AGROBIODIVERSITY AND RURAL RESILIENCE IN MOUNTAIN REGIONS: THE ROLE OF FARM CULTURE IN NORTHERN ALBANIA

Sead Baraku; Elidiana Bashi; Blerta Dragusha

doi:10.7251/ZREFIS2632063B

Authors

Sead Baraku 1 Faculty of Economics, University of Shkodra “Luigj Gurakuqi” Shkodër, Albania Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4625-7747 (unauthenticated)
Elidiana Bashi 2 Faculty of Economics, University of Shkodra “Luigj Gurakuqi” Shkodër, Albania Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3582-3694 (unauthenticated)
Blerta Dragusha 3 Faculty of Economics, University of Shkodra “Luigj Gurakuqi” Shkodër, Albania Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5463-5269 (unauthenticated)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7251/ZREFIS2632063B

Keywords:

Agricultural diversification, Rural resilience, Agritourism, Cultural heritage, Sustainable development, Western Balkans, Q01, Q18, R11, Z32, O13

Abstract

The study examines the relationship between agrobiodiversity and rural resilience in mountain regions of Northern Albania within the broader Western Balkans context. Using longitudinal panel data from 82 households and 107 businesses across 11 villages during 2023–2025, the study applies econometric models to analyze ecological, cultural, and economic dimensions of rural development. The findings show that higher agrobiodiversity is associated with stronger economic performance, higher investment activity, and greater rural resilience. Farm culture and biodiversity communication partially mediate this relationship, while mountain rural heritage strengthens the resilience effects of agrobiodiversity. Tourism participation and higher resilience levels are also associated with lower migration intentions. The study contributes to the literature by integrating agrobiodiversity, cultural practices, and heritage within a single empirical framework. Overall, the findings support integrated rural development strategies linking biodiversity conservation, tourism diversification, and territorial sustainability in mountain economies.

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AGROBIODIVERSITY AND RURAL RESILIENCE IN MOUNTAIN REGIONS: THE ROLE OF FARM CULTURE IN NORTHERN ALBANIA

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