Abstract
The integration of forestry and agricultural practices contributes to the environmental sustainability and economic development of rural areas, especially in regions with soil degradation. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of agroforestry systems on land productivity, conservation of natural resources, and socio-economic development of local communities; to identify barriers and prospects for their further implementation. The methodology included statistical analysis, comparison of the effectiveness of various agroforestry models, and assessment of economic and environmental indicators. The study showed that the area of land involved in agroforestry is 150-200 thousand hectares (10% of agricultural land). Forest and pastoral systems have reduced farmers’ feed costs by 20-25%, and the use of mixed agroforestry models has increased crop yields by 14% compared to traditional farming. It was established that the level of organic matter in the soils of such systems is almost twice as high as in traditional agricultural landscapes, and erosion processes are reduced by 20-30%. Forest stands within the framework of agroforestry contribute to the conservation of biodiversity, in particular, an increase in the number of useful pollinating insects by 40%, and the restoration of populations of small mammals and birds. It was also found that the decentralisation of forest management has led to the creation of more than 60 forest cooperatives that ensure effective management of forest resources and increase the economic sustainability of local communities. It was found that the main obstacles to the development of agroforestry in Albania are the lack of state support, financial constraints, technological gaps, and low awareness of farmers. The results of the study indicate the need to create financial incentives, develop forest cooperatives, spread innovative technologies, and expand information support for farmers. The practical significance of the study lies in the development of a comprehensive strategy for sustainable agricultural development, which will contribute to improving land productivity, economic stability of local communities, and adaptation to climate change