Servicing Micro-Entrepreneurs in Albania

Since 1998, USAID/Albania has supported a micro-finance program that increases the access of micro- and small-sized enterprises to credit for business expansion and diversification. In 2004, 62 percent of assisted enterprises in agriculture and 55 percent of those in other sectors were operated by women, who received 59 percent of the loans and accounted for 37 percent of the value of loans. Currently, the micro-finance program-called Servicing Micro-Entrepreneurs in Albania-handles a client base of over 4,500 and an outstanding loan balance of over US$9.5 million. Loans average approximately US$2,200, with a maximum amount of around US$25,000. In recent years, implementer Opportunity International and its Albanian partner PSHM have developed innovative methods for providing loans as small as US$70, thereby putting credit within the range of even the smallest-scale micro-entrepreneurs or farmers, many of whom are women.

Albania Livestock Service Centers

The Albania Livestock Service Centers project helps milk producers and dairy processors improve production and marketing of their products. The project also works with the livestock and dairy sector to develop quality standards that will generate premium-quality products for domestic and eventually export markets. In 2004, this project focused on the implementation of the Seal-of-Quality strategy that is expected to increase the competitiveness of the Albanian dairy and meat industry in the domestic and international markets. Women accounted for 75 percent of project beneficiaries receiving training and technical assistance in animal care and 54 percent of participants in training trips abroad. The project helped raise the income of more than 10,000 women who, through cooperative arrangements, were able to improve the quality and quantity of their products.

Albania's Program Objectives

SELECTED ACTIVITIES:

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