Abstract

Albania was the last Communist country in eastern Europe to reshape its political structure and was dubbed “the last domino.” This commentary briefly describes the current situation in Albania with a focus on the severe agricultural development constraints that are beyond the scope agricultural policies. Political, social, and economic constraints have repressed rural and agricultural development to a subsistent status and it has yet to reach its fullest potential. The contents of this commentary are based upon first-hand information acquired by the authors in Albania during May, 1998. For Albania to become economically strong, it must first develop its agriculture. To develop its agriculture, it must have a strong agricultural extension system and effective agricultural schools. To have a strong agricultural extension system, there must be available well trained and highly qualified cadres of extension officers and agriculture teachers.