The Impact of Public Regulations on Local Production Systems—Why Institutions Matter?

Abstract

This paper examines how the livestock systems of a mountain municipality in south-east Albania are undergoing some pasture demand pressure due to the recent decentralization process of the management of state and communal pastures. By using a mixed approach combining qualitative and quantitative data through interviews with national and local stakeholders, documents and field observation the discussion is conducted by comparing different parameters of the livestock systems related to the pastures access. According to the results, the government regulation of pastures increased the competition for their availability and access. Securing use rights for the local farmers will be crucial for sustainable pasture management in the long run period.

Keywords

• livestock systems
• pasture pressure
• farm economic performance
• Albania