Acta Scientiarum Polonorum. Oeconomia

ROLE OF FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE IN MAKING INVESTMENT AND FINANCIAL DECISIONS BY FARMERS IN ALBANIA

Xhelentiona Mullaymeri, Albana Gjoni — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: The purpose of the study is to highlight the importance of financial knowledge among farmers in Albania, and to assess the current state of financial education within the agricultural sector. This study also aims to identify the main factors that influence the farmer’s financial knowledge and decision-making, and investigates through questionnaires if the financial literacy of farmers is directly related to the level of education or experience on the farm, as well as whether it will have an impact on the performance of the farm. Methods: This study uses a qualitative approach. This paper is based on a structured face-to- -face survey with 25 farmers in the Maliq area (District of Korçë, Albania). The respondents were selected in a random-purposive method and represented about 25% of farms registered in this area. Results: This study is very important to understanding whether the financial system offers appropriate financial products for farmers, and if there is an appropriate level of support by state institutions and by private institutions that deal mainly with the agricultural sector. Our results conclude that farmers do not have much financial knowledge, while also saying that it is very important regarding the decisions they make on the farm, regarding their sustainability in the market, risk management and the management of the obligations they have. Most farmers are not market-oriented and do not have any contracts. Conclusions: This study has revealed key aspects of financial education among farmers in Albania, which significantly impact the efficiency of agricultural holdings. The findings indicate that the level of financial literacy among farmers remains low, limiting their ability to manage financial obligations and effectively utilize available resources. Additionally, their restricted access to credit, low propensity to save, and weak engagement with banking services may contribute to reduced agricultural productivity. These results highlight the need for further educational initiatives and institutional support in the field of agricultural finance.

DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DRIVEN BY POLICIES, CONSUMER TRENDS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES IN POLAND AND SERBIA

Iwona Pomianek, Nataša Kljajić — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: The article aims to compare the approaches to sustainable tourism in Poland and Serbia. It analyzes current consumer trends in the European Union, Poland (as an EU member), and Serbia (as an EU candidate country). The article presents the objectives of both countries’ latest available tourism development strategies. An attempt is made to indicate the desired directions of action in the near future from the perspective of changing expectations of tourists, environmental challenges, and the assumptions of the sustainable development concept. Methods: The methods included desk research (analysis of documents and public policies), content analysis (analysis of the websites of national tourism development agencies), and case studies (indicating specific actions). Results: The analysis of sustainable tourism development in Poland and Serbia indicates significant similarities, but also differences resulting from the political and institutional context. As an EU member, Poland systematically implements the recommendations resulting from a set of political initiatives under the common name of the European Green Deal and the industrial strategy published as the Transformation Path for Tourism, emphasizing the development of low-emission, digital tourism and supporting local communities. In the process of integration with the EU, Serbia is taking actions similar to EU standards, developing tourism based on natural values and cultural heritage. Conclusions: Both in Poland and Serbia, there is a growing interest in sustainable tourism among consumers and changing trends in the expectations of tourists. Environmental challenges, such as excessive pressure from mass tourism, loss of biodiversity, waste generation, and the effects of climate change, require an integrated approach and intersectoral cooperation; in this context, the assumptions of the circular economy are also relevant. This is necessary to balance economic development and the protection of natural resources. Poland and Serbia have significant potential for developing sustainable tourism but face different challenges. Poland should focus on reducing overtourism and better managing tourist traffic, while Serbia should invest in tourist infrastructure and environmental protection. Supporting innovation and ecological education for tourists and local communities is crucial.

DO TRADE PROMOTION ORGANIZATIONS CONTRIBUTE TO PROMOTING THE EXPORT PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES?

Amina R. Salum, Harold Utouh — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: The commercial sector in Tanzania has improved greatly over the last three decades, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been a prime mover of economic growth, employment, and poverty reduction. Despite this important role, there are different obstacles to accessing global markets for Tanzanian SMEs, including limited trade support, poor market access, and regulatory barriers. This paper seeks to establish the extent to which trade promotion organizations (TPOs) help in surmounting such challenges and enhancing the export capabilities of SMEs in Dar es Salaam, the economic hub and most populous city in Tanzania. Methods: The study uses a mixed-methods approach and sampled primary data from 400 respondents comprised of SME representatives and trade stakeholders. Different quantitative techniques were used for the analysis of the effect of TPO interventions with regard to market intelligence, legal advisory services, facilitation of foreign exchange, export-oriented programs, and assistance concerning export procedures, including logistic and multiple linear regression analysis to determine the impact on SME export success. Qualitative perceptions give added depth to this study through a rich understanding of experiences and constraints faced by SMEs. Results: The findings confirm that there is a positive and significant association between TPO-provided services and SME export performance, underlining the crucial role of tailored support. Conclusions: The priorities that come out of this study for policy enhancement include reinforcement of infrastructures of TPOs for actionable market insights, availability of foreign exchange services, and the scale-up of training programs on international trade practices. These recommendations are targeted at ensuring the optimization of TPO efforts in facilitating the entry of SMEs into global markets for sustainable economic development in Tanzania.

STATE OF CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION FOR WOMEN IN LOW-SKILLED JOBS IN WASTE MANAGEMENT SECTOR – LITERATURE REVIEW

Kanoatkhon Umurzokova, Mariusz Maciejczak — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Aim: This study aims to explore the economic theories and current situation regarding vocational education for women in low-skilled jobs in waste management, focusing on the challenges women face in this male-dominated sector. It seeks to address the gender inequalities and barriers that prevent women from advancing in their careers, particularly the impact of stereotypes, biases, and immaturity of qualification standards. Methods: The primary research method employed was a literature review, conducted through an analysis of the content of six academic databases, which were searched using relevant keywords. This process resulted in the identification of 48 articles, 30 of which were available in full. These articles were then thoroughly analyzed and categorized into three main themes: 1) applied theories and concepts, 2) stereotypes, career paths, and vocational education, and 3) literature relating to the selected region (Uzbekistan and Tajikistan). Results: The findings highlight significant challenges and gender inequalities faced by women in waste management and adjacent sectors. It was found that the lack of gender-inclusive qualification standards and systemic biases lock women under a “glass ceiling,” limiting their career advancement. The review also revealed a gap in research on the specific skills and knowledge women need to succeed in these fields, especially in regions like Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, where waste management systems are still developing. Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of developing training programs that address gender-specific needs and tackle the gender gaps in qualification standards. They also emphasize the necessity of implementing systemic changes to improve working conditions and expand leadership opportunities for women in the waste management sector. The study concludes that further research is required to gain a deeper understanding of the gender inclusivity of national qualification standards, particularly in industries such as waste management.