ENHANCING FARMER-CENTERED ADVISORY SERVICES: BRIDGING TRAINING GAPS AND PROMOTING ADAPTIVE EXTENSION IN ALBANIA
Authors: Ylli BIÇOKU and Medin ZEQIRI
Ylli BIÇOKU: Department of Animal Science, Agricultural University of Tirana, Pajsi Vodica street, 1025, Koder Kamëz, Tirana, Albania.
Medin ZEQIRI: Department of Food Sciences and Biotechnology, University for Business and Technology, Kalabria nn, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo.
ABSTRACT
Agricultural extension in Albania plays a pivotal role in supporting farmers’ adoption of improved practices. Based on a survey of 66 extensionists, this study identifies critical training gaps, preferred advisory modalities, and misalignments between extension supply and farmer demand. Findings reveal that on-farm visits (92.4%) and demonstrations (69.7%) remain the dominant approaches, yet farmers increasingly value personalized consultations (98.5% preference) and group discussions (84.8%). Extensionists, on the other hand, continue to emphasize demonstrations and field visits as central tools. This divergence highlights the need for adaptive, farmer-centered strategies that balance traditional methods with modern, participatory, and digital advisory approaches. The study contributes original survey-based evidence from Albania, filling a gap in extension literature from Southeast Europe, and offers practical policy recommendations for strengthening advisory systems.
Keywords: Agricultural extension, farmer-centered advisory, participatory extension, adaptive advisory systems, digital tools.