The World Bank assesses the progress of the project for climate change resilience and agricultural development in Albania, with a financing of 72.4 million dollars, as moderately unsatisfactory.
According to the latest report, only 9% of the funds have been disbursed, while a significant portion of the planned investments have not yet started and key performance indicators remain at zero.
In the report published on October 21, 2026, the World Bank maintains the "Moderately Unsatisfactory" rating for both progress towards development objectives and overall project implementation. This rating is unchanged from the previous report.
The project was approved in March 2023 and entered into force in February 2024, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development as the implementing institution. It aims to improve the competitiveness of agricultural production, modernize irrigation and drainage, strengthen food security, and adapt the sector to climate change.
The World Bank notes that initial delays were caused by the slow start of procurement, limited institutional capacities, preparatory activities, and contract finalization.
"Implementation lags behind schedule in several critical areas, and continued efforts will be needed to accelerate priority activities and translate commitments into physical progress and results on the ground," the report said.
One of the main concerns is related to the institutional capacities for project implementation and sustainability, which are currently assessed as high risk, from low risk at the time of approval. Meanwhile, fiduciary risk, related to fund management and procurement procedures, has increased from medium to significant, while the overall project risk remains medium.
According to financial data, of the $72.4 million in revised funding, $6.51 million has been disbursed, while $65.89 million remains undisbursed. The completion date is September 2028.
The delays are reflected in concrete results. Sales of agricultural products through Micro Food Hubs remain at zero, against the target of 6,000 tons.
"This indicator remains at zero, as the Micro Food Hubs have not yet been established and no sales have been generated to date," the World Bank states. No farmers have yet benefited from the activities of these centers or from the producer groups financed by the project.
Investments in irrigation and drainage are also behind schedule. The area that has benefited from improved services remains at zero, against a target of 12,300 hectares. No progress has been recorded either on the target of reducing irrigation costs by 30% or on the use of renewable energy in these systems.
In food safety, none of the six planned border inspection points have been completed. New analyzes in regional laboratories, training of 75 laboratory staff and increasing storage capacities for blocked products also remain at zero. There is no progress recorded in the accreditation of analysis methods at the National Reference Laboratory.
The report also highlights delays in the creation of a data analysis platform for the Ministry of Agriculture and municipalities, while mechanisms for receiving assessments from beneficiaries and handling complaints have not yet become fully functional.
However, the World Bank notes an improvement in the pace of implementation, citing the start of work on the Murcia irrigation scheme and progress in modernizing irrigation systems and laboratories.
To accelerate the project, the Ministry of Agriculture and the World Bank have agreed to strengthen oversight, institutional coordination, procurement and monitoring of results, leaving open the possibility of changes in the scope and manner of its implementation./ Monitor
