The Role of Safety Nets and Remittances in Rural Households During Periods of Shock and Uncertainty: Evidence from Albania

Bachelor of Science Halim Gjylsheni, BSc

Diplomová práce

Abstract:

Despite improvements in the last decades, food security remains a challenge for low-income households in Albania. As a post-transition economy, the country continues to face socioeconomic disparities, limited employment opportunities and regional inequalities that affect household livelihoods and food security. Formal and informal support mechanisms such as social safety nets and remittances provide important assistance to households during difficult times. However, little is known about the impact of these transfers on food security. In this study we aim to examine the impact of the social safety net program and remittances on household food security and to explore the coping strategies that influence food security outcomes. Convenience sampling was employed and primary data were collected through a questionnaire survey from 100 households in Tirana County during the year 2024. Food security was measured using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale methodology developed by the FAO. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ordered logistic regression in SPSS and Stata software. The results show that the social safety net program, livestock ownership, household size and insurance have an effect on household food security. Participation in the social safety net program shows a positive and statistically significant relationship association with food security. The beneficiary households are more likely to be food secure. On the other hand, remittances, another key variable of interest in this study, were not found to have a significant effect on food security. However, they remain an important source of support for household livelihoods, as a large share of households receive remittance transfers. Based on these findings, despite criticism regarding targeting and its limited coverage of all households in need, the social safety net program still plays an important role in supporting food security. In relation to remittances, policies should aim secure, affordable, and accessible channels which can help rural households benefit from migrant transfers in strengthening their resilience and response to economic shocks.

Keywords

Remittances, Social Safety Nets, Food Security, Migration, Albania

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 25. 4. 2026

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Obhajoba proběhla 2. 6. 2026
• Vedoucí: doc. Ing. Miroslava Bavorová, Ph.D.
• Oponent: Edvin Zhllima, Mgr., externi

Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze

Fakulta tropického zemědělství

Magisterský studijní program:
International Development and Agricultural Economics