Evaluating the agricultural policy in Kosovo: Lessons learnt and the pathway forward

Agricultural extension services and direct payments are key policy instruments; yet their effectiveness is often debated. Extension services lack a demand-driven approach, neglecting farmer preferences. Similarly, the effects of direct payments, particularly coupled payments, remain unclear. Thus, this dissertation studies farmers' preferences for extension services and the impact of coupled direct payments using experimental and quasi-experimental approaches, along with ethnographic fieldwork. Results reveal a preference for extension services with more farm visits, specialized expertise, demonstrations, and ICT use. Farmers are even willing to pay for improved services. While coupled payments had no impact on productivity or incomes, they positively affected farm size. Also, environmental effects were observed through land, livestock, and chemical use. Policy implications extend beyond the study region, while also emphasizing the importance of data reliability over availability.