Special Recognition in category Digital Transformation in EPSA 2023-24
Context
The agricultural sector is a cornerstone of the Albanian economy, providing food security, employment and raw materials for industries. However, Albanian farmers have historically faced challenges in accessing government support due to a cumbersome application process with limited access to information, and geographical limitations. This slow and complex system, riddled with paperwork and lengthy procedures, discouraged participation and hindered the growth of the agricultural sector, particularly for those cultivating seasonal products. Additionally, a large portion of the agricultural market had remained informal, further marginalising many farmers from government support and formal economic activities. Recognising these issues, the Albanian government embarked on a digitalisation initiative to streamline the application process for the National Support Scheme for Farmers.
Objectives
The ‘Application for the National Support Scheme for Farmers’ initiative aimed to achieve a multifaceted transformation of the agricultural support system. This included enhancing access to financial support for farmers, streamlining the application process to eliminate unnecessary complexity and fostering transparency throughout the application procedures. Furthermore, the initiative aimed to promote the formalisation of the agricultural market and ensure that all farmers, regardless of location, had equal access to government support and services. By achieving these objectives, the initiative sought to stimulate domestic agricultural production, reduce the risk of corruption and empower farmers through a user-friendly online platform. This digital transformation would not only benefit individual farmers but also contribute to the overall growth and formalisation of the agricultural sector.
Implementation
The successful implementation of the initiative involved a structured approach and collaboration between the National Agency of Information Society (NAIS) and the Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (ARDA). Through ongoing consultations, the two entities exchanged information on the existing scheme, including user feedback highlighting the need for modernisation. Rigorous testing formed a crucial part of the development process. Service analysis and development staff, alongside representatives from the agricultural sector, participated in testing phases to identify potential challenges and optimise the user experience. User interface and usability testing ensured a user-friendly platform that minimised navigation time and simplified tasks. Once the platform was functional, a comprehensive promotional campaign utilised television, social media and local news outlets to reach the target audience and stakeholders. This multipronged approach ensured widespread awareness and adoption of the new system.