The Agricultural University of Tirana (AUT) was established on November the 1^st, 1951 originally referred to as the Higher Agricultural Institute (ILB). Back in 1991 it was granted the status of the university and designated as the Agricultural University of Tirana (AUT). AUT is the only center for the provision of university and graduate education, research, training and extension services in the wider field of agriculture and food. The University is composed of five faculties: Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Faculty of Economics and Agribusiness, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Faculty of  Forestry, Institute of Plant Genetic Resources. The university as a whole offers as many as 74 study programs in three study cycles including Bachelor (24), Professional Master (22), Master of Sciences (16), Executive Master (1) and Doctoral programmes (5). AUT has about 6213 students and 380 academic and technical staff.

The principal mission of AUT is to provide the students with professional education and research in the field of agriculture, food, husbandry, forestry, aquaculture and fishery and environment.

It has established a diverse range of cooperations with several top-notch institutions in the country and abroad. At the Agricultural University of Tirana across different departments a number of laboratories have been established, which are in support of teaching, research, collaboration with practical training, and service for other parties.

The most unique laboratory at AUT is the Didactic Experimental Farm (FDE as known in Albania), which is hailed as the most powerful field-oriented laboratory for several faculties. This economy has available as many as 142 hectares. At the university campus there is also a total of four greenhouses, which have as their main target : fruit-tree growing , forestry and earth sciences . The biggest investment of all that we take a big pride in is the greenhouse designed to produce oil saplings. Of particular importance is the center of fish farming in Tapiza , which can be considered as a very good natural laboratory for students of Aquaculture and Fisheries at all levels of study. The main task of the center is to maintain the genfund of cultivated various types of fish.  The Agricultural University of Tirana has embraced in its fold also a number of former research institutions. Mention should be made of aquaculture and fisheries laboratory in Durres, which is a sort of supporting research center in the field of aquaculture and fisheries, where the main thrust of the research is the evaluation of marine fish stocks.

AUT has worked continuously led by a common vision ‘to strengthen the links between education, research and agricultural technology transfer’, since this connection has always been neglected in the past. AUT, in addition to training students theoretically has also paid adequate attention to their practical training, conducting teaching practicums on large farms. To this purpose it also maintains continuous links with the Centers of Agricultural Technology Transfer (ATTC), Institute of Food Safety and Veterinary (ISUV) and other policymaker institutions related to these fields.

Website: http://ubt.edu.al/

Contacts

Prof. Dr.sc.agr. MyqeremTafaj
Agricultural University of Tirana

Faculty of Agriculture and Environment

Department of Animal Science

KoderKamez
1029 Tirana /Albania

Email:mtafaj@ubt.edu.al

Prof. Dr. AnilaHoda

Agricultural University of Tirana

Faculty of Agriculture and Environment

Department of Animal Science

KoderKamez
1029 Tirana /Albania

Email: ahoda@ubt.edu.al

The University of Korça was created on 7 January 1992, on the basis of the Higher Agricultural Institute of Korça (1971-1992). It was composed of four faculties: Agriculture Faculty, Faculty of Education and Philology, Faculty of Natural and Human Sciences, and Economy Faculty. In 1994 it was given the name “Fan S. Noli” and in the same year The School of Nursing, was opened.

Currently, UNIKO operates in four main units which are organized in 15 departments, offer 25 bachelor degree programs; 22 master degree programs; 7 associate degrees and1 PhD program.

There are about 4500 students enrolled, 161 full-time and 131 part-time lecturers. Over 21,000 students have been graduated throughout the years.

In 2017, UNIKO was accredited for a 5-year period by the British Quality Assurance Agency.

The studies in this University are organized full-time in three levels: first level and second level and PHD level, based on the Bologna Declaration.

The University of Korça offers study courses in the fields of agriculture, economics, teaching and medicine. The Bologna Declaration is part of its daily program and they are properly respecting the Law of Higher Education, this way integrating Korça’s university in the European Space of Higher Education. The University has participated in various Tempus, ERASMUS projects covering such topics such as curriculum development through regional cooperation, improvement of teaching quality, curriculum reform as well has a great experience in Cross Boarded (IPA) projects. Also has had great number of students, staff and researchers exchange within the framework of BASILEUS I,II,III,IV,V.

Webpage: https://www.unkorce.edu.al

 Contacts:

Prof. As. Dr. Gjergji Mero

Faculty of Agriculture

Phone: +355 692082360

e-mail: gmero@unkorce.edu.al

Prof. As. Dr. Gjergji Papa

Faculty of Agriculture

Phone: +355 684026349

e-mail: gpapa@unkorce.edu.al

Dr. Dorjan Marku

Faculty of Agriculture

Phone: +355 693311939

e-mail: dmarku@unkorce.edu.al

The University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina” (UPHP), is the oldest and largest public scientific university in higher education in the Republic of Kosovo. It was established by the Law on the Establishment of the University of Prishtina, which was approved by the Assembly of Kosovo on November 18, 1969. The establishment of UPHP was a historic event for the people of Kosovo, as well as for the entire Albanian nation. The Constituent Assembly of the University of Prishtina was held on February 13, 1970, and two days later, on February 15, 1970, the solemn meeting of the Assembly was held, and exactly this date was declared the Day of the University of Prishtina. The mission of the University is based on scientific and artistic research and aims at sustainable development, artistic creativity and professional work as well as the organization and conduct of university studies and, in particular, professional studies. As a central and leading institution, UPHP pays special attention to the implementation of programs of strategic interest for the Republic of Kosovo and for the development of regional and local communities. All university activities improve personality development and promote fundamental human rights and freedoms. UPHP also enables the mobility of programs, students and academic staff on an ongoing basis, in order to achieve international level and competition in the market.

The University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina” has under its umbrella 14 faculties, among them the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine.

FAV based on the highest academic standards, enables students to acquire competencies based on modern scientific knowledge and innovations. FAV with the studies it offers covers all areas of agricultural production and related activities, including animal production, agricultural economics, veterinary medicine, Orchards – Viticulture, Vegetable cultivation and Food Technology.

To fulfill its mission, the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary currently offers the following study programs:

• Animal Production (Bsc),
• Applied Animal Sciences (MSc),
• Plant Production (Bsc),
• Agriculture Economics (Bsc.),
• Agriculture and Food Economics (MSc),
• Plant Protection (Msc),
• Orchard-Viticulture (MSc),
• Growing-Vegetable (Msc),
• Veterinary Medicine,
• Food Technology and Biotechnology (Bsc)
• Food Science (Msc.)
• Urban Agriculture (MSc)

In addition to theoretical and laboratory classes, students also undergo mandatory field classes and professional practice in which they supplement their knowledge and acquire the necessary competencies for the labor market.

The number of active students in the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine is 1332. Whereas, the academic staff in full-time employment is 56. For the basic subjects, staffs from other academic units of UPHP are engaged.

The University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina” aims to establish cooperation with regional and international universities, as well as local and international organizations and corporations. UP, in coordination with 84 foreign universities, has signed agreements that support the following general forms of cooperation:

• exchange of staff and students for study and research;
• exchange of administrative and professional staff;
• joint research activities and publications, joint academic programs as well as joint participation in conferences, symposia and scientific seminars and workshops, joint organization of courses, study tours;
• exchange of experience and information on curricula, teaching methodology and techniques applied in the didactic process;
• exchange of scientific publications;
• other forms of university cooperation of common interest.

Webfaqja: https://www.uni-pr.edu/

Contacts:

Prof. Dr. Skender Muji

Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary

Tel: +383 44 149 793

e-mail: skender.muji@uni-pr.edu

Prof. Dr. Bajram Berisha

Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary

Tel: +383 44 908 360

e-mail: bajram.berisha@uni-pr.edu

Prof. Asoc. Dr. Muhamet Kamberi

Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary

Tel: +383 44 205 863

e-mail: muhamet.kamberi@uni-pr.edu

Prof. Asoc. Dr. Alltane Kryeziu

Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary

Tel: +383 49 333 330

e-mail: alltane.kryeziu@uni-pr.edu

Prof. Dr. Arben Mehmeti

Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary

Tel: +383 44 193 903

e-mail: arben.mehmeti@uni-pr.edu

The foundations of higher education studies in Mitrovica were set with the opening of the Higher Technical School in 1961. In 1970, within the Technical Faculty, the branches of Mining, Technology and Metallurgy were opened, initially in Mitrovica, the school year 1970/71, for then continued in Prishtina until the establishment of the Faculty of Mining and Metallurgy in Mitrovica in 1974. The Faculty of Mining and Metallurgy in Mitrovica was established by the Law on the Establishment of the Faculty of Mining and Metallurgy by the Assembly of Kosovo on July 22, 1974. In the year of establishment, the studies were organized in the following branches: Mining, Technology and Metallurgy, while in the school year 1980/81, the branch of Geology was opened. While in 2007/2008 Food Engineering and Technology was opened.

The establishment of the Faculty of Mining and Metallurgy was of great importance for the whole of Kosovo. It was the Mining-Metallurgical Plant “Trepça” that was in great need of engineering staff coming from the Faculty of Mining and Metallurgy. The staff from the Faculty of Mining and Metallurgy and the Higher Technical School have taken a deserved place in the Kosovo Power Plant, and the entire industry and economy of Kosovo.

The students who studied at the Faculty of Mining and Metallurgy and the Higher Technical School were from all over Kosovo, taking into account that these branches were studied only in Mitrovica. A large number of students also came from other Albanian areas, from Macedonia and Presevo, Bujanovac and Medvedja and Montenegro. Many foreign students enrolled and graduated from this faculty, especially from the Middle East.

On the basis of these faculties and based on the tradition of over 60 years of higher education in Mitrovica, the Government of the Republic of Kosovo on 06.03.2013 established the Public University of Mitrovica, while the Assembly of Kosovo on 31 May 2013 ratified the decision.

Based on the Statute of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo on 10.12.2020 for Higher Education in the Republic of Kosovo was approved the Statute of the University “Isa Boletini” Mitrovica. There are six faculties within UIBM: Faculty of Geosciences (FGJT), Faculty of Food Technology (FTU), Faculty of Mechanical and Computer Engineering (FIMK), Faculty of Law (FL), Faculty of Economics (FE).

At the Faculty of Food Technology, teaching and study are organized at two levels, Bachelor and Master.

The study programs are accredited by the Kosovo Accreditation Agency since 2011.

Currently, four study programs are accredited, “Technology” with specializations “Environmental Engineering”, “Chemical Engineering”, and the other program “Food Engineering and Technology” at the Bachelor level.

At the Master level are also accredited two study programs, “Technology” with specializations “Chemical Engineering”, “Environmental Protection Engineering”, and the other program “Food Engineering and Technology”.

Webpage: https://www.umib.net/

Contacts:

Ass. Dr. Bahtir Hyseni

Faculty of Food Technology

Tel: +383 49 113 367

e-mail: bahtir.hyseni@umib.net

Prof. Asoc. Dr. Valdet Gjinovci

Faculty of Food Technology

Tel: +383 49 702 002

e-mail: valdet.gjinovci@umib.net

Ass. MSc. Arbër Hyseni

Faculty of Food Technology

Tel: +383 49 665 988

e-mail: arber.hyseni@umib.net

The Centre « Livestock and Rural Development » is a non-Government organization, known and registered as a legal entity in the register of non-profit organizations of District Court of Tirana, based on the decision no. 775, dated 20/11/2012, functioning based on the Law no. 8788 dated 07/5/2001 “On the registration of non-profit organizations”, and also the statute and program of its own organization. The Centre is managed by the Board of Directors and Executive Director. The Centre perform its activities without any limitation in the whole territory of the Republic of Albania and abroad.

Staff and infrastructure:

LRD has its permanent office in Tirana. It is furnished/equiped with all  needed equipment.  The executive office is composed by the executive director, project menaxher, two specialist (project cordinator) and financier. LRD has  co-operators  in 18 different areas/districts of the county.  The Centre has  its own bank account and the registration documents  at the tax office.

Mission of LRD:

Mission of the LRD is to improve the quality of life and to reduce poverty in rural areas of Albania through programs for integrated development of agriculture, livestock and encvironment.

LRD scope of work:

–  Develop and implement integrated rural development projects in the fields of agriculture, livestock and environment.

– Develop and implement projects to reduce poverty in rural areas, supporting people in need, women, children, the elderly, minorities and persons with disabilities

– Provide technical assistance and trainings  for the agriculture and livestock aspects, agro-procesing, marketing of the agricultural products and livestock value chain.

– Develop and implement the livestock preservation and improvement breed programs.

– Develop preservation  and the sustainable managment of the natural resources, biodiversity and agrotourism.

– Prepare bussines planes.

What has it realised:

The “Livestock and Rural Development Centre” LRD is a continuation of the office of Heifer Albania. Heifer Albania and LRD for a period of about 23 years has designed and implemented over 75 projects in rural areas of the country. The projects are focused on:

-Integrated development of small scale dairy farms, breeding improvement of cows, goats of dairy breeds (Holstein, Jersey, Alpine goat, Sana, Ruda etc.),

-the preservation of auroktone breeds ,

-support of groups of farmers to increase income through support with animals, inputs knowledge and practical skills through training, and providing technical assistance and demonstrations for farmers and technichian .

The projects are also focused on:

– increasing income of farmers groups through increasing milk production, marketing and processing of milk.

-beekeeping development.

-agrotourism.

-support of groups of women and other marginal groups in need.

In the implementation of projects, LRD cooperates with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Agricultural University of Tirana, the Technology Transfer Centers in Fush-Kruja and Korca, as well as the regional offices of agricultural extension.

More information at: www.bzhr.org

Contacts

Prof. Dr. Gori Stefi

Livestock and Rural Development Centre-Albania

Tel: +355682303381

e-mail: gori.stefi@gmail.com

The Agricultural Technology Transfer Center of Korca is a governmental institution, subordinated to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Albania.

We offer:

Identification, testing, adaptation and introduction in agricultural practices of new methods and materials for the country.

Preparation of technological packages for agricultural crops and animal breeding.

Introduction of technological packages for the creation of apple orchards in field plants as well as in livestock, mainly small ones.

Providing technical assistance to farmers in their agricultural and livestock activity.

In cooperation with the Advisory Service ATTC Korça organizes trainings with interested farmers for the establishment and good management of agricultural and livestock farms.

We conduct research and testing at the farm level for problems raised by farmers or livestock.

Trainings for agricultural specialists, farmers and other interested entities.

Demonstration of other technologies in the cultivation of field plants, orchards, livestock (mainly small).

Divulgated materials are prepared and published for agricultural specialists and farmers.

Trainings required by other centers as well.

Preparing projects and drafting programs for the needs and priorities of the region in which we are located.

Internships of students of the Agricultural University “F.S. Noli”, of Korça, the Agricultural University of Tirana and the Vocational Agricultural High School of Korça.

Production of high links in some types of seeds (wheat, barley, potatoes, beans) and certified seedlings (apples).

Providing seeds of high links to enable private entities to multiply and then distribute to farmers planting materials (wheat, etc.).

Providing for livestock in the region and beyond a wide range of breeders with high milk production (small cattle, taranze French cows) to enable racial improvement in livestock herds.

Through the laboratory that we have, we perform analyzes for macro elements of soils, coming to the aid of interested farmers.

We perform laboratory analyzes for livestock products of livestock and based on these analyzes we give our recommendations on how to treat livestock herds.

Webpage: www.qttbkorce.com

Contact: Titular – Rolandi Meçaj

Agricultural Technology Transfer Center of Korça

Phone: +355694898668

E-mail: rmecaj93@gmail.com

Kosovo Association of Milk Producers (KAMP) is a non-profit national organization established to represent the interests of Kosovo dairy farmers and to increase their competitive level through member-driven activities that will enhance dairy production throughout Kosovo. The mission of KAMP is to be an organization that will be striving to improve the quality of raw milk and a driving force for improving both the quality and quantity of milk being provided to processors.

KAMP is a well-known and widely respected organization among the public and private sector, involved in agricultural policy decision making and it is a valuable partner of local and central governmental institutions.

KAMP was established in January 2005 with the support of the USAID-KCBS project, with a joint strategic plan for the further development of all necessary aspects which will help to develop the milk industry in Kosovo. The idea for the establishment of the association came as a result of the emergence of the need for local producers for support and the need for the improvement of professionalism regardingfarm management and products.

The Association cooperates closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development (MAFRD) and with various organizations including USAID/KCBS, USAID/NOA, USAID/AGRO, Solidar Suisse, European Commission, different embassies, as well as with the Kosovo Food and Veterinary Agency (KFVA). KAMP has managed to set up a high-quality milk production sector in Kosovo, at the same time increasing quantity and ensuring professionalism.

From 98 initial members (farmers), in 2005, KAMP currently has around 2,500 members. It should be mentioned that KAMP is always open to accepting new members regardless of their ethnicity.

The organization was initially established and operated mostly based on international donor support and very little from the membership fees. However, with a growing number of members and increased investments of the government and private business operators in the dairy sector, this balance is changing and KAMP moved towards ensuring full financial sustainability.

be the driving force for improving both the quality and quantity of milk being provided to processors.

– Providing professional extension services in farm management, paying more attention to small and young farmers who need more professional help;

– Keeping farmers informed on the latest developments in the dairy market;

– Providing professional advice regarding the improvement of the hygiene of fresh milk which is sold to dairies for processing, as it directly reflects on the quality of milk products offered in the markets. It is essential for the sustainability of farms in Kosovo;

– Participation in working groups for the development of dairy sector policies with the main purpose of protecting their general interests and influencing the creation of the most appropriate agricultural policies;

– Preparing and providing projects related to the construction of modern farms, as well as assisting in their successful implementation by being in direct contact with them throughout the implementation;

– Advising farmers on procedures for maintenance of hooves, animal health, preparation of balanced food rations, etc.;

– Sampling of fresh milk on a monthly basisfrom all farmers members in the association

Website:

www.shpqk.org

Kontakti:

Gentë Kadriu

Tel: +383 44 775 493

Email address: kadriugenta@gmail.com

Milazim Makolli

Tel: + 383 44 160 990

Email address: milazimmakolli@gmail.com

Quality Assurance Agency in Higher Education (the Agency) operates in accordance with the Decision of Council of Ministers No. 109, dated on 15^th of February, 2017 and in accordance with the Law No. 80/2015, on higher education and scientific reseach. The Agency has derived from the reorganization of the Public Accreditation Agency for Higher Education.

The Agency is the only institution operating in the higher eduation area in the Republic of Albania, that monitores and evaluate the quality on higher education. This is achieved based on the State Standartds on quality assurance and other standards and relevant guidelines on quality assurance in the international and European higher education area. The Agency is an independent body, impartial and transparent in carrying out its activity. ASCAL performs the prior assessment of quality for HEIs, their units and study programs for the three cycles of study in the framework of their licensing procedure as well as external evaluation in the framework of institutional accreditation and study programs. Also, the Agency carries out analytical and comparative assessments of HEIs, programs and areas of study.

Mission of the Agency

• Ensuring quality in higher education through external, objective and independent evaluation;
• Maintaining quality standards;
• Promoting and improving the quality of higher education institutions and study programs they offer.

Focus of the activity

External quality assessment for the first and periodic accreditation of higher education institutions and of the study programs they offer;

Monitoring, evaluating the academic quality and the acompliance with the state quality standards of the institutions and programs offered by them, prior to the assessment for the first and the next accreditation;

Preliminary assessment in the framework of opening and/or reorganizing higher education institutions and study programs, following the request from the Ministry responsible for education;

Preliminary assessment and recognition of study programs provided by the accredited higher education institutions in Albania, by foreign higher education institutions of one of the European Union countries, the United States of America, Canada and Australia;

Periodic assessment, every three years, of the quality of teaching in higher education institutions and its ongoing monitoring through the National Student Survey, in accordance with its guidelines;

Evaluation of internal quality systems (audit) in higher education institutions, in accordance with its guidelines and standards and guidelines for quality assurance in the European Higher Education Area;

Thematic, analytical and comparative assessments of institutions and/or study programs in function of policies for higher education, autonomously or at the request of the ministry responsible for education.

To fulfill its mission, the Agency, in addition to the legal acts in force, is based on the Quality Code and its internal regulations.

ASCAL is part of the European Quality Assurance Area, collaborating with all stakeholders in this field and being an associate member of ENQA, a full member of CEENQA, a full member of INQAAHE. ASCAL also has successful collaborations with QAA and CHE.

Website: https://www.ascal.al/sq/

Contacts:

Dr. Xhiliola Bixheku

Quality Assurance Agency in Higher Education

Tel: +355692334662

e-mail: xhiliola.bixheku@gmail.com

NA’s Vision is: To have a conductive environment, where Albanian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are innovative in thinking and managing their business and understanding the added value of effective collaboration and joint actions. Nucleus Albania as a vital and powerful MSME network has proved to deliver tangible economic benefits to members, customers and partners, and thus, contributes to achieving a more favorable business environment for MSMEs.

NA’ Mission is: To provide unique group based and tailor-made business development services to MSMEs, in urban and rural areas all over Albania. With interactive group-based counselling (Nucleus approach) NA is successfully strengthening MSMEs to become more competitive, to be an active player in value chains, to improve business networking and to develop joint business linkages by creating clusters.

NA is established in 2014, and composed of five Albanian business associations – Albanian Oil Association (AOA), Albanian Tourism Association (ATA), Livestock Entrepreneurs Association of Albania (LEAA), Albanian National Professional, Business Women and Handicrafts Association (SHKGPAZ), and Horticulture Albania Business Association (HABA) with support of German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit).

Its purpose is to provide tailor-made and affordable business development services.

In 2012/13 the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism (MEDTTE) had a strong interest in the Nucleus approach and they perceived it as a tool for enhancing MSMEs competitiveness. Thus, the approach was included in the “Business and Investment Development Strategy, (2014 – 2020)” of MEDTTE. In the perception of MEDTTE NA should further develop in scaling up “the Nucleus approach to sustainable cluster activities and value chain support”.

Nucleus Albania as a Service Provider targets the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). They are more than 95 % of the Albanian enterprises, are the larger employer, provide the income for the majority of families engaged, and comprise a sprouting system for country’s economic development. However, they are fragile and face harsh competition from the larger enterprises. There is a need to develop and strengthen MSMEs as entities as well as to establish and enhance their cooperation-within the sector and/or across the sectors. NA ambition is to be: “a national center of service of excellence and an innovation in thinking and management of MSMEs-based on a group of professional experts”. Nucleus Albania is a first model in Albania and in Balkan, by applying simultaneously an intensively participated bottom- up approach, a professionally coached, animated and supported process and an organized system which strengthens the capacity to deliver value- adding and demand-driven services to MSMEs. Nucleus Approach constitutes a hands-on powerful tool to support MSME competitiveness and creation of clusters.

NA recognizes that Albanian’s MSME must become open, cooperative, and increasingly self-confident and lead its own development. In the current situation, the entrepreneurs act in isolation and over time lose their innovative impulse; they lack managerial skills and knowledge about systematic “life-long learning”; individual entrepreneurs from the same sector perceive each other as competitors and block each other instead of supporting one another, by sharing experiences; MSMEs deeply mistrust governments, supporting organizations, suppliers, customers and colleagues; they regard their individual economic difficulties as factors external of their own performance; and lastly, many MSMEs focus too little on their own self-help potential. Thus, the Nucleus Albania aims at creating a conducive environment, where entrepreneurs can start to open up and collaborate in identifying common problems, comparing themselves with others (benchmarking), defining their demand for services, developing personal self-confidence and ultimately improving their individual business performance; diversifying their products by using innovative processes.

Website: https://nucleus.al/

Contacts

Valbona Paluka

Rruga “Reshit Çollaku” Pallati “Bora”, Shk.1; Ap. 19, Tirana, Albania

Tel: +355 4 225 8312

e-mail: info@nucleus.al