On 7 May 2025, CNVP Albania and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) held their annual meeting in Gramsh. Representatives from the Swedish Embassy in Tirana, including Erik Illes (Deputy Ambassador and Head of Development Cooperation), Catrine Lossman (Sida Controller from Stockholm), Lollo Darin (Western Balkan Unit, Sida Stockholm), Ermelinda Xhaja (Programme Manager), and Linn Jansson (Sida Trainee), took part in field visits under the Local Economic Development (LED) project.

The LED project, now in its fifth year, aims to increase household incomes in rural Albania by improving the efficiency and inclusiveness of the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) market system through the Market System Development (MSD) approach. The project seeks to strengthen the MAPs sector by addressing key constraints affecting its growth. These interventions aim to deliver long-term benefits, especially increased incomes for poor and disadvantaged households, with a focus on women. Many rural households across Albania are involved in wild MAPs harvesting, with an increasing number turning to cultivation.

The delegation first visited Rrodhe Company’s solar-powered drying facility, an investment supported by the LED project on the outskirts of Gramsh. This facility has enabled the company to collect more fresh MAPs from farmers, improve drying quality, and access new markets. The investment benefits all actors in the value chain by providing better access to drying facilities, improving product quality, and securing better prices.

Next, the delegation traveled to Kushovë village, where the LED project has supported smallholders to plant lavender on their land. Farmers reported growing market demand thanks to improved seed varieties and planting guidance. Field visits confirmed healthy blooms and stronger stems.

Another investment supported by the LED project is a small greenhouse at a local nursery, equipped with drip irrigation and shade netting, used to produce high-quality MAP seedlings. Improving access to quality seeds and seedlings is a key objective of the project, essential for expanding cultivation and improving MAP quality.

In the afternoon, CNVP presented the project’s achievements and lessons learned during 2024, summarized as follows:

Innovative Drying Technologies
The project introduced new drying technologies, including solar-powered and biomass-powered facilities. These environmentally friendly solutions have improved product quality, reduced post-harvest losses, and increased farmers’ incomes. Farmers previously faced challenges with unharvested or spoiled products; the new facilities have helped address these issues while supporting climate change mitigation.

Mechanization in the MAPs Sector
The project established new partnerships that introduced harvesting and root-washing machinery to local companies. These mechanized processes have reduced labor demands, improved processing efficiency, and enhanced product quality, while enabling companies to collect greater quantities from farmers.

Support for MAPs Promotion and Inputs
Partnership agreements supported the promotion of MAP inputs and good agricultural practices. A MAP promotion unit was established to showcase market-demanded varieties, raise awareness, and connect stakeholders. Infrastructure improvements at local nurseries have enhanced operations, reduced costs, and improved seedling quality, contributing to stronger supply chains.

Expansion of Contract Farming
The project expanded contract farming agreements in disadvantaged regions, offering farmers market security and support for seedlings. These agreements encouraged sustainable cultivation and increased incomes, strengthening the link between farmers and companies through long-term cooperation.

Impact Assessment
In 2024, CNVP Albania commissioned an independent impact assessment to gather insights, stories, and experiences from key stakeholders involved in the collection, processing, and export of MAPs.

This meeting showed how strong partnerships can turn good ideas into real benefits for farmers and families. With Sida’s continued support and CNVP’s hands-on approach, the LED project is set to help even further bringing higher incomes, greater equality, and lasting change to Albania’s rural communities.