Unlocking job creation for youth through certification

This case study forms part of a series of analyses of RisiAlbania’s market systems interventions in Albania’s ICT, Tourism and Agricultural sectors.

It presents evidence that certification schemes can have a positive impact on higher value export growth, business performance and job creation for young people in rural areas. 

It outlines RisiAlbania’s experience introducing GlobalG.A.P certification to the Albanian marketplace. GlobalG.A.P. is a globally recognised food safety and sustainability certification scheme.

RisiAlbania has developed a portfolio of agribusiness interventions based on detailed analysis and lessons learnt in a series of interconnected market systems, including the systems for youth employment, agribusiness export sales and certification itself. Certification was selected as it is a critical step for exporters to grow and diversifiy into higher value international markets, and therefore create jobs for the Albanian youth.

From a development practitioner perspective, this document unpacks some of the underlying constraints and provides details of RisiAlbania’s adaptive approach to stimulating change across interconnected market systems. It provides recommendations for replication, and potential next steps for RisiAlbania.

Intervention description

RisiAlbania aimed to increase youth employment through certification schemes, specifically focusing on GlobalG.A.P. certification. The programmet worked with exporters and Business Development Services (BDS) providers to support the adoption of group certification.

Key activities included training 17 consultants on farm assurance, facilitating the development of an online platform for information on certifications, and supporting exporters in the certification process. Partners responded positively, with exporters such as Doni Fruits achieving certification and expanding their market reach. The interventions also addressed constraints such as the limited availability of qualified agronomists and the high costs of certification.    

Evidence methodology

The methodology comprised a combination of desk research and interviews with various stakeholders, including exporters, BDS providers, certification bodies and GlobalG.A.P. representatives.

The study used both qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate the impacts and changes brought about by the interventions. Interviews were conducted to gather in-depth insights, while data analysis was used to track the growth in certified hectares and the increase in job creation.

This programme’s results measurement system underwent a pre-audit review using the DCED Standard.