Rural land privatisation and distribution in Albania: Evidence from the field

Abstract

SINCE 1990, in a radical break from nearly half a century of reclusiveness under its Stalinist dictator, Enver Hoxha, Albania has been moving with startling speed to recast itself into an economy and polity open to the world and with free-market principles as its cornerstone. The upheaval entailed in this process is one that has been shared to a greater or lesser extent by Albania's formerly communist Central and East European neighbours. Yet, as recent turmoil demonstrates, transition has been particularly wrenching for Albania. One of the most fundamental initiatives meant to set the country on the path to a free market was the privatisation of land and houses and their distribution to the country's citizens. This article provides a retrospective on how this process transpired in rural areas, where about two-thirds of the population lived at the start of the transition. Which factors either facilitated or encumbered this process and what sort of legacy is being left by it? Analysis is based on several studies conducted between 1993 and 1996 in association with the Immovable Property Registration System (IPRS) project. In addition to developing relevant legislation, that project seeks to establish a nationwide mapping, documentation and information system for all properties in the country, both rural and urban. The first study was a 6-week Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) conducted in 1993 which sought to identify factors impeding progress in distributing land and land ownership certificates (tapi). The study covered 27 villages in three districts1-Tirane, Lushnje and Kavaje-designated as IPRS project pilot districts. Later research extended to three additional districts in northeastern and southern