Market systems analysis, strategy and intervention plan

Albania is renowned for its biological and natural diversity, which supports a wide variety of plant and animal species, including medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). The harvesting and trading of MAPs has been an important source of income for rural communities in Albania for decades going back to communist times.

About 200 species of MAPs are actively traded, the most important have traditionally been sage, oregano, thyme, lavender and savoury

This report aims to understand the issues impacting the development and growth of the MAPs sector in Albania, ultimately with the aim of identifying and designing interventions targeting key bottlenecks impeding change and transformation of the sector.

The analysis is guided by the MSD approach which helps to understand how a system can work more efficiently and sustainably for poor and disadvantaged groups.

The report:

• provides an overview of the MSD approach
• provides an MSD analysis of the MAPs sector in Albania, assessing the sector’s performance and highlighting the key constraints impeding its growth and development
• sets out CNVP’s intervention strategy, outlining CNVP’s overall vision of change and interventions which will be implemented to achieve this vision

This study is undertaken by CNVP foundation as part of implementation of the LED project (Local Economic development) funded by Swedish Government through Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, Sida.