Examination of the Importance and Level of Application of Digitization in the Rural Sector, the Case of Albania

Abstract

Agriculture continues to be one of the fundamental sectors for sustainable development in Albania, referring to its contribution to the gross domestic product and employment level. Nevertheless, it confronts ongoing structural issues concerning sustainable development. Farm size, productivity and competitiveness, intensification of production, the efficiency of resource use, access to finance, modernization of the value chain (VC), implementation of technology and information, quality and food security, are considered some of the main challenges of this sector for our country. The digitalization of agriculture emerges as a crucial instrument in dealing with these challenges, through the use of technology and information systems as an important instrument for increasing the competitiveness and sustainability of the rural sector. In this context, this paper aims to examine the importance and level of application of digital technology along the value chain in the agricultural sector. In function of the purpose of the study, the questionnaire was designed to provide and collect information on the importance of the application of the digitalization of agriculture, through the use of technology and information systems by agricultural farms and farmers in our country. Based on the data on the dominant activities and the typology of the farms according to the regions, the study areas have been determined, respectively for the districts of Kukës, Gjirokastër, Fier, Berat, and Korçë. In total, 938 questionnaires were completed for the five respective districts, following the activities and typology of the respective farms. The variables were evaluated using the Likert scale (1-5), and data analysis was carried out through the SPSS program.