Eleven years after the fall of the Communist regime, Albania remains the poorest country in Europe. Unemployment and poverty is endemic, with average wages at only $100 per month.
The most impoverished areas are in the north of the country, where there is little industry and massive unemployment.

The desperate conditions here rival those found anywhere in the developing world. Faced with such overwhelming odds, many people choose emigration as the only solution to dismal poverty. Islamic Relief is continuing its partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) in Albania.

IR has been implementing 'Food for Work' activities throughout Albania since September 2002. These programmes aim to improve rural livelihoods in northern Albania. 'Food for Work' schemes encourage villagers to undertake important infrastructure projects, such as rebuilding and renewing roads and irrigation, in return for receiving foodstuffs.

This type of programme brings lasting economic benefits to the individual communities - tackling malnutrition and rural hardships. Importantly, it also gives the people a sense of partnership, and the dignity and pride in assisting the construction of their own future.

Islamic Relief is the main implementing partner for WFP in northern Albania this year, and has been provided with a grant of $92,691 to carry out its work.