Tropoja villages

Tropoja, nestled in the Albanian Alps, is a region where the allure of its natural beauty is matched by its rich cultural tapestry. This area, renowned for its scenic landscapes and historical significance, also stands out for its unique and authentic culture, and its folk practices in particular. Tropoja traditional folk dance has been included on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the nature, culture, tourism and agriculture in Tropoja are the main drivers of rural life. The Tropoja villages are skilled in the production of many distinctive agricultural products that have gained a name for themselves, both at home and abroad. The Tropoja villages are well known for their chestnuts and chestnut honey, as well as their highland blueberries, but face a constant struggle against plant and animal pests and diseases, as well as weak rural infrastructure and the outmigration of young people.

In parallel with these threats, Tropoja is faces challenges also in exploiting opportunities offered by digitalization. The region grapples with issues related to stable Internet access, digital literacy and the low availability of digital services. In the face of these challenges, smartphones have become the primary digital tool among residents, facilitating their access to social media, online communication and such government services as e-Albania.

Challenges

There's a noticeable heterogeneity in the level of digital literacy among rural residents, with the older population in particular, especially women and farmers, lagging in the use of digital technologies. There is currently only one training centre focused on the development of digital marketing skills (Digital Roots), and only one private foreign language and ICT centre (Emtec) in Tropoja’s villages. Most vocational training provided in the area is organized and delivered by NGOs and other organizations based in Tirana.

The rural community has limited access to digital devices due to economic, demographic and educational constraints, affecting their ability to utilize the available digital services. While most adult inhabitants own a smartphone, only a few households have a PC or other such devices, and these are typically households with younger children and students. Residents use the Internet predominantly for the management of social relations and to access information via search engines, while its use for e-government, agri-food marketing and rural tourism activities, on the other hand, is limited due to the low availability of such digital services.

The Tropoja villages generally have good fixed and mobile Internet coverage. Mobile Internet access via antennas is more widely available than fixed broadband, and most villages have access to 3G or 4G networks. That said, the cost of Internet access and infrastructure remains a barrier. The stability and speed of Internet access can vary depending on the number of connected users and the village location. Remote mountainous villages like Valbona struggle to access the Internet especially during the touristic seasons, harsh winters and electricity breakdowns.

The interactions of stakeholders are fragmented and occur predominantly offline. Farmers and workers are poorly connected when it comes to pest management or access to labour and equipment, and the level of communication between public authorities, farm advisors, vets, business operators and agri-food input providers could also be improved. Information about rural tourism, the security of excursions and other local services is fragmented for locals and visitors alike.

The major developments in the Tropoja villages are being driven by the growth of rural tourism, however, this is poorly integrated with the local agri-forestry and food production sectors, for instance, through agritourism, food festivals, recognition of geographical indications, and the provision of local foods to hotels and guesthouses.

Being located in a remote and mountainous area, the rural community struggles with access to such basic public infrastructure as roads, electricity grids and health care, as well as agricultural assets including irrigation water channels, farm machinery and food processing facilities.

Highlights

Sustainable chestnut production boosts rural development

15/12/2023

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with Albania’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the...

FAO's Digital Villages Initiative to spark digital innovation in Tropoja Valley

04/03/2024

Bajram Curri and its surrounding villages in Tropoja valley have embarked on a transformative journey under the Digital Villages Initiative (DVI) of...

biological-controla851c5c7-c820-4791-a959-38f98b366a4b

FAO initiative transforms Albanian chestnut value chain through innovation

10/05/2024

In the picturesque landscape of northern Albania's Tropoja region, nestled within the expansive chestnut forest massif, an ambitious initiative is taking...