Revitalize small economies of rural communities in need to overcome the consequences of the earthquake

As the world faces numerous crises, including the Covid-19, conflicts, humanitarian crises, we commemorate the winter earthquake of 2019, which took the lives of 51 people, over 1000 injured and 17,000 damaged buildings. The story of Shkëlqim Rrushi’s family in Bubq is one of the affected families, who have been helped to improve their livelihoods thanks to the UN Acceleration Fund that supports rural communities in need to overcome the consequences of the earthquake.

Mother Zejdia thrilled us with her words as she happily showed the new stable where she housed over 140 small heads, ensuring her family a normal life. In the presence of the UN Resident Coordinator in Albania Fiona McCluney, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Frida Krifca, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom Alastair King-Smith, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Reinout Vos and the head of FAO Albania Arben Kipi was emphasized the importance of supporting the agriculture and food sector in Albania, especially helping the most in need groups.

The livestock farm has been rebuilt in very good condition, thanks to the program set up by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, financially supported by our partners, to alleviate the consequences of the earthquake that affected 40 families in the area, such as that of mother Zejdia, who was totally damaged by the devastating earthquake. The realization of these investments enables the families to continue working in agriculture and livestock and to increase the family income for further development.

The "Earthquake Recovery Support through the UN SDG Acceleration Fund" project is part of the UN Earthquake Recovery Response, funded by the Government of the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, under the SDG Albania Acceleration Fund and implemented by FAO.

FAO in Albania with the support of the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia is implementing the grant component where out of 44 potential beneficiaries, a grant agreement was signed with 34 beneficiaries as part of the Post-Earthquake Recovery in Agriculture. In this context, five farmers affected by earthquake were supported for buying pregnant heifers, construction of seven livestock facilities, four cow barns, two milking equipment, a storage area for fruit and vegetables, farm feed mixing unit, live animals, greenhouse construction, wine cooling tank, reconstruction of swine farm. Through technical assistance, FAO aims to develop the capacity of farmers and agribusinesses, women, and men, in earthquake-stricken municipalities to develop agribusiness plans aimed at accessing funding opportunities for broader and more resilient activities.