The Effects of Climate Change on the Agricultural Sector in Albania

¹ Department of Meteorology - Institute of Geo Sciences, Polytechnic University of Tirana, Albania
² Department of Environment, FPEUM, Polis University, Tirana, Albania
³ Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Elbasan “Aleksandër Xhuvani”, Albania

^* Enkelejda Kucaj: enkilusha@gmail.org

Abstract

In Albania, agriculture is ranked as one of the priority sectors to produce agricultural and livestock products, employment, and contributing 18.6% to the country’s GDP in 2022. The purpose of this work is to identify the effects of changes in water resources and reserves, violations in agricultural practices, reductions in agricultural production and land productivity, as well as the need for an adaptation strategy for immediate and long-term solutions. Data analysis of the average minimum and maximum temperatures and annual rainfall over the last three years compared to long-term averages in Albania reveals significant changes. Thus, in 2020, precipitation decreased by approximately 16% across 10 meteorological stations nationwide, while average maximum temperatures increased by +2.5°C compared to the 1961-1990 period average. Absolute minimum and maximum temperatures are projected to rise, and annual precipitation is expected to decrease in all scenarios, impacting the agricultural sector. Therefore, increasing investments in improving irrigation technologies is necessary.