization.

The Kukes Region TEP for Youth recognizes that formalization is a gradual

process4. All actions addressing decent work deficits in the informal economy

4 This is in line with the 2002 Resolution on Decent Work and the Informal Economy, adopted by the

International Labour Conference (ILC).

11

have to take into consideration the diversity of informal work, the local reality

of rural communities where employment is characterised by seasonality and is

often based on family units, and the specificities of the context in which measures

are implemented5. Recently launched infrastructure projects and investments in

tourism and mining sector offer some employment opportunities for the local

communities in the Kukes Region. The interventions proposed in the TEP 2011

are based on the assessment of the main local (rural and urban) development

strategies in the Kukes Region such as, among others, the “Kukes Region Tourism

Strategy and Action” and “Kukes Region Tourism and Environment Promotion

Assessment Study6. This review has highlighted three main strategic entry points:

i) implementation of effective regulations that enable shift from informality

to formal status, which can assist in raising productivity, increasing

earnings, and extending coverage of existing rights, social protection and

social dialogue (see for instance TEP Actions 1 and 2);

ii) investments in productivity improvements and diversification of

agricultural activities, which have a disproportionally positive impact

on the incomes of the poorest and have strong linkages with off-farm

activities (such as for instance TEP Actions 4 and 5);

iii) implementation of innovative measures, based on training and incentives,

that help identify new sources of demand (including production for local

consumption and markets for high-value products) (such as for instance

TEP Actions 7 and 9).

Thus, the Kukes Region TEP establishes 6 inter-connected service lines:

5 This is in line with the 2008 Resolution concerning Promotion of Rural Employment for Poverty

Reduction, adopted by the ILC.6 The knowledge base for the development of the TEP has come from the work and analysis conducted

under other programmes such as “ART GOLD 2 Programme in Albania” or “Improving the Performance

of Livestock Sector in Albania”. Due to limited resources, there has been no opportunity to investigate

other potential areas/value chains for inclusion in this TEP.

6. Regulatory environment, including rights

1. Entrepreneurship and business advisory services, with a particular focus on women

2. Training incentives/skills training grants

4. Subsidised employment

3. Access to credit opportunities

5. Organization/association building (to enhance voice and representation)

12

In view of integrating European employment guidelines into Albania’s active

employment policies, the preparation of the Kukes Region TEP followed the

steps and methodology used for other pacts for employment and development

realised in several European regions in the 1990s and early 2000s7. In particular:

1. Identification of a relevant territory (Kukes Region and micro-areas with-

in Kukes, with similar challenges and potential for development).

2. Dialogue and collaboration between the Ministry of Labour and the re-

gional and local governments to seek the commitment of those who have

the resources and responsibility for the future development of the region

and its communities.

3. Completion of a participatory strategic audit of the areas (for instance

through value chain and sectoral analysis) for the determination of prob-

lems, common concerns, and prospects of the different actors who are

active in the field of employment in the respective area.

4. Identification of a planning group/development agency responsible for

the strategy (the Kukes Regional Employment Board, supported by a

team of technical specialists from the Ministry of Labour and the YEM

programme). The group is also responsible for continuous monitoring

and for evaluation.

5. Selection of a set of strategic interventions that are attainable within the

relevant time-scale and with measurable impacts in terms of employment

generation/formalization. These are formally laid down in an agreement

described as a “territorial employment pact”.

6. Mobilisation of the appropriate capacities and organisations for delivery,

according to transparency and efficiency criteria. In this context, national

and local authorities, as well as other public entities, undertake those

commitments toward simplification and acceleration of procedures;

banks and other credit institutions, within the limits of their statutes,

assume the commitment to support financial assistance; private sector,

trade unions and other civil society organizations carry out their roles as

stipulated in the TEP.

7 For a review of the initiatives and a catalogue of Territorial Employment Pacts in Europe, see

for instance “Territorial Pacts and Local Level Concertation in Europe. A multi-level governance

perspective”, prepared in August 2007 for the “New Modes of Governance Project”. The document

contains a catalogue of hundreds of TEPs formulated in EU Member States since 1996.

13

One of the comparative advantages of the TEP vis-à-vis

formalization and generation of employment is that it promotes a close

partnership between regional and local actors and the local branches

of the National Employment Services (NES), which is mandated8

to provide services to all the unemployed persons who are looking for work, to

workers looking to change jobs, and to employers, in order to achieve the overall

objective of full and productive employment, improving quality and productivity

of labour and strengthening social cohesion. While it would be unrealistic to

expect that the National Employment Service be in a position to extend fully-

fledged services to all the rural areas of Albania, the TEP actions, based on

concertation and partnership, de-facto extend outreach and impact of NES

services towards those who are unemployed or in vulnerable working conditions

in the most remote areas of the country.

The TEP was developed in the context of the implementation of Albania’s Youth

Employment National Action Plan (NAP). Adopted in 2010 by the Ministry of

Labour, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, the Action Plan offers to policy

makers over forty policy options that would allow the Government of Albania to

address youth employment challenges and achieve the objectives of the existing

strategies on youth development, migration, employment, and vocational training.

Moreover, the Action Plan recognizes that local governments and labour market

institutions need to have the capacity to design, monitor, and evaluate youth

employment interventions targeted to the local circumstances. In particular, Output

1.1.5 of the Youth Employment National Action Plan envisages the promotion of

“social pacts” on youth employment in regions with a high incidence of youth at

risk of labour market exclusion. The Kukes Region Territorial Employment Pact

for Youth is the first attempt to realize this local-level concertation. Driven by

the Regional Employment Board, the Pact defines the roles and responsibilities

of over forty actors involved in efforts to generate and formalize employment in

the Region. The TEP is a replicable model. With the support of the Ministry of

Labour, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, the Kukes Regional Authorities

can already begin promoting subsequent TEPs (for 2012 and onwards), with

specific actions and targets, and build relevant partnerships for implementation.

Other regions and micro-regions of Albania can also engage in the necessary steps

(see above) to move from a territorial audit to a Pact for employment generation.

* * *

8 Article 2 and 3 of the NES Statute, Council of Ministers Decision N. 42/1998 as amended by Council

of Ministers Decision 263/2000 and 17/2003.

14

Action 1: Regulatory interventions towards the formalization of employment

Relevant service line: (Regulatory environment)

Objective

To implement regulations that leverage incentives for registration of (micro)

farmers as self-employed in agriculture at the national social insurance system

(ISI).

Target A 1.8 per cent reduction in the number of informal workers (self-em-

ployed) in agriculture (over 300 people in Kukes and between 6-8,000

people impacted by the measure at the national level)

Background and Baseline

The 2010 ‘Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development’ (PARD)tt

allocated 15,000,000 USD for support to farmers throughout Albania. The

relevant Decisions of the Council of Ministers and the subsequent ‘Directives’

emanating from the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Finance and

regulating the management of the programme, have never explicitly foreseen the

inclusion of the specific requirement that PARD beneficiaries must be registered

as self-employed in agriculture. Such a registration is mandatoryg y in Albania y

(DCM no. 1114, 30/07/2008); thus, the provision of public funds to those who

are not registered reinforces an illegal behaviour.

Under TEP Action 1, it is recommended that the 2011 ‘Directive’ include the

criteria that each beneficiary of the programme shall be registered with ISI for that

ACTION PLAN

15

fiscal year. Proof of payment of contributions (or proof of inclusion on the social

assistance scheme) shall be included in the PARD verification process.

The Kukes Region receives on average 300,000 USD from PARD. In 2010,

the total number of beneficiaries was 504 individuals. According to survey data9,

the number of self employed and contributing family workers in agriculture

for the Kukes Region is 8,801 individuals, while the ISI register indicates only

3,155 people self-employed in agriculture (36%). It can reasonably be expected

that the insertion of the requirement that PARD beneficiaries must be regularly

registered would lead to the formalization of around 322 jobs and an increase of

ISI revenues by 4,265’856 ALL10 per year. PARD reports and data from ISI need

to be analysed at the end of the PARD implementation (January 2012).

Responsible PartnersMiMi inistry off LLabbour, SSo ici lal A Affffaiirs andd EEquall OOpportuniitiies (M(M LoLSASAEOEO))

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Protection (MoAFCP)

MiMiMi ininiststryry o offf FiFiFinanancncee (M(M(M FoFoF)))

Mountain Areas Development Agency (MADA)

Sequence of Action and Timeframe

In December 2010, MoLSAEO experts negotiated the necessary changes that

should be reflected in the “Directive” emanating from the Ministry of Agriculture

and the Ministry of Finance (based on DCM no. 1290, dated 23/12/2009) and

establishing the 2011 allocation to PARD. The MoAFCP shall issue the Directive

by late January 2011.

Sustainability/Replicability:

1. It is auspicated that the criteria will be applied by MADA and other agen-

cies providing grants/loans for the development of agriculture and rural

areas. MADA through its ‘Mountains Towards the Markets’ Programme,

subcomponent 1.2 ‘Strategic investments and market entities’, provides

small grants (up to 2,500 USD) for farmers and farmers’ groups.

9 (LFS 2008) Tabulation: Economic activity code (NACE Rev1.1) professional status (self-employed and

contributing family workers) by Region.10 Kukes Region’s districts are considered “highland area” and thus the yearly contribution for health

and social insurance is 13,248 ALL.

16

2. Subsequent revisions of the Directive (such as in December 2011) may be

able to establish that projects awarded a grant under PARD shall foresee

the registration also of the contributing family members that are indicated

as participating in the implementation of the PARD-financed project. This

is in line with the recommendation that special attention should be paid to

the vulnerable category of contributing family workers (CFW, also known

as “unpaid family workers”).

Risk Assumptions

MoLSAEO and MoAFCP might not reach full agreement on this and

subsequent modifications required in the schemes.

This additional requirement may reduce the “profitability” of some of

the PARD schemes and thus negatively affect the number of applications

submitted. In 2010, the cost of registration as self-employed in agriculture

(social contributions and health insurances) was 20,640 ALL (~206 USD)

per person/year, with the exception of 15 districts throughout Albania

(including the 3 districts of the Kukes Region), where the cost amounted

to 13,248 ALL (~132 USD) per person/year. According to our estimates,

only in the case of the scheme targeting small ruminants, the requirement

may actually be a disincentive. Beneficiaries may in fact receive 300 ALL/

per head, with an approximate total of 15’000 (~150 USD) a year. It is

thus recommended that the compensation level for this particular scheme

be raised to 700 ALL/per head, yielding a total amount of 35’000 ALL

(~350 USD) a year.

17

Action 2: Incentives for transition to formalization of workers in the mining industry

Relevant micro-area: areas surrounding Malzi Commune and Golaj Commune

Relevant service line: (Training incentives/skills training grants)

Objective

To create the conditions for decent employment of miners (including young

informal workers)

Target

A reduction in the number of miners informally employed, including

young informal workers, and affected by serious decent work deficits

An increase in the number of training opportunities and job vacancies for

young unemployed people registered at NES


Public authorities and mining companies in the Kukes Region face a

common challenge with regard to the illegal extraction carried out by individuals

hired by unregistered companies or operating in isolation. These people work

under very difficult circumstances, with essentially no safety at work. Some of

them do not have the basic skills for mining and/or knowledge of occupational

safety and health (OSH) at work. At least 3 fatal accidents occurred in 2010 in

one of the mine sites.

In April 2010, KURUM International and Sichuan Jiannanchun International

Group Ltd signed a 30-year concessionary agreement for the management of the

chromium mines and enrichment factories in Kalimash and Vlahna, respectively.

This Consortium will be able to employ around 450 people in the medium to

long-term. The GoA has negotiated that during the first years of activity, 50%

of the workers will be recruited locally and every year their number will increase.

Consultations with the company indicate that they may be able to recruit around

200 people in 2011. The formulation of the TEP created the opportunity for

18

MoLSAEO and NES to partner with the Consortium and the local representatives

of the trade unions (BSPSH and KSSH) and devise specific measures targeting

informal employment in the Kukes mines.

Responsible PartnersMMMoMoLSLSLSLSAEAEAEAEO(O(O(O(iiinin llclcl ddududiiining g lllalabbbobourur ii i insnspepe tctctoror tatat ))e)e)

National Employment Service (NES)

Regional Employment Office (REO) / YES Centre

MoMobibilele V VETET C Cenentrtree foforr NoNortrthh –EEasasteternrn A Arereasas

Malzi Commune / Golaj Commune

RRReRe iigigionon llalal EE E Empmpllloloymymenentt t BBBoBoararddd d (R(R(R(REBEBEBEB))))

Local Branches of Trade Unions (BSPSH

and KSSH)

Illyria Minerals Industry sh.a


1. Curriculum Development: Starting from December 2010, MoLSAEO

collaborated with the mobile VET centre for North-Eastern areas to

design and approve the curricula for a 100-hours course (theory only) on

‘safety and health at work in the mining sector’. The course is based on

the advisory services of several experts mobilised by MoLSAEO and NES

and builds on the experience gained in the Bulqiza mines.

2. Identification of beneficiaries: On the basis of an Order of the Minister

of Labour, the REO works in cooperation with the local representatives of

the trade unions (UoITUA and CoATU) to sensitise and mobilise people

from the communities living around the two mine sites of Kalimash and

Vlahna. The objective of the trade unions’ action is to raise awareness among

members of the local communities about the dangers and health risks of

working under unsafe conditions in the mines, particularly among those

who find themselves exposed to additional vulnerabilities due to informal

work or other exploitative situations engendered by illegal companies

operating without proper license. The trade unions work in partnership

with the traditional leaders in the relevant communes (Malzi and Golaj)

to distribute informative leaflets (around 1,000) and hold public meetings

with the local communities in these remote areas of the Kukes Region.

This concerted action is aimed at driving away people from the illegal/

informal operations and prepare them (through training and re-training)

to be progressively re-employed by the Consortium. The intervention of

the trade unions is meant to reduce the social unrest among those living/

operating around the mines and who may feel that they are losing their

19

immediate source of livelihood without understanding the long-term

gains of the transition to formal (and safe) work. In collaboration with

the local employment offices of Has and Kukes, a once-off register will

be created in the respective communes. On the basis of this consolidated

list, 200 people will receive training on safety and health at work in the

mining sector. Prior to undertaking the training, those who meet the

criteria established by NES, will be invited to register as unemployed

jobseekers at the relevant office.

3. Delivery of the training (April/May 2011): The REO, in collaboration

with the staff of the VET centre and the trade unions, will oversee the

delivery of the training and the examination process. The Ministry of

Education has already instructed the local Directorate to identify suitable

rooms for training in the communes nearby. Training will also take place

at the Kukes REO/YES centre. Those who successfully complete the

training will receive an ‘OSH Certificate’ recognized by the Albanian

institutions. Their names will be passed on to the Consortium, which, on

the basis of the trainee’s previous experience, will identify opportunities

for regular employment. The Consortium will organise further on-

the-job training to complete the programme according to the specific

requirements of the job.

4. Subsequent phase (Autumn 2011): The REO will identify up to a 100

youth to participate in trainings on ‘youths’ rights at work’ (YR@W) and

‘safety and health at work in the mining sector’. The first training will

be offered by the trade unions in collaboration with the YES centre and

the YEM programme. The latter will be provided jointly by the YEM

Programme (100 hours of theory, as per the VET curriculum) and IMI

sh.a and/or its subcontractor (200 hours of practice) in the mines of

Kalimash and Vlahna.

20

Indicators InputsPeople in vulnerable employment and

unem lploy ded are i idde tntifiifi ded a dnd partiti icipatte i in

OSH training (200 informal miners and 100

youth) organised by the VET mobile centre

Young unemployed participate in training on

Youth’s Rights a Work (up to 100)

People transitioning to formalization complete

on-the-job training (200 people in vulnerable

employment and 100 youth, with 200 people in

decent work after the training)

28,000 USD – YEM programme

1,000 USD - in-kind contribution of the local

branches of the Trade Unions (UoITUA and

CoATU)

1,200 USD - in-kind contribution of the

Ministry of Education and Science (MoES)

800 USD - in-kind contribution of the REO

(YES centre)

74, 000 USD - in-kind contribution of the

Consortium to cover OJT costs

Outputs22.11 MiMinene w wororkekersrs a arere f forormamalilisesedd ththrorougughh aa

joint intervention of NES, trade unions and

enterprises

2.2 Potential discontent is managed by trade

unions through community talks and dialogue

2.3 Training is jointly delivered by public centres

and private enterprises

105,000 USD

(of which 77,000 USD are in-kind contribu-

tions of partners)

Sustainability/Replicability:

1. It is expected that the Regional Employment Board (REB) will be in a

position to replicate this type of intervention with own (public) or donor

resources in other sectors where people operate informally.

2. The TEP process will enhance dialogue and partnership between the

REB, REO and potential investors in the Kukes Region (such as the

Consortium) as to maximize employment generation opportunities. For

instance, the Consortium already indicated that once the enrichment

processes start, they would be willing to recruit up to 30 women in

the Has district. Partners may need to explore the need for curriculum

development and training of young local women from the areas

surrounding Vlahna mine.

3. It may be advisable for the REB to lobby for the establishment of a mining

task force in the region along the lines of the work carried out in Diber, so

as to facilitate similar actions in the future.

21

Risk Assumptions

This action needs to be implemented sufficiently fast so as to preserve the

commitment of all partners (and particularly the Consortium).

Poor weather conditions and the difficulty of withdrawing from work may

adversely impact the ability of mine workers to attend the training.

Trade unions and other local partners assist to manage the social conflict

fuelled by those who were previously operating illegally and exploiting

workers in the two mine sites.

22

TEP Actions 3 to 8 revolve around interventions for employment generation

and transition to formalization of workers and enterprises in agri-business.

The overall objective is to formalize workers in rural households through

enterprise upgrading, access to market, and association building.

TEP Actions 3 to 6 contribute to two main targets related to i) a reduction in

the number of informal workers in agriculture; and ii) an overall 2% decrease

in the number of young people in vulnerable employment (particularly

contributing family workers).

According to survey data11, there are around 8,000 contributing family

workers living in the Kukes Region, of which over one third are young women

aged between 15-29 years old.

Action 3: Employment generation and formalization through local networks of producers (apple trees)

Relevant micro-areas: Has District (Fajzë Commune, Gjinaj Commune, Golaj

Commune and Krumë Municipality)

Relevant service lines: (Entrepreneurship advisory services)

(Access to credit opportunities)

(Association building)

Objective

To formalize and generate employment by supporting rural households in

joining a network of producers

11 Source: INSTAT, LFS 2009.

Statistically, contributing family workers, also known as unpaid family workers, are those workers

who are self-employed, as own-account workers, in a market-oriented establishment operated by a

related person living in the same household. From a labour market perspective, Albania faces a big

challenge with its 340,000 unpaid family workers, which represent around 30% of total employment

and point in the direction of high rates of job creation in the informal economy. A high incidence of

contributing family workers in total employment signals to policy makers that development may be

of limited scope, often by-passing the rural areas of the country. This phenomenon is often associated

with low levels of education (in Albania more than three out of four contributing family workers have

only attended basic education).

23

Target

A reduction in the number of informal workers (self-employed) in agri-

culture

A reduction by at least 2% in the number of young people in vulnerable

employment (particularly contributing family workers)


Has District is located on the shores of Fierza Lake. Surrounded by hills, it

enjoys the perfect conditions for apple trees. A few years ago, two initial attempts

to promote intensive apple plantations in this area proved to be a successful

innovation. In 2010, the Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development

allocated 331,820 USD to 504 farmers, households and/or groups from the

Kukes Region; out of these, 109 projects were intending on creating fruit tree

plantations.

Responsible PartnersKukes Regional Council (KRC)

Institute of Social Insurances ((ISI))

Regional Directorate of Agriculture (RDAFCP)

ADAD Association12

ReRegigiononalal E Empmploloymymenentt BoBoarardd (R(REBEB))

Kukes Farmers’ Federation13 (KFF)


Service lines 1 and 5: Business advisory services and association building

This measure targets specifically families with young family members of working

age (16-29), particularly female contributing family workers. It is expected that

up to 10 families from the designated area will benefit from the grants awarded by

12 Founded in 1996, ADAD comprises of 11 groups of producers in the mountainous regions of Kukes,

Dibra and Korca. For the last 15 years, working in partnership with the French-sponsored FERT, ADAD has

built a solid reputation with regard to the technical and advisory services provided to farmers, focusing

on a shift towards intensive fruit trees plantations. ADAD runs the two existing seedling nurseries for

fruit trees in Albania. The origin of the seedlings is certified in line with European standards.13 In 2007, some farmers from the Kukes Region created an association to represent their interests

and give them a voice vis-à-vis the institutions. The Kukes Farmers’ Federation is a non-profit and non-

governmental organization, which relies on voluntary work of its members. Its main governing bodies

are the general meeting and the chairperson of the Federation. The Federation tries to increase the

presence and role of farmer associations and interest groups in the communities in view of improving

working and living conditions through coordination, mediation and dialogue with the institutions at

the national and local level.

24

KRC (see below, description of service line 3) and thus establish intensive apple

plantations. Each successful candidate will receive recurrent specialized advisory

services for 36 months (starting from April 2011) by ADAD. Amongst others,

one main requirement for participation is that two family members must register

as self-employed in agriculture for 1 year.

Beneficiaries will be supported to join forces in a group of common interest,

which will be initially assisted by ADAD. This group will subsequently become a

member of the Kukes Farmers’ Federation (KFF). Moreover, ADAD will realise a

transfer of skills to the young people of working age in the selected families with

regard to basic notions of agricultural enterprise management. In order to benefit

from the scheme, the head of household shall prove to be registered at ISI together

with any family member participating in the implementation of the project.

Service line 3 – Access to credit opportunities

This action envisages a 10,000 USD grant component, which will be

administered by KRC.

In collaboration with KRC, towards the end of March 2011, the RDAFCP

launches a grant competition (based on the PARD model) for farmers from Has

District. Ten grants of 1,000 USD each will be assigned to selected projects.

Grants are not provided in cash, but are assigned to beneficiaries on the basis of

the proposal they have submitted to the competition and disbursed in accordance

with the individualized professional advice provided by ADAD as part of this

programme. The competition/CfP will indicate that a copy of a family certificate

shall be submitted together with the application. A group comprising of the

Head of the Development Department of the Kukes Region administration,

two RDAFCP staff and the YEM Programme is responsible for evaluating the

applications (the scoring system is annexed to the CfP).

Indicators Inputs

receiving financial support linked to advisory

services (10 farming households)

Farmers registering as self-employed in

agagriricucultltururee (>(>2020))

Young contributing family workers receiving

basic training on agriculture enterprise

management (>20)

2323 5,50000 U USDSD – – Y YEMEM p prorogrgramammeme

6,000 USD – in-kind contribution of ADAD

over 2012 and 2013

25

3.1 Farmers producing apples are assist-�� technical advisory services

3.2 Local rural micro-enterprises are in-tegrated in local voluntary associa-�� -��

29,500 USD

(of which 6,000 USD is the in-kind��

Sustainability/Replicability

1. The GoA runs an annual scheme supported through the state budget

(PARD)14. As the shift towards intensive plantations proves to be a feasi-

ble and affordable model to transition Albania into European level farm-

ing, it is expected that farmers with relevant know-how will be progres-

sively more eligible to obtain public sector funding to establish or expand

their farms. The shift towards intensive plantations can be replicated in

other areas and with other types of fruit trees.

2. It is also quite remarkable that ADAD has committed to provide its spe-

cialised services beyond the timeframe of the TEP in order to ensure that

the positive results achieved throughout the first year of implementation

are consolidated and farmers can sustainably continue expanding their

operations on the basis of sound advisory services.

3. The impact of the action can be measured vis-à-vis the performance of

other households working in agriculture. Two parallel assessment can be

run, with regard to a) similar enterprises (size, sector, etc.) that have not

received financial support; and b) similar enterprises (size, sector, etc.)

that have received financial support (through PARD or other grant pro-

viding mechanisms) but not specialised technical advisory services.

Risk Assumptions

Farmers may not immediately recognise the benefits of registering with ISI.

14 See Action 1.

26

Action 4: Formalization of employment through upgrading of rural enterprises (goat breeding)

Relevant micro-areas: Bicaj Commune


(Access to Credit Opportunities)

(��

Objective

To formalize workers in rural households through enterprise upgrading and

association building

Target

A reduction in the number of informal workers (self-employed) in

agriculture

A reduction in the number of young people in vulnerable employment

(contributing family workers)


Goat breeding (for milk and meat production) has great potential in the

Kukes Region. In 2010, SNV’s PROMALI project finalized the matriculation of

all goats and sheep throughout the region, thereby providing a reliable head count

for future interventions. In 2010, 363 households/farms with small ruminants

(sheep only), benefited from the PARD programme for a total of over 150’000

USD.

The average grant provided per household was around 410 USD. In 2011, the

scheme extends support also to households breeding goats.

27


BiBicacaj j CoCommmmununee

Institute of Social Insurances (ISI)


Regional Employment Board (REB)

KuKukkekes s FaFarmrmerers’s F F dededereratatioion n (K(KFFFF))

Livestock Entrepreneurs Association Albania

(LEAA)15


Service lines 1 and 5: Business advisory services and association building

This measure targets specifically families with young family members of

working age (16-29), particularly female contributing family workers. Twelve

households will be selected to become part of the scheme (see below for more

details on the criteria and selection process) and receive business advisory services

for upgrading their farm over a period of 12 months. Amongst others, two main

requirements have to be met in order to participate in the programme, i.e.:

Contributing family members must register as self-employed in agricul-

ture for 1 year;

The family should be in ownership of at least 45 goats.

The Livestock Entrepreneurs Association (LEAA) will be responsible for the

delivery of the services to the farmers. LEAA’s interventions will begin with a needs

assessment. Within 6 weeks from the needs assessment, LEAA will have elaborated

with the farmer a 1-year long work plan for farm upgrading. Emphasis is also on

dialogue among farmers and with other actors involved in the value chain in view

of sharing knowledge and experiences and exploring market opportunities. The

training component will be directed mainly to young members of the households

participating in the scheme and will cover issues such as: a) Breeding and selection

to produce more and better milk; b) Reproduction issues, cross breeding with high

genetics; c) Better feeding and pasturing practices (protein, minerals, vitamins,

water, feeding ratio, free choice feeding, feeding systems); d) Better housing for

extreme weather conditions (protection from cold and moisture); e) Milk and

milking, improved sanitation of milk and milk products; f ) Control of internal

15 The Livestock Entrepreneurs Association of Albania (LEAA) – was established in 1999 aiming to meet

the needs and protect the interests of livestock farmers. LEAA’s objectives include i) the enhancement

of the livestock sector in Albania by providing technical assistance and information on breed

improvement, management technologies, livestock equipment/supplies, genetic improvement,

livestock and agriculture laws, markets and prices; and ii) the advocacy for pro-poor interventions in

the livestock and connected sectors.

28

parasitic diseases that often lead to poor health and decreased milk production; e)

Improved marketing of dairy goat products.

It is LEAA’s responsibility to monitor the implementation of the work plan for

farm upgrading and submit quarterly reports to the RDAFCP and to the YEM

programme. With the technical support offered by LEAA, all beneficiaries will

be invited to become members of a group of common interests of goat breeders

from Bicaj Commune which will in turn become a member of the Kukes Farmers’

Federation.

Service Line 3: Access to credit opportunities

In collaboration with KRC, the RDAFCP launches a grant competition (based

on the PARD model) targeting farming families i) engaged in goat breeding, ii)

residing in Bicaj Commune, and iii) in ownership of at least 45 goats (as per the

SNV head-count). The competition/CfP will indicate that a copy of a family

certificate shall be submitted together with the application and a copy of the

payment of the ISS contributions for the relevant quarter. A group comprising of

the Head of the Development Department of the Kukes Region administration,

two RDAFCP staff and the YEM Programme will evaluate the applications (the

scoring system is annexed to the CfP).

Thus, this action envisages a 19,200 USD grant component, which will be

administered by KRC. Each selected beneficiary will receive a grant of 1,600

USD. Disbursements are bound to the 1-year work plan prepared by LEAA on the

basis of a needs assessment. Eligible expenditures under the grant are enterprise

upgrading measures, such as an increase in the number of goats (including billy-

goats); re-construction of stables and other facilities; purchase of equipment (such

as milking machines, food processors etc.).

Indicators Inputs

financial support linked to advisory services (12 farming

hohoususehehololdsds))

Young contributing family workers receiving basic

training on agriculture enterprise management (>12)

Farmers registering as self-employed in agriculture (>40)


1,000 USD - in-kind contribution

ofof L LEAEAAA

29

4.1 Farmers engaged in goat breeding are assisted in

transitioning to formalization with a combination of

crcrededitit a andnd t tecechnhnicicalal a advdvisisororyy seservrviciceses

4.2 Local rural micro-enterprises are integrated in

local voluntary associations that give them voice and

representation

31,200 USD(o(off whwhicichh 1,1,000000 USUSDD araree inin-kkinindd

contributions of partners)


In order to increase the knowledge base of the relevant value chains, project

partners will identify an international expert (preliminary discussions were held

with ILS LEDA) to perform value chain analysis on milk production and processing

in the Kukes Region mainly focusing in the Kukes and Has districts. This work

will be carried out in collaboration with the relevant employers’ organization (the

Agro-business Association). The outcomes of the value chain analysis will form

the basis for a review of the business development opportunities in this sector.

1. Starting from 2011, PARD offers a support scheme also to goat breeders.

Farmers that can reach the threshold of 50 goats will be eligible next year

for further upgrading.

2. RDAFCP, in partnership with PRO MALI and MADA, will replicate this

scheme focusing on small ruminants.

3. MADA’s Mountains Towards the Markets project will run until 2013

and build on some of the achievements and knowledge base generated

through the implementation of this action16.




received financial support; and b) similar enterprises (size, sector, etc.)

that have received financial support (through PARD or other grant pro-

viding mechanisms) but not specialised technical advisory services.

Risk Assumptions


16 In collaboration with MADA, a handbook on goat breeding techniques will be prepared and made

available to farmers in the area.

30

Action 5: Formalization of employment through upgrading of rural enterprises (beekeeping)

Relevant micro-areas: Tropoja and Kukes districts



��

Objective

To formalize workers in rural households through enterprise upgrading and

association building

Target


agriculture




Honey from Tropoja District has already carved itself a niche in the Albanian

market. The production has been estimated at around 90 tons per year, coming

from the over 6,000 beehives. Every year more families engage in beekeeping,

recognising it as a viable source of income generation. Some years ago, beekeepers

in the Kukes Region created an association, the Kukes Region Beekeepers’

Association, organised around 3 branches (one in each district) and assembling

over 350 beekeepers. The territorial audit identified quality control, packaging,

branding and marketing as priority areas for the provision of business advisory

services in view of upgrading the enterprises in the value chain and generate

incentives to formalization.

31

Responsible PartnersKKukkes RRe igion lal C Councilil ( (KRKRC)C)

Institute of Social Insurances (ISI)


RRe igion lal E Emplloymentt BBoardd (R(REBEB))

The Beekeepers’ Association

Sustainable Agriculture Support in Albania

(SASA)


Service lines 1 and 5: Business advisory services and association

building

This measure targets specifically families with young family members of

working age (16-29), particularly female contributing family workers. Ten

households will be selected to become part of the scheme (see below for more

details on the criteria and selection process) and receive business advisory services

for upgrading their farm over a period of 12 months. Amongst others, two main

requirements qualify programme participation, i.e.:

Contributing family members must register as self-employed in agriculture

for 1 year;

The family should be in ownership of 50 to 100 beehives.

SASA will be responsible for the delivery of the services to the farmers. SASA’s

interventions will begin with a needs assessment conducted in collaboration

with the Kukes Region Beekeepers Association. Within 6 weeks from the needs

assessment, SASA will have elaborated with the farmer a 1-year long work plan for

farm upgrading. Emphasis is also on dialogue among farmers and with other actors

involved in the value chain (including retailers) in view of sharing knowledge and

experiences and exploring market opportunities (through branding and better

marketing). SASA’s contribution will revolve around the provision of access to a

brand (ALPE ALBANIA) and the negotiation of terms of cooperation amongst the

beekeepers and with the major retailers in Albania (EUROMAX, MERKATOR,

CONAD etc.).

It is SASA’s responsibility to monitor the implementation of the work plan for

farm upgrading and submit quarterly reports to the RDAFCP and to the YEM

programme. With the technical support offered by SASA, all beneficiaries will be

invited to become members of a group of common interests of beekeepers from

the respective area which will in turn become a member of the Kukes Beekeepers’

32

Association. All beneficiaries will access, for free, to a barcode that SASA will

book for the beekeepers of the area.

Service Line 3: Access to credit opportunities

In collaboration with KRC, the RDAFCP launches a grant competition

targeting farming families i) engaged in bee-keeping, ii) residing in the respective

areas, and iii) working with 50 to 100 beehives. This measure targets specifically

families with young family members of working age (16-29), particularly female

contributing family workers. The competition/CfP will indicate that a copy of a

family certificate shall be submitted together with the application and a copy of

the payment of the ISI contributions for the relevant quarter. A group comprising

of the Head of the Development Department of the Kukes Region administration,

two RDAFCP staff and the YEM Programme will evaluate the applications (the

scoring system is annexed to the CfP).

Thus, this action envisages a 16,000 USD grant component, which will be

administered by KRC. Each selected beneficiary will receive a grant of 1,600

USD. Disbursements are bound to the 1-year work plan prepared by SASA on

the basis of a needs assessment. Eligible expenditures under the grant include

enterprise upgrading measures, such as an increase in the number of bee hives;

quality improvements; investments in packaging, branding, and marketing.

Indicators InputsFaFarmrmererss enengagagegedd inin b beeee k keeeepipingng r receceieivivingng

financial support linked to advisory services (10

farming households)

Farmers registering as self-employed in

agriculture (>20)

2121 0,00000 U USDSD – Y YEMEM p prorogrgramammeme

Outputs6.1 Farmers engaged in beekeeping are

assisted in transitioning to formalization with

a combination of credit and technical advisory

serviices

6.2 Local rural micro-enterprises are integrated

in local voluntary associations that give them

voice and representation

6.3 Beekeepers are better linked to the market

21,0, 00 USD

33


1. Through association building and cooperation for quality improvement,

beekeepers from Tropoja District establish a stronger brand and increase

their negotiating capacity with Albania’s largest retailers, thereby

obtaining wider access to national markets. The engagement with SASA

and ‘ALPE ALBANIA’ may increase the likelihood of products to be

certified according to recognised international quality standards.

2. Individually or as a group, beekeepers can apply next year for grants (up

to 10,000 USD) for further upgrading their operations in the framework

of MADA’s “Mountains Towards the Markets” project. SNV Albania also

plans on providing support to beekeepers in 2011.




received financial support; and b) similar enterprises (size, sector, etc.) that

have received financial support (through PARD or other grant providing

mechanisms) but not specialised technical advisory services.

Risk Assumptions


34

Action 6: Formalization and generation of employment through upgrading of rural enterprises (chestnuts)

Bujan, Margegaj and Tropoja e Vjeter communes




Objective

To formalize workers in rural households through enterprise upgrading,

access to market, and association building

Target


agriculture




Tropoja District produces high quantities of quality chestnuts. Collection

of chestnuts generates seasonal employment opportunities for a considerable

number of households. Currently, a micro-enterprise operating in Bajram Curri

Town has engaged in the collection of chestnuts in view of selling them in Albania

and in Europe (chestnuts are presently the only certified bio-product exported to

Europe from the Kukes Region).

35

The territorial audit highlighted some areas of intervention that could positively

impact employment opportunities and income generation for the local farmers.

These revolve around the provision of adequate treatment, improvements in

selection, storage and handling, investments in packaging and branding.

Starting from 2011, the PARD programme will provide support also to farmers

engaged in chestnut cultivation (12 ALL/kg sold to registered retailers).

Responsible Partners

Kukes Regig onal Council ((KRC)C)

Regional Employment Office (REO)

Regig onal Empploymy ent Board (R( EB))

Sustainable Agriculture Support in Albania (SASA)


Service lines 3 and 5: Access to credit opportunities and association building

In collaboration with KRC, the RDAFCP will launch a grant competition for

farmers cultivating chestnuts in Tropoja District to become part of the scheme.

A group comprising of the Head of the Development Department of the Kukes

Region administration, two RDAFCP staff and the YEM Programme will

evaluate the applications (the scoring system is annexed to the CfP). The measure

targets households collecting at least 3 tons of chestnuts a year. It is expected

that around 40 households will be selected to become part of the scheme. Each

selected beneficiary will receive a grant of 250 USD. Disbursement of the grant

is bound to the registration of 1 member of the family at ISI and 1-year work

plan prepared by SASA (Sustainable Agriculture Support Albania) on the basis

of a needs assessment conducted in collaboration with the Farmers’ Federation.

Eligible expenditures under the grant are enterprise upgrading measures.

Within 6 weeks from the needs assessment, SASA will have elaborated with

the farmer a 1-year long workplan for farm upgrading. Emphasis is on dialogue

among farmers and with other actors involved in the value chain (including

retailers) in view of sharing knowledge and experiences and exploring market

opportunities (through branding and better marketing). It is SASA’s responsibility

to monitor the implementation of the work plan for farm upgrading and submit

quarterly reports to the RDAFCP and to the YEM programme.

36

SASA will provide technical advisory services on improvements related to

product quality and market penetration. SASA will also provide access to the

ALPE ALBANIA brand by assisting chestnuts cultivators in creating a group

from Tropoja District, which will in turn become a member of the Farmers’

Federation of the Kukes Region. SASA will facilitate the negotiation of terms of

cooperation amongst beekeepers and with some of Albania’s larger retailers, such

as MERKATOR, CONAD, EUROMAX, etc.

With regard to the establishment of a loan

component to this service line, negotiations

are underway with financial institutions with a

comparative advantage in the Kukes Region, as well as

with organizations running credit schemes for micro-

enterprises, in view of mobilizing preferential soft

loans for the micro and small enterprises participating

in the TEP. Receipt of a credit under this scheme is

conditional to the presentation of the relevant papers with regard to registration

at NRC and Tax Office, as well as ISI.

Service line 1: Entrepreneurship advisory services

SASA will also provide technical advisory services in view of supporting the

(currently only) enterprise engaged in the collection, packing and commercialisation

of chestnuts in Tropoja District. The objective is to improve the product life cycle,

as well marketing and branding in view of expanding market access. As part of

this measure, the enterprise will hire, on a defined term contract [4 months a

year], 6 unemployed women from the NES register.

Indicators Inputs

susupppporortt lilinknkeded t too adadvivisosoryry s serervivicecess (4(400 fafarmrminingg

hhous heh loldds))

Unemployed women (6) hired on a defined term

contract (4 months a year)

Farmers registering as self-employed in agriculture

(>40)


11,000000 USUSDD – SASASASA’’s i in-kiki dnd conttribib tutiion

TR

AD

I TË D H E S

HI J

E!

37

7.1 Farmers cultivating chestnuts are assisted in


cr deditit a dnd t techhniic lal addviisory serviices

7.2 Local rural micro-enterprises are integrated in

local voluntary associations that give them voice and

representation

7.3 Chestnuts growers are better linked to the market

1515 0,00000 U USDSD

(of which 1,000 USD are in-kind



By organizing themselves in a group, chestnut cultivators in Tropoja

District have a stronger voice both on the local and on regional market.

They also reduce costs related to business advisory services, product

upgrading, branding, and marketing. They can also negotiate better

terms vis-à-vis the single enterprise currently collecting and processing

chestnuts in these areas.

Risk Assumptions

Farmers may not immediately recognise the benefits of registering with

ISI.

Financial Institutions may not provide a loan to the micro-enterprise

collecting chestnuts and thus opportunities to expand the business may

be limited.

38

Action 7: Formalization and generation of employment through upgrading of rural enterprises (potato growers and collectors)

Relevant micro-areas: Shishtavec Commune, Kukes Town

Relevant service lines: (Access to credit opportunities)

(Subsidized employment)


Objective

To formalize workers in rural households through enterprise upgrading,

access to market, and association building

Target


agriculture


young unemployed people registered at NES


The Kukes Region (and particularly the Commune of Shishtavec) produces an

indigenous potato of excellent quality. Only about 50% of the current production

is consumed locally. The rest of the produce does not reach the market partially

due to the limited road infrastructure and, more importantly, due to the absence

of a collection centre and storage facilities. A few years ago, the Government

of Albania (Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Agriculture) built a potato

collection centre in Kukes Town. Unfortunately, it never started operating. The

new highway linking the Kukes Region to the rest of Albania and its markets,

and the public investments in upgrading the internal road infrastructure create

39

now the conditions for viable business in growing and collecting potatoes in

view of selling them on the internal market (with a positive import substitution

effect), and also for processing, either in Albania or in neighbouring Kosovo

(value addition). The wholesale margins increase with the price increase, which

usually takes place at the end of the storage period. In Kukes, the storage period

can extend to the month of April.

Responsible PartnersKKukkes RRe igion lal C Councilil ( (KRKRC)C)

Shishtavec Commune

Kukes Municipality

InInststititututee fofof S Socociaiall InInsusurarancnceses ( (ISISI)I)

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Consumers’

Protection (MoAFCP)

RRe igion lal E Emplloymentt BBoardd (R(REBEB))

Kukes Farmers’ Federation (KFF)

Sustainable Agriculture Support in

AlAlbabaniniaa (S(SASASA)A)1717

Regional Directorate of Agriculture

(RDAFCP)


Service lines 3 and 5: Access to credit opportunities and association building

In collaboration with KRC, the RDAFCP will launch a grant competition

for potato producers from Shishtavec Commune to become part of the scheme.

A group comprising of the Head of the Development Department of the Kukes

Region administration, two RDAFCP staff and the YEM Programme will

evaluate the applications (the scoring system is annexed to the CfP). The measure

targets households producing at least 3 tons of potatoes a year.

This action envisages a grant component, which will be administered by KRC.

Each selected beneficiary will receive a grant of 250 USD. Disbursement of the

grant is bound to the registration of 1 member of the family at ISI and 1-year

work plan prepared by SASA (Sustainable Agriculture Support for Albania)

on the basis of a needs assessment. Eligible expenditures under the grant are

enterprise upgrading measures.

17 SASA (Sustainable Agriculture Support in Albania) is a project supported by the Swiss Agency for

Development and Cooperation (SADC) and Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs. The

project focuses on the development of rural and remote areas through environmentally-friendly

production practices and market-oriented efforts that foster quality production of Albanian agricultural

products for the domestic and export market.

40

SASA will provide technical advisory services on improvements related to

product quality and market penetration. SASA will also provide access to the

ALPE ALBANIA brand by assisting potato producers in creating a group from

Shishtavec Commune, which will in turn become a member of the Farmers’

Federation of the Kukes Region. Group members will also be put in contact with

some of Albania’s larger retailers, such as MERKATOR, CONAD, EUROMAX,

etc.

Service line 4: Subsidized employment

The activation of the Potato Collection Centre

in Kukes Town will take the form of a public private

partnership (with a private enterprise in charge of

managing and operating the facility). The contract

with the private party will include a requirement of

generating at least four jobs, for two of which the

company could benefit from an employment subsidy

(by virtue of recruiting women from the NES register). This service line will be

administered jointly with the Kukes REO, which will issue the call for applications.

Indicators InputsPoPotatatoto p proroduducecersrs r receceieivivingng fi finanancnciaiall susupppporortt lilinknkeded t too adadvivisosoryry

services (40 farming households)

Farmers registering as self-employed in agriculture (40)

A PPP is formed for operating the Potato Collection Centre (4

employees) and farmers in Kukes and Has (>600) have access to the

facilities

1414 5,54040 U USDSD – – Y YEMEM

programme

OuOutptpututss55.11 PoPotatatoto p proroduducecersrs a arere a assssisistetedd inin t traransnsititioioniningng t too foformrmalalizizatatioionn wiwithth

a combination of credit and technical advisory services

5.2 Local rural micro-enterprises are integrated in local voluntary

associations that give them voice and representation

5.3 Potato producers are linked to the market

14,540 USD

TR

AD

I TË D H E S

HI J

E!

41


1. Once the collection centre is operational, a marketing campaign needs to

promote the Kukes potato as a quality product, particularly to retailers

and processors in Albania and Kosovo.

2. The association building scheme should be replicated in several potato

producing micro-areas with specific focus on upgrading the technology

and entering new markets (through branding, marketing, improving the

quality of the product, etc.).

3. MADA’s ‘Mountains Towards the Markets’ project has identified

Shishtavec Commune as a priority area to support potato growers.


other households working in agriculture. A control group would comprise

similar enterprises (size, sector, etc.) that have not received financial

support.

Risk Assumptions

The MoAFCP might not succeed in transferring the ownership of the

potato collection centre to the Kukes Municipality.

Land ownership issues might slow down the process of transferring the

ownership of the centre to the Municipality of Kukes.

Farmers may not immediately recognise the benefits of registering with

ISI.

42

Action 8: Generating employment through value chain upgrading (fish) for micro enterprises

Relevant micro-areas: Kukes Town

Relevant service lines: (Access to credit opportunities)

Objective

To create the conditions for micro-entrepreneurs in aquaculture to operate

Target

An increase in the number of micro-enterprises registering at the NCR


The lakes of Kukes Region are host to a considerable fish population (mainly

concentrated in Fierza Lake). The “luciper” is in high demand both locally (due

to the increasing number of tourists visiting Valbona Valley) and in neighbouring

Kosovo. The territorial audit has revealed that the Kukes Region does not yet

have a proper fish market or fish shops fully aligned with sanitary and hygienic

requirements. At the moment, fish is sold directly at the fishermen’s boats. Fish

breeding and fish plants appear to be viable business ventures.

A few years ago, the Kukes Municipality built a market place destined to host

fruit and vegetable stands. However, a large share of the retailers has by now

abandoned the shops due to unfair competition from informal vendors (who do

not pay taxes and sell fruits and vegetables in the streets inside the market). Fish

shops may not run the same risk, as buyers would prefer hygienic conditions and

good conservation facilities over a cheaper price offered by street vendors.

43

Responsible PartnersKukes Regig onal Council ((KRC))

Kukes Municipality

Regig onal Empploymy ent Board (R( EB))

Kukes Chamber of Commerce (KCoC)


Service lines 3: Access to credit opportunities

In collaboration with the Kukes Municipality, the Kukes Regional Council

wwill launch a grant competition for project proposals aiming at activating fish

fshops from within the premises of the Kukes market place. A group comprising of

athe Head of the Development Department of the Kukes Region administration, a

member of the administration of the Kukes Municipality, one RDAFCP staff, one

representative of the Kukes Chamber of Commerce, and the YEM Programme

wwill evaluate the applications (the scoring system is annexed to the CfP). Each

of the selected proposals will be awarded a grant of 2,000 USD. In addition to

the grant, the existing facilities at the market place will be refurbished by the

Kukes Municipality and offered free of charge (i.e. without payment of rent and

local taxes) for the first 3 months. The Public Health inspectors shall certify the

sanitary conditions of the shops before they open to the general public.

The criteria for the selection of the proposals include registration of the

business/enterprises at the National Centre for Registration and the employment

of at least one person full time at each shop that is opened.

yIt is also a key requirement that the fish sold at the shops shall be bought only

from licensed fishers. Should this not be the case, the Kukes Municipality reserves

the right to interrupt the contractual agreement with the beneficiaries.

Indicators InputsBusiness proposals for reviving the Kukes

marketplace receiving grant support (2)

People being employed in the fish shops (>2)


1,000 USD – in-kind contribution of the

Kukes Municipality

OuOutptpututss8.1 The first fish shops in Kukes Town are

operational

5,000 USD

(of which 1,000 USD are in-kind


44


1. As more fish shops open and hygienic conditions generaly improve, the

requests from Kosovo for Luciper and other fish will increase.

2. The fish shops create incentives for more fishermen to be licensed and

operate regularly.

3. New fish farms will emerge in the Kukes Region.

Risk Assumptions

A few enterprises may value the importance of registering at the NCR in order

to run a fish shop.

45

Action 9: Employment generation for young women in the handicrafts sector

Relevant micro-areas: Kukes and Kruma municipalities



(Subsidized employment)

Objective

To support micro-enterprises in the handicraft sector in view of generating

employment opportunities for young unemployed women

Target

An increase in the number of micro-enterprises registering at the NCR


young unemployed people (particularly women) registered at NES

Background

Women in the Kukes Region have a long tradition and recognized skills in

handicrafts, mainly in textile. Until very recently about 3,000 thousand women in

Kukes town were producing artistic tapestry (mostly for export). Currently some

few micro-business initiatives produce handicrafts, mainly destined to Albanians

living in the UK. The Kukes Region Tourism Strategy18 has identified handicrafts as 8

a pillar for the development of tourism. The UNDP’s Tourism project is investing

in capacity building for handicraft producers and the construction of three outlets.

18 A tourism development strategy and action plan was developed in 2009-2010 by a group of national

and international experts for the Kukes Region in the framework of the project ‘Kukes Region Tourism

and Environment Promotion’ (KRTEP). The strategy and action plan were approved by the Kukes

Regional Council in late autumn 2010.

46

Negotiations are taking place to create the conditions for micro-enterprises to

have access to soft loans19 (for instance through the SME grants project financed

by the Italian Cooperation).


Regional Employment Office (REO)

Albanian Artisans’ Association (AAA)20



Service line 1 - Entrepreneurship advisory services

In consultation with the Regional Employment Board, the Kukes Regional

Council launches a competition/Call for Proposals (CfP) inviting micro/

household-based operations engaged in the production of handicrafts to submit

proposals for upgrading and expanding their activities (and transitioning to

formalization). A team comprising of the Head of the Development Department

of the Kukes Region administration, the Director of the Regional Employment

Office, an expert coming from AAA, and the YEM Programme will evaluate

the proposals (an example of scoring system is included in the annex to the

CfP). Priority is given to female applicants and/or proposals that entail more

employment opportunities for young women. The two best proposals become

part of the scheme and receive business advisory and other ad-hoc capacity

building support through the services of AAA. Further to an initial training, AAA

will provide ongoing non-financial BDS related to marketing, market research,

product development, and other capacity development interventions as the needs

emerge. In Kukes Town, the first training events will take place during the month

of July at the YES centre.

Service line 3 - Credit opportunities

The service line related to credit opportunities has two components to it.

Research shows that young people running start-up businesses often need to

associate a loan with a grant component. This is due to multiple reasons, including

the fact that repayment of the loan from day 1 is very difficult (unless special

19 In this case “soft loans” could be taken to mean: a) shorter procedures for evaluating the applications;

b) smaller interest rates; and c) reimbursement of the loan starting on 13th month.20 AAA, Albanian Artisans’ Association, was created in 2002 as a platform to pool the interests of artisan

micro and small entrepreneurs. AAA provides assistance to artisans in market research, marketing, and

business planning.

47

conditions are negotiated). Moreover, it is often the case that the grant is used to

do the capital investment and the loan goes toward the initial running costs (at

the same time the capital investment also functions as collateral). Thus, the first

component consists of a 2,500 USD grant which is administered by KRC (in

consultation with the REB) through the Treasury District Office. Two such grants

will be financed directly through the YEM programme. With regard to the loan

component, negotiations are taking place with financial institutions holding a

comparative advantage in the Kukes Region, as well as with organizations running

credit schemes for micro-enterprises, in view of mobilizing preferential soft loans

for the micro and small enterprises participating in the TEP. Receipt of a credit

under this scheme is conditional to the submission of the relevant papers with

regard to registration at NRC, Tax Office, as well as at ISI.

Service line 4 - Subsidized employment /enterprise-based skills training

This service line is administered by NES. In June 2011, an open call for

applications will be published by the REO for young women interested in

working in registered handicraft micro-enterprises. Up to 6 applicants will be

selected to receive employment grants. Priority will be given to young women

at risk of labour market exclusion (including workers in the informal economy,

contributing family workers, women on social assistance and returning migrants).

The scheme foresees the combination of on-the-job training and partial social

insurance contribution for a 5-months period (3 months of training and two

months of subsidized work). A contract defining the terms of cooperation will be

signed between the REO and each micro-enterprise receiving young unemployed

for on- the-job skills training. Employment programmes should start by mid-July

2011.

Indicators Inputs

handicrafts and receiving financial support linked to

non-financial BDS (2 operations)

YoYounungg didisasadvdvanantatagegedd wowomemenn papartrticicipipatatiningg inin w worork-k-

training programmes in handicraft production (6)

131313 66,6, 202020 UU USDSDSD – YY YEMEMEM pp pprororogrgrgrg amamammememe

1,000 USD - in-kind contribution of

the Albanian Artisans’ Association

48

9.1 Young women at risk of labour market exclusion

have access to on-the-job training in local micro-

enterprises

99.22 MiMicr /o/hhous heh loldd-bbasedd oper tatiions are assiisttedd iin


credit and non-financial BDS

9.3 Local micro-enterprises are linked to outlets for

selling their products

14,620 USD

((off hwhiichh 11,000000 USUSDD are iin k-kiindd



1. It is hoped that this action will enhance the capacity of local actors to

provide to support to micro-enterprises (current measures target mostly

SMEs).

2. Sustain business planning interventions for micro-enterprises through,

for instance, incubator resources.

3. The difference between this intervention and other interventions that

provide credit support to micro-enterprises is that a technical assistance

element has been developed to accompany and advise enterprises

throughout the period. The impact of the action can be measured vis-

à-vis the performance of other similar enterprises (size, sector, etc.) that

have received financial support without ongoing non-financial BDS.

Risk Assumptions

Micro-entrepreneurs selected through the initial competition might not want

to comply with the registration requirements in order to benefit from this

scheme. Competitions may have to be repeated.

49

Action 10: Creating opportunities for (better) employment for young people in the tourism sector

Relevant micro-areas: Kukes Region

Relevant service lines: (Training incentives/skills training grants)

Objective

To create the conditions for employment of young people in the tourism

industry through skills development and training

Target

A reduction in the number of informal workers

An increase in the number of training opportunities for young unem-

ployed people


Tourism is a strategic area for local (economic) development of the Kukes

Region, mainly in Valbona Valley which is considered to be a destination for

adventure tourism. The UNDP’s Tourism project (UNDP-EC-KRC) is investing

in tourism infrastructure development, including camp sites, artisan outlets,

tourism information points, a tourism and cultural centre in Valbona Village

(partially), museums in Bajram Curri and Kukes Town, mountain trails, and so

on. All these facilities require staff able to communicate with the tourists in a

professional way and, most importantly, in foreign languages. When designing the

Terms of Reference for operating the facilities, the Tourism Project will require that

young people under 29 are recruited to staff the premises. These young people will

also be given access to language courses: “Basic English for tourism and hospitality’.Moreover, the territorial audit also identified the need to offer gastronomy courses

as a way of increasing the employment opportunities of young people as part of an

overall strategy that promotes the Kukes Region as a tourism destination.

50

Responsible PartnersKuKukekess ReRegigiononalal C Cououncncilil ( (KRKRC)C)

Regional Employment Office (REO) and

YES Centre

MMargeg jaj C Commune

Lincoln Centre

VaValblbononaa AcAccocommmmododatatioionn AsAssosociciatatioionn (V(VAAAA))

ERA Catering


UNUNDPDP’’s T Tou irism P Projject


Service line 2 - Training incentives/skills training grants

In July 2011, the Regional Employment Office will launch a CfP offering

training incentives to three groups:

i) Young people aged 15-17 years old from Valbona Valley, who dropped

out of school or are early school leavers (maximum 15 individuals). They

will attend a series of courses (for a total of 100 hours) of Basic English for

Tourism and Hospitality. Entitled “Be my Guest”, the course is delivered in tt

conjunction with the Lincoln Centre (LC), in partnership with Valbona

Accommodation Association (VAA).

ii) Young people aged 16-29 years old, currently working within tourism

facilities in the region (maximum 15 individuals). They will attend a

series of courses (for a total of 100 hours) of Basic English for Tourism and

Hospitality. Entitled “Be my Guest”, the course is delivered in conjunction ttwith the Lincoln Centre (LC), in partnership with the REO.

iii) Young unemployed or informal workers aged 16-29 (maximum 5

individuals). They will attend a summer course on traditional Albanian

gastronomy. The course will be organised in collaboration with ERA

Catering, which will also be responsible for the on-the-job training

component (160 hours over 22 days).

The training grants will cover training fees and training materials, as well as

insurance against accidents at the workplace for the period of on-the-job training.

Facilities will be provided either by REO, local governments, VAA, or ERA

Catering. The YEM programme will cover accommodation and travel costs for

the young people participating in the gastronomy course in Tirana. Travel costs

51

will be covered for trainees from Kruma Municipality attending the courses in

Kukes Town. The applications will be processed by the REO, UNDP’s Tourism

project, the Kukes Region Administration, and the YEM Programme.

Indicators InputsSSchho lol d drop-outts or ea lrly schho lol l-leavers are i idde tntifiifi ded a dnd

participate in language training (up to 15)

Young unemployed and/or youth in vulnerable employment

participate in trainings (up to 20)

44,828200 USUSDD – YEYEMM programme

2,000 USD - in-kind

contribution of ERA Catering

for the summer course

OuOutptpututss10.1 Training is jointly delivered by public centres, private

institutions, and enterprises

66,828200 USUSDD

(of which 2,000 USD are in-

kind contributions of partners)


1. The REO and its branches should cooperate further with accommoda-

tion units (such as hotels and resorts) and the local authorities to organize

language and other specialised ad-hoc courses for people working in the

tourism industry in the Kukes Region.

2. The REB, the REO and the Mobile VET Centre could involve a few

well-established restaurants in view of organising short-term gastronomy

courses (Albanian traditional cuisine), preferably in the Kukes Region, as

part of the public vocational training programme.

Risk Assumptions

Trainees may not attend regularly the English language classes.

52

Action 11: Regulatory framework for formalizing employment through support to micro-enterprises


Relevant service line: (Regulatory environment)

Objective

To implement regulations that leverage incentives for registration of (micro)

farmers as self-employed in agriculture at the national social insurances

system (ISI)

Target


agriculture (over 50 in the Kukes Region and over 300 farmers at the

national level)


PRO MALI is a programme jointly funded by the Danish Neighbourhood

Programme and SNV, the Netherland Development Organization in Albania.

It provides support to farmers in the mountainous area to have access to markets,modern technology, capital, and skills. The programme costs 5 million Euro and

runs throughout 2009-2013 with a focus on small ruminants, fruit trees, herbs,and spices. A major component of the programme consists of grants to micro-

entrepreneurs operating in these sectors to upgrade their business.

Under Action 11 of the TEP, SNV Albania will include the criteria that each

beneficiary of PRO MALI matched grant scheme shall be registered with ISI

for the relevant fiscal year at the moment when financial assistance is provided

through the scheme. Proof of payment of contributions (or proof of inclusion

in the social assistance scheme) shall be annexed to the application and in all

envisaged verifications established by SNV – PRO MALI. This requirement is

21 For those that qualify as self-employed in agriculture, such a registration is mandatory, as understood

by DCM no. 1114, 30/07/2008, thus the provision of public funds to those who are not registered

reinforces an illegal behavior.

53

in compliance with the Albanian legislation21. This requirement has already been

introduced by the Ministry of Agriculture for the PARD programme, as well as

by MADA.

Responsible PartnerSNV lAlbbania


All new calls for applications for grant schemes launched by SNV Albania for

their PRO MALI Programme will include the requirement that beneficiaries shall

be registered at ISI.


The PRO MALI project will run until the end of 2013.

SNV will mainstream the criteria concerning registration with ISI into

other SNV grant programmes.

54

Action 12: Generating ideas for sustainable enterprises


Relevant service line: (Training incentives/skills training grants)

Objective

To promote entrepreneurship among young graduates in the Kukes Region

Target

An increase in the number of training opportunities for young unemployed

people


In 2008, the University of Tirana opened its Kukes Branch. In the Summer

of 2011, the first class will graduate from the Faculty of Economics. These

students have a good knowledge of the Kukes Region as well as advanced skills

and, generally, a positive attitude towards innovation.


UUnUniiviverer isisittyty o offf TiTiTiraranana, FFaFacucultltltyy fofof EE Ecocononomymy – – KK K kukukeses

Branch



Before the end of July 2011, a competition will be launched by KRC and

the Tirana University inviting young graduates to suggest feasible business

ideas for sustainable enterprises in the Kukes Region. Proposals should focus

on creation of new enterprises and/or support to the formalization of existing

enterprises. Students should identify real cases and propose business plans as well

55

as other accompanying measures that would enable the creation/formalization

of the enterprises. Proposals shall be submitted to the office of the Head of the

Development Department of the Kukes Region administration by the end of

August 2011.

A group of experts comprising of the Head of the Kukes Regional Council,

the Dean of the Faculty of Economics, two representatives of the private sector

(selected on the basis of the areas suggested in the proposals), and the YEM

programme will select the best proposals. These will also be presented in a public

ceremony in September. The selected proposals will become part of the scope of

the Territorial Audit for the preparation of the 2012 Kukes Region Territorial

Employment Pact for Youth and the students will receive a fellowship to become

part of the team conducting the audit.

Indicators InputsYYoung g grg ddaduates fffrom K K kkukes RR Reggiion pap rtiiciippatiing g iin thhhe

competition “ideas for sustainable enterprises”

1,, 05000 SUSUSDDD – YEYEMM

Programme

OuOutptpututss

12.1 Ideas for “sustainable enterprises” are included in the 2012

KR TEP

1,500 USD

56

AN

NEX

1: S

umm

ary

Tabl

e

KU

KES

REG

ION

– T

ERR

ITO

RIA

L EM

PLO

YMEN

T P

AC

T FO

R Y

OU

TH

AC

TIO

N P

LAN

Mai

n In

dica

tors

Bene

ficia

ries

Allo

cate

d

Serv

ice e

Line

(s)

Star

t

Res

nonposi

ble

iniU

ts dEnE

Cost

sTi

mef

ram

e

1.

gR

eg

ula

ro

rto

y in

teverv

nti

on

s to

wa

rds

the

for

al

ma

miz

atio

on

f e

mp

loym

en

t

10

% in

cre

ase

in t

he

nu

mb

er

of

pe

op

le r

eg

iste

red

as

self

-em

-

plo

yed

in a

gri

cult

ure

in 2

01

1

32

2fa

rme

rs in

th

e K

uke

s

Re

go

nio

6-8

0,0

00

fa

rms

ers

at

na

tio

na

l

lev

le

l

6M

oLS

AE

O;

Mo

AF

CP

; Mo

F;

MA

DA

N/A

20

10

20

11

2.

Ince

nti

ves

for

tra

nsi

tio

n t

o f

orm

ia

lza

-

tio

n o

f w

ork

ers

in t

he

min

ing

ind

ust

ury

pe

op

ple

in v

uln

era

ble

em

plo

yme

nt

an

d y

ou

th t

ran

siti

on

ing

to

fo

r-

ma

liza

tio

n c

om

ple

te o

n-t

he

-jo

b

tra

inin

g

20

0 in

vu

lne

rab

le

em

plo

yme

nt

10

0 y

ou

ng

un

em

plo

yed

2

LM

oL

AE

SA

O;

NE

SR; R

O;

EO

YE

S;

MV

EN

TCE

A;

E R

EB

;

Co

A;

TU

;Uo

UIT

UA

;

Ma

lzi

da

na

Go

laj

com

nu

nm

es;

IMI

10

5,0

00

US

D1

0/2

01

20

12

/20

11

3.

pE

mp

loy

en

me

mt

ge

en

era

tio

n a

nd

fo

rma

liza

-

tio

tn

h

rog

hu

gu

loca

l ne

tw

ork

s o

f p

rod

uc-

ers

(a

pp

lp

e t

ree

s)

farm

ing

ho

use

ho

lds

en

ga

ge

d in

ap

ple

pro

du

ctio

n a

nd

re

ceiv

-

ing

fin

an

cia

l su

pp

ort

lin

ked

to a

dv

iso

ry s

erv

ice

s /

Farm

ers

reg

iste

rin

g a

s se

lf-e

mp

loye

d in

ag

ricu

ltu

re /

Yo

un

g C

FW

tra

ine

d

for

ma

na

gin

g t

he

ir f

arm

s

20

fa

rme

rm

s

10

fa

rf

min

g h

ou

so

eh

old

s

20

yo

uy

ng

n

con

trib

uti

ng

fam

ilyo

wo

rke

rs

1 3

5

KR

C; I

SI;

RD

AF

CP

;

AD

AD

; RE

B; K

FF

29

,50

0 U

SD

01

/20

11

05

/20

12

4.

Form

aliz

ati

on

of

em

plo

yme

nt

tho

uro

gh

up

gra

din

g o

f ru

ral e

nte

rpri

ses

(go

at

o

bre

ed

ing

)

ho

use

ho

lds

en

ga

ge

d in

go

at

bre

ed

ing

re

ceiv

ing

su

pp

ort

an

d

ad

vis

ory

se

rvic

es/

Yo

un

g C

FW

rece

ivin

g b

asi

c tr

ain

ing

on

ag

ri-

cul

ctu

re e

nte

rpri

se m

an

ag

em

en

t/

Farm

ers

re

gis

teri

ng

wit

h IS

I

12

fa

rmin

g h

ou

seh

old

s

>1

2 y

ou

ng

co

ntr

ibu

tin

g

fam

ily m

em

be

rs

>4

0 f

arm

ers

1

3

5

CK

RC

B; Bic

aj

Co

mu

nm

um

e; I

SI;

RD

AP

CP

FC

; RE

B;

KF

FL; L;

EA

A

31

,20

0 U

SD

04

/20

12

10

4/2

01

2

5.

Form

al

ma

izat

iotn

oe

f e

mp

loym

en

t th

rou

gh

pg

up

rad

ng

ini o

f ru

ral

r e

nte

rpri

ses

(be

e-

eke

ep

ing

)

farm

ing

ho

use

ho

lds

rece

ivin

g

fin

an

cia

l su

pp

ort

lin

ked

to

ad

vis

ory

se

rvic

es/

farm

ers

reg

iste

rin

g a

s se

lf-e

mp

loye

d in

ag

ricu

ltu

re

10

fa

rf

min

g h

ou

so

eh

old

s

30

fa

rme

rm

s 1

3

5

KR

C; I

SI;

RD

AF

CP

;

RE

B; T

he

Be

e-

kee

pe

rs A

sso

cia

-

tio

n; S

AS

A

21

,00

0 U

SD

04

/20

11

04

/20

12

6.

Form

aliz

ati

on

an

d g

en

era

tio

n o

f e

m-

plo

yme

nt

thro

ug

h u

pg

rad

ing

of

rura

l

en

terp

rise

s (c

he

stn

uts

)

Farm

ers

cu

ltiv

ati

ng

ch

est

nu

ts a

nd

a

rece

ivin

g fi

na

nci

al s

up

po

rt li

nke

dk

to a

dv

iso

ry s

erv

ice

s/ u

ne

mp

ylo

yed

wo

me

n h

ire

d o

n a

de

fin

ed

te

rm

con

tra

ct/

farm

ers

re

gis

ter

as

el

sef-

em

plo

yed

in a

gri

cult

ure

1 s

ma

ll e

nte

rpri

se

u6

un

em

plo

yed

wo

me

n

0>

40

fa

rmin

g h

ou

seh

old

s 1

3

5K

RC

; RE

O; R

EB

;

SA

SA

15

,00

0S

US

D0

4/

01

20

10

4/

12

01

2

57

7.

For

Fa

lm

aiz

atio

an

an

d g

en

era

tio

n o

f

mp

em

ylo

yme

nm

t t

roh

ru

gh

up

gra

din

g o

f

rura

l a

te

nte

rpe

rise

s (p

o(

tato

gro

we

rs a

nd

cole

cle

tors

)

farm

ing

ho

use

ho

lds

rece

ivin

g

fin

an

cia

l su

pp

ort

lin

ked

to

ad

vis

ory

se

rvic

es/

fa

rme

rs

reg

iste

rin

g a

s se

lf-e

mp

loye

d in

ag

ricu

ltu

re/

a P

PP

is f

orm

ed

to

op

era

te t

he

Po

tato

Co

llect

ing

Ce

ntr

e

1P

PP

P

y4

yo

un

g u

mn

em

plo

yed

40

r

farm

ers

/fm

arm

ing

ho

use

-

ho

ls

ds

3

4

5

KR

C; S

his

hta

vec

Co

mm

un

e;

Ku

kes

Mu

nic

ipa

l-

ity

; IS

I; M

oA

FC

P;

RE

B; K

FF;

SA

SA

;

RD

AF

CP

14

,54

0 U

SD

06

/20

11

06

/20

12

8.

Ge

ne

rati

ng

em

plo

yme

nt

thro

ug

h

valu

e c

ha

in u

pg

rad

ing

(fi

sh)

for

mic

ro

en

terp

rise

s

Bu

sin

ess

pro

po

sals

fo

r re

viv

ing

the

Ku

kes

ma

rke

tpla

ce r

ece

in

vin

g

gra

nt

sup

po

rt/

Pe

op

le b

ein

gm

em

-

plo

yed

in t

he

fish

sh

op

s

u2

n

em

plo

yed

pe

op

le

2 s

2ta

rt u

p b

usi

ne

sse

s 3

KR

C; K

uke

s M

u-

nic

ipa

lity

; RE

B;

KC

oC

5

,00

0

SD

US

04

/0

12

01

04

/1

20

12

9.

mp

Em

ylo

yme

nm

t g

ne

era

tio

n f

or

you

ng

wo

mw

n

en

ein

th

eh

a h

nd

icra

fts

sect

or

Mic

ro/h

ou

seh

old

-ba

sed

op

era

tio

ns

pro

du

cin

g h

an

dic

raft

s

an

d r

ece

ivin

g fi

na

nci

al s

up

po

rt

linke

d t

o n

on

-fin

an

cia

l BD

S/

You

ng

dis

ad

van

tag

ed

wo

me

n

pa

rtic

ipa

tin

g in

wo

rk-t

rain

ing

pro

gra

mm

es

2 m

crico

/ho

us

ho

eh

ld-b

ase

d

op

era

to

nio

s

6 y

ou

no

g d

isa

dva

dn

tag

ed

wo

me

n

e

1

3

4K

RC

; RE

O; A

AA

;

RE

B1

4,6

20

US

D0

5/2

01

11

2/2

01

2

10

.

Cre

ati

ng

op

po

rtu

nit

ies

for

(be

tte

r)

em

plo

yme

nt

for

you

ng

pe

op

le in

th

e

tou

rism

se

cto

r

Sch

oo

l dro

p-o

uts

or

ea

rly

so

cho

ol

leav

ers

are

ide

nti

fie

d a

nd

pa

rtcii

-

pa

te in

lan

gu

ag

e t

rain

ing

/ Yo

un

g

n

un

em

plo

yed

or

you

th in

vu

lne

re

-

ab

le e

mp

loym

en

t p

art

icip

ate

in

tra

inin

gs

15

chsc

oo

l dro

p-o

uts

or

ea

rly

sch

oo

l le

ave

rs

20

o

uyo

ng

un

em

plo

yed

or

in

lv

un

era

ble

em

plo

yme

nt

2

KR

C; R

EO

;

YE

S C

en

tre

;

Ma

rge

ga

j Co

m-

mu

ne

; LC

; ER

A

Cat

eri

ng

; RE

B;

KR

TE

P

6,8

20

S

DU

S0

1/

01

20

11

2/

12

01

1

11

.1

gR

eg

ula

ro

rto

y fr

amw

oe

rk f

or

form

aliz

ing

em

pe

yo

ylo

me

nt

thro

hu

gh

su

pp

ort

to

mic

ro-e

nt

ee

rpri

ses

Farm

ers

re

ceiv

ing

fin

an

cia

l su

p-

po

rt li

nke

d w

ith

ad

vis

ory

se

rvic

es

an

d r

eg

iste

rin

g a

s se

lf-e

mp

loye

d

in a

gri

cult

ure

0

50

farm

ers

in t

he

Ku

kes

Re

gio

n

p

Up

to 3

00

fa

rme

rs a

t th

e

nat

ion

al l

eve

l

6S

NV

Alb

an

ia

N/A

01

/20

11

10

/20

11

12

.G

en

era

tin

g id

ea

s fo

r su

sta

ina

ble

en

-

terp

rise

s

Ind

ivid

ua

ls/g

rou

ps

pa

rtic

ipa

tin

g

n

in t

he

co

mp

eti

tio

n “i

de

as

for

us

su-

tain

ab

le e

nte

rpri

ses”

Up

to

t

15

yo

un

g g

rad

ua

tes

2

KR

C; R

EB

; UT

/

Facu

lty

of

Eco

n-

om

y –

Ku

kes

Bra

nch

1,5

00

S

DU

S0

4/

01

20

11

0/

12

01

1

Tota

l ben

efici

arie

s:To

tal:

244,

180

USD

of w

hich

89,

000

USD

are

in-k

ind

cont

ribu

tion

s of

pa

rtne

rs

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

� ��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�!��

��

942

3844

00

58

ANNEX 2: List of Participants to the KR-TEP

Albanian Agribusiness Council

Albanian Artisans’ Association

Association for the Development of Agriculture ADAD

Beekeepers’ Association

Bicaj Commune

Confederation of Albanian Trade Unions

ERA Catering

Golaj Commune

Illyria Minerals Industry sh.a

Institute of Social Insurances

Kruma Municipality

Kukes Chamber of Commerce

Kukes Farmers’ Federation

Kukes Municipality

Kukes Region Prefekt’s Office

Kukes Region Tourism and Environment Protection Project

Kukes Regional Council

Lincoln Center

Livestock Entrepreneurs Association Albania

Malzi Commune

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Consumers Protection

Ministry of Finance

Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities

Mobile Vocational Education Training Centre for North-Eastern Areas

Mountain Areas Development Programme

National Employment Service

Regional Directorate of Agriculture, Food and Consumers’ Protection

Regional Employment Board

59

Regional Employment Office

Shishtavec Commune

SNV Albania

Sustainable Agriculture Support for Albania

Tirana University, Faculty of Economy – Kukes Branch

Union of Independent Trade Unions of Albania

60

SIGNATORIES

kukes region –territorial employment pact for youth

Documents

formalization of employment

terms of youth employment

kukes regionalemployment

kukes regional council

kukes regions

migration yem programme

final text of tep

territorial audit