The Challenges of Collective Action for Olive Growers in Albania

Abstract

Despite a considerable increase of surfaces with new olive cultivars during last two decades in Albania, the yields have not followed the expected trend. Participation of farmers in common activities would have benefits for costs cutting and efficiency as well as for the commons in a broader economic and social aspect. An opportunity for reducing costs and increasing farmers' income is the organization of farmer’s production by the principles of collective action. The research objective is to find factors affecting the olive growers (farmers) participation in collective actions in Berat area, the second largest olive production area in Albania. A questionnaire was designed in order to measure several variables. Interviewing took place from October 2015 to February 2016. Education, access to markets, income and leadership have statistical significance and influence olive producer’s participation in activities based on collective action. The research results can be useful to policymakers, public bodies and researchers. The fact that with farm size increase, decrease the possibility of farmer’s participation in collective action activities is important finding that helps in understanding the critical financing limits and optimization of the public funds used in creation of public policies.