However, a new opportunity has emerged for this community of over 120 families. From Field to Market project, part of the Inclusive EduJobs programme supported by the European Union, has united 15 Egyptian community farmers. Together, they are cultivating vegetables, planting olives and fruit trees, exploring new markets, and realizing profits.

For Sherif Nurka, seeing a vast greenhouse burgeoning with various greens on his land feels like a dream come true. "After many years of hard work with no real benefits, this is like a dream for me," says Sherif, unable to hide his happiness. Recollecting his past experience in an agricultural cooperative during the communist regime, Sherif's knowledge about planting, seedlings, fertilization, and harvesting made him an important figure in managing the community's first greenhouse.

Sherifi shows us how much spinach and arugula the greenhouse has produced these days. "We sell a part, and also, we have enough left for our family's needs,” says Sherif. He hopes that his sons will also embrace the passion for farming. One of them has already begun assisting him in the daily operations of the greenhouse.

Sherif's dedication involves tending to the greenhouse, distributing seedlings, and guiding fellow farmers in cultivating these greens. "This is the best thing that has happened to us," he says, emphasizing the interest from two local Agrotourism businesses to consistently purchase their produce.

Enthusiasm for the project extends beyond Sherif, with many young individuals seeing it as a promising opportunity to work on their lands. Suada Guraziu, a young woman who left university after marriage, is among those who see cultivating the land as a prosperous avenue for their future. “We often work seasonally in Dhermi and other places with my husband, but if we grow and sell our products every season, I believe the profit is here. No need to work somewhere else," says Suada. Reflecting the community's eagerness for employment opportunities the project might create, she also expresses the desire for flower seedlings,

The future

Plans are in place to construct three additional greenhouses in the village, diversifying the crops to include various vegetables rarely cultivated in the region such as lettuce, arugula, spinach, spring onions, cabbage, red cabbage, broccoli, and garlic. This initiative aims to bolster agricultural production and stimulate economic growth among local farmers.

The farmers have received support in the form of chemical fertilizers and training in olive and vegetable cultivation techniques. The 15 Egyptian families are poised to establish their initial agricultural enterprise, aiming to formalize their group and gain better market access. Furthermore, the project aims to replicate its success in Shushica village with two complementary schemes in its second phase.

Background

From field to Market project is implemented by the Plant Genetic Resources Association (APGR) and is part of the broader programme, "Inclusive EduJobs" implemented by Open Society Foundation in Albania and financed by the European Union. The program aims to generate new job opportunities for 266 members within the Roma and Egyptian communities, with 80 individuals targeted for roles within the agriculture sector. Additionally, 190 students will receive scholarships, while 1,800 Roma and Egyptian students will gain advantages from blended learning programs. The programme aims to improve the inclusion of women and men, boys and girls from Roma and Egyptian communities in Albania and strengthen municipal capacities to establish and deliver inclusive services to Roma and Egyptian citizens in employment and inclusive education.