Emelj Tuna | Ss. Cyril & Methodius University in Skopje (original) (raw)

Papers by Emelj Tuna

Research paper thumbnail of Building Bridges: Community-Based Projects for Participation and Social Inclusion of Rural NEETs

SpringerBriefs in sociology, 2024

This chapter focuses on factors that facilitate community-based projects for providing effective ... more This chapter focuses on factors that facilitate community-based projects for providing effective and sustainable responses to the challenges faced by young people Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEETs) in rural areas and more specifically to promote their quality of life and social inclusion. In line with Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model (1977, 1979) and considering communitybased projects as part of the exosystem, we aim to identify the barriers and constraints faced by projects targeting young NEETs in rural areas. As part of the collaborative research developed by the members of the "WG1-Rural NEETs Social Networks and Social Inclusion" of the Rural NEET Youth Network, we identified five promising community-based projects in Portugal, Italy, Sweden, North Macedonia, and Lithuania and conducted semi-structured interviews with the project coordinators. Our analysis showed that the identified projects take into account the different levels of the bioecological model and the need to involve how young people and local communities. Both these factors are crucial for their success and sustainability over time.

Research paper thumbnail of Agricultural cooperatives as social capital hubs – A case in a post-socialist country

Journal of Co-operative Organization and Management, Jun 1, 2021

Abstract Agricultural cooperatives in post-socialistic countries often fail to justify their purp... more Abstract Agricultural cooperatives in post-socialistic countries often fail to justify their purpose. Lack of trust and social capital are plausible reasons. In this paper we map the relationship structure of farmers that seek information about rural development programs, in a region where cooperatives operate. The Social network analysis demonstrates low levels of social capital, however, the cooperative acts as valuable information provider for its members, serving as information mediator to the rural development program’s resources, required for farmers’ investment initiatives. This is a positive evidence of small-scale farmers' attitudes towards cooperatives and a step forward towards cooperation and re-establishment of agricultural cooperatives in post-socialist countries.

Research paper thumbnail of Restructuring the agri-food value chains in post-socialistic Balkans

Research paper thumbnail of Competitiveness analysis of the tobacco sub-sector in the Republic of Macedonia

Agroeconomia Croatica, Sep 2, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Networks in the Macedonian Organic Production Context

Journal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of The tobacco sector in the Republic of Macedonia

Research paper thumbnail of Indicators of Rural Poverty in the Republic of Macedonia - Multidimensional Poverty Analysis

Journal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Institutions and Institutional Change: What Impedes Farmers’ Cooperation in North Macedonia?

Journal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Supply Chains as Network - the Case of Organic Production in Macedonia

Journal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Exploring the Links Between Farmers’ Intention to Apply for Rural Development Program and Networks

Research paper thumbnail of Support in decision-making for protection of geographical indications of Macedonian agro-food products

The aim of this paper is to emphasise the importance of the institutional support in the process ... more The aim of this paper is to emphasise the importance of the institutional support in the process of application and registration of Macedonian agro-food products for PDO/PGI protection. The research was supported with the results of pilot project that study eleven potential agro-food products proposed as eligible for PDO/PGI protection in Macedonia. The field research included a survey of 46 entities and was conducted as a technical support of the Macedonian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy. The Ministry was at the same time adopting by-laws and rulebooks for establishment of a well defined PDO/PGI protection system. In this respect, we consider this system of protection as a tool for improving the competitive position of the producers, by understanding the current situation in agricultural sector, the problems and constrains and the institutional inefficiencies that appear in the process. The results show that in order to achieve an effective PDO/PGI system, there is a need for strong coordination among the Governmental institutions (Ministry, advisory system, regional offices, etc), the scientific researchers and the producers. This cooperation is crucial in order to provide support in the producers' decision making process in the registration of products with PDO and PGI protection.

Research paper thumbnail of Cooperatives As Agents Of Social Capital: An Evidence From A Post-socialist Country

2017 International Congress, August 28-September 1, 2017, Parma, Italy, Aug 29, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Foreign Direct Investments as Initiators of Change: The ”Swedmilk” dairy case- Reasons behind the failure

RePEc: Research Papers in Economics, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Restructuring the agri-food value chains in post- socialistic Balkans: The dairy value chain in FYR Macedonia

Like most of the Western-Balkan countries, the Former Yugoslav Republic (FYR) of Macedonia experi... more Like most of the Western-Balkan countries, the Former Yugoslav Republic (FYR) of Macedonia experienced significant difficulties in adapting and modernizing its agricultural production in accordance to the highly competitive regional and EU markets. By examining the dairy value chain of the FYR Macedonia, this thesis presents the challenges and changes in the organizational and institutional setting of the agri-food value chains in post-socialist Balkan countries. Various theoretical approaches are applied to assess the competitiveness levels on each segment in the industry, as well as to characterize the institutional environment, the governance and the organizational structure, and the overall level of development and competitive prospects. A general conclusion of this thesis is that the dairy industry in FYR Macedonia is still under its competitive potentials. The institutional setting and governance, as well the organization of the chain, and the market structure and level of modernization, indicate that the dairy industry in the country requires further modernization and consolidation in order to reach its competitiveness potentials on both domestic and international markets. The findings of this study are valuable for the actors in the dairy supply chain, since they provide information of each actor's position in the supply chain, the market structure, and the development of the chain in general. Two main contributions of this study are the analysis of contracts and the social network, both based on primary data collected from farmers in the FYR Macedonia. The analysis of contractual arrangements with dairies shows that transaction costs are main determinants of the choice of contracts. The analysis of the Social Network, in which the patterns of activation of social capital can contribute to finding a solution to the problems with the functioning of the farm associations and cooperatives in countries with similar socialistic background. The conclusions of these studies can be extended to other countries wedged in a long transition, and could easily transfer to the experiences in the countries from the Western Balkan region.

Research paper thumbnail of Stakeholder and Social Networks: Basis for Developing Pasture Management Strategies

IFMBE proceedings, 2020

Pastures in Shara Mountain are managed by the Public enterprise for management of Pastures (PEMP)... more Pastures in Shara Mountain are managed by the Public enterprise for management of Pastures (PEMP) in the Republic of North Macedonia. The national pasture development strategy is still not ascertained, thus many structural questions remain unsolved. Strengthening the capacities for pasture management is very significant, hence the need to identify all relevant stakeholders on horizontal and vertical level that can contribute in the proper information diffusion and raise public awareness among all affected actors in the pasture management network. In this respect, the aim of this paper is to describe certain aspects of social complexity of pasture management structures in order to provide grounds for developing sustainable management strategy. Combining methods such as social network analysis (SNA) with stakeholder analysis can often contribute to the richness in the analysis and add to the understanding of relations. Therefore, the analysis primarily aims to identify the stakeholders in the context of mountain grazing areas of Shara Mountain, but also present the relations and information sharing network of the actors at regional and local levels on horizontal level, and the vertical and horizontal interplay between the actors at different levels such as their institutional and commercial associates. Mapping each stakeholders' positions and roles in the communication network and information transfer is expected to provide a base for developing strategy tailored to each stakeholders' future involvement in the pasture management system.

Research paper thumbnail of Institutional mismatch in a transition economy. The collapse of Swedmilk Macedonia

Journal of agribusiness in developing and emerging economies, Oct 28, 2013

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present theoretical explanations for the failure of the... more Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present theoretical explanations for the failure of the largest dairy processing firm in Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) after only about one year of operation. Design/methodology/approach – The paper contains a case study on the establishment and failure of a new firm is presented. Data were collected through mass media reports and interviews with knowledgeable individuals in the dairy industry. The data were analyzed using neo-institutional theories, primarily agency theory. Findings – The core of the explanation is that the various categories of institutions were not aligned. For example, poor contract enforcement created insurmountable agency costs for all parties involved. Research limitations/implications – As this paper is based on a case study it is uncertain to which extent the finding can be generalized. Originality/value – Most case studies describe successes. This paper presents a case where the odds for success were poor, but the project was still initiated.

Research paper thumbnail of Disrupted Market Relations in Agriculture in North Macedonia: the COVID-19 Crisis

Eastern European Countryside, 2021

The COVID-19 crisis has stressed the importance of, and need for, a stable and functional food sy... more The COVID-19 crisis has stressed the importance of, and need for, a stable and functional food system, able to provide consumers with a continuous supply of quality food at affordable prices. The pandemic has also highlighted the role of agricultural producers in the food supply chain, with small farmers being the most vulnerable category. This global crisis has actually deepened the problems faced by farmers, especially those on the verge of sustainability. The purpose of this analysis was to provide an overview of the disrupted links in agriculture, as a result of the initial COVID-19 crisis. A survey was carried out with 91 farmers in North Macedonia. Moreover, in-depth interviews were conducted with selected traders and processors. In general, farmers assessed that the crisis negatively affected their economic operations. The critical parts of the supply chain derive from the disrupted link between farmers and traders/processors, lack of field technical support resulting from th...

Research paper thumbnail of Indicators of Rural Poverty in the Republic of Macedonia - Multidimensional Poverty Analysis

Rural poverty presents an escalating problem for post-communist countries struggling with perpetu... more Rural poverty presents an escalating problem for post-communist countries struggling with perpetual transition towards market economy. As a country deriving from such economic background, Republic of Macedonia is classified as one of the poorest countries in Europe. The rural population in the country is faced with different obstacles such as: limited access to institutions, infrastructure, finances, and other aspects which not only impede these population’s living conditions but also obstruct the development and growth of the rural areas. In order to provide detailed description of the rural poverty situation as well as to identify the vulnerable and depraved group in the rural areas in the Republic of Macedonia, this paper represents an initial record of the poverty conditions in the rural areas. The poverty features are presented through the multidimensional poverty analytical tool and the indicators and dimensions of poverty on micro and macro (country) level in order to describ...

Research paper thumbnail of Supply Chains as Network - the Case of Organic Production in Macedonia

Journal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, 2018

The absence of relations between the primary producers and markets has been identified as one of ... more The absence of relations between the primary producers and markets has been identified as one of the primary problems in the supply chain for producing organic products in Macedonia. Nevertheless, the organisation and network structure of the supply chains are often responsible for the economic performance, competiveness and information diffusion between the trading firms and their partners-farmers producing organic products. In this regard, analysing supply chains through social network analysis lenses helps to identify the actors and the important factors that contribute in the information diffusion across the supply chains. The aim of this paper is to identify and map the information diffusion channels of the largest distributers of organic products in Macedonia, by mapping the structure of their social networks. The Social Network Analysis includes networks on horizontal level - farmer’s decision to get involved in organic farming, or transfer the conventional production into or...

Research paper thumbnail of Institutions and Institutional Change: What Impedes Farmers’ Cooperation in North Macedonia?

Journal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, 2020

Small farmers struggle to accomplish their best interests in environments and value chains with l... more Small farmers struggle to accomplish their best interests in environments and value chains with large and organized buyers. Farmers in general should be able to recognize their interest in joining some form of cooperative organization such as an association, an agricultural cooperative or a producer organization. However, despite the large number of agricultural operators in North Macedonia, the number and functionality of agricultural cooperatives are still very low. The historical, cultural and socioeconomic features largely influenced the way associations, cooperatives and organizations of agricultural producers in the country are formed. These features may also provide answers on the crucial conditions for these association to function. The norms of human behavior in the agricultural sector in North Macedonia are difficult to alter. The multiple changes in the social order and the negative experiences in the association of the rural population in the past have great impact on the cooperative models to this day. In this context, the paper focuses on the historical and current perspectives impeding the formation and functioning of agricultural cooperatives in the Macedonian agriculture.

Research paper thumbnail of Building Bridges: Community-Based Projects for Participation and Social Inclusion of Rural NEETs

SpringerBriefs in sociology, 2024

This chapter focuses on factors that facilitate community-based projects for providing effective ... more This chapter focuses on factors that facilitate community-based projects for providing effective and sustainable responses to the challenges faced by young people Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEETs) in rural areas and more specifically to promote their quality of life and social inclusion. In line with Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model (1977, 1979) and considering communitybased projects as part of the exosystem, we aim to identify the barriers and constraints faced by projects targeting young NEETs in rural areas. As part of the collaborative research developed by the members of the "WG1-Rural NEETs Social Networks and Social Inclusion" of the Rural NEET Youth Network, we identified five promising community-based projects in Portugal, Italy, Sweden, North Macedonia, and Lithuania and conducted semi-structured interviews with the project coordinators. Our analysis showed that the identified projects take into account the different levels of the bioecological model and the need to involve how young people and local communities. Both these factors are crucial for their success and sustainability over time.

Research paper thumbnail of Agricultural cooperatives as social capital hubs – A case in a post-socialist country

Journal of Co-operative Organization and Management, Jun 1, 2021

Abstract Agricultural cooperatives in post-socialistic countries often fail to justify their purp... more Abstract Agricultural cooperatives in post-socialistic countries often fail to justify their purpose. Lack of trust and social capital are plausible reasons. In this paper we map the relationship structure of farmers that seek information about rural development programs, in a region where cooperatives operate. The Social network analysis demonstrates low levels of social capital, however, the cooperative acts as valuable information provider for its members, serving as information mediator to the rural development program’s resources, required for farmers’ investment initiatives. This is a positive evidence of small-scale farmers' attitudes towards cooperatives and a step forward towards cooperation and re-establishment of agricultural cooperatives in post-socialist countries.

Research paper thumbnail of Restructuring the agri-food value chains in post-socialistic Balkans

Research paper thumbnail of Competitiveness analysis of the tobacco sub-sector in the Republic of Macedonia

Agroeconomia Croatica, Sep 2, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Networks in the Macedonian Organic Production Context

Journal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of The tobacco sector in the Republic of Macedonia

Research paper thumbnail of Indicators of Rural Poverty in the Republic of Macedonia - Multidimensional Poverty Analysis

Journal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Institutions and Institutional Change: What Impedes Farmers’ Cooperation in North Macedonia?

Journal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Supply Chains as Network - the Case of Organic Production in Macedonia

Journal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Exploring the Links Between Farmers’ Intention to Apply for Rural Development Program and Networks

Research paper thumbnail of Support in decision-making for protection of geographical indications of Macedonian agro-food products

The aim of this paper is to emphasise the importance of the institutional support in the process ... more The aim of this paper is to emphasise the importance of the institutional support in the process of application and registration of Macedonian agro-food products for PDO/PGI protection. The research was supported with the results of pilot project that study eleven potential agro-food products proposed as eligible for PDO/PGI protection in Macedonia. The field research included a survey of 46 entities and was conducted as a technical support of the Macedonian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy. The Ministry was at the same time adopting by-laws and rulebooks for establishment of a well defined PDO/PGI protection system. In this respect, we consider this system of protection as a tool for improving the competitive position of the producers, by understanding the current situation in agricultural sector, the problems and constrains and the institutional inefficiencies that appear in the process. The results show that in order to achieve an effective PDO/PGI system, there is a need for strong coordination among the Governmental institutions (Ministry, advisory system, regional offices, etc), the scientific researchers and the producers. This cooperation is crucial in order to provide support in the producers' decision making process in the registration of products with PDO and PGI protection.

Research paper thumbnail of Cooperatives As Agents Of Social Capital: An Evidence From A Post-socialist Country

2017 International Congress, August 28-September 1, 2017, Parma, Italy, Aug 29, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Foreign Direct Investments as Initiators of Change: The ”Swedmilk” dairy case- Reasons behind the failure

RePEc: Research Papers in Economics, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Restructuring the agri-food value chains in post- socialistic Balkans: The dairy value chain in FYR Macedonia

Like most of the Western-Balkan countries, the Former Yugoslav Republic (FYR) of Macedonia experi... more Like most of the Western-Balkan countries, the Former Yugoslav Republic (FYR) of Macedonia experienced significant difficulties in adapting and modernizing its agricultural production in accordance to the highly competitive regional and EU markets. By examining the dairy value chain of the FYR Macedonia, this thesis presents the challenges and changes in the organizational and institutional setting of the agri-food value chains in post-socialist Balkan countries. Various theoretical approaches are applied to assess the competitiveness levels on each segment in the industry, as well as to characterize the institutional environment, the governance and the organizational structure, and the overall level of development and competitive prospects. A general conclusion of this thesis is that the dairy industry in FYR Macedonia is still under its competitive potentials. The institutional setting and governance, as well the organization of the chain, and the market structure and level of modernization, indicate that the dairy industry in the country requires further modernization and consolidation in order to reach its competitiveness potentials on both domestic and international markets. The findings of this study are valuable for the actors in the dairy supply chain, since they provide information of each actor's position in the supply chain, the market structure, and the development of the chain in general. Two main contributions of this study are the analysis of contracts and the social network, both based on primary data collected from farmers in the FYR Macedonia. The analysis of contractual arrangements with dairies shows that transaction costs are main determinants of the choice of contracts. The analysis of the Social Network, in which the patterns of activation of social capital can contribute to finding a solution to the problems with the functioning of the farm associations and cooperatives in countries with similar socialistic background. The conclusions of these studies can be extended to other countries wedged in a long transition, and could easily transfer to the experiences in the countries from the Western Balkan region.

Research paper thumbnail of Stakeholder and Social Networks: Basis for Developing Pasture Management Strategies

IFMBE proceedings, 2020

Pastures in Shara Mountain are managed by the Public enterprise for management of Pastures (PEMP)... more Pastures in Shara Mountain are managed by the Public enterprise for management of Pastures (PEMP) in the Republic of North Macedonia. The national pasture development strategy is still not ascertained, thus many structural questions remain unsolved. Strengthening the capacities for pasture management is very significant, hence the need to identify all relevant stakeholders on horizontal and vertical level that can contribute in the proper information diffusion and raise public awareness among all affected actors in the pasture management network. In this respect, the aim of this paper is to describe certain aspects of social complexity of pasture management structures in order to provide grounds for developing sustainable management strategy. Combining methods such as social network analysis (SNA) with stakeholder analysis can often contribute to the richness in the analysis and add to the understanding of relations. Therefore, the analysis primarily aims to identify the stakeholders in the context of mountain grazing areas of Shara Mountain, but also present the relations and information sharing network of the actors at regional and local levels on horizontal level, and the vertical and horizontal interplay between the actors at different levels such as their institutional and commercial associates. Mapping each stakeholders' positions and roles in the communication network and information transfer is expected to provide a base for developing strategy tailored to each stakeholders' future involvement in the pasture management system.

Research paper thumbnail of Institutional mismatch in a transition economy. The collapse of Swedmilk Macedonia

Journal of agribusiness in developing and emerging economies, Oct 28, 2013

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present theoretical explanations for the failure of the... more Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present theoretical explanations for the failure of the largest dairy processing firm in Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) after only about one year of operation. Design/methodology/approach – The paper contains a case study on the establishment and failure of a new firm is presented. Data were collected through mass media reports and interviews with knowledgeable individuals in the dairy industry. The data were analyzed using neo-institutional theories, primarily agency theory. Findings – The core of the explanation is that the various categories of institutions were not aligned. For example, poor contract enforcement created insurmountable agency costs for all parties involved. Research limitations/implications – As this paper is based on a case study it is uncertain to which extent the finding can be generalized. Originality/value – Most case studies describe successes. This paper presents a case where the odds for success were poor, but the project was still initiated.

Research paper thumbnail of Disrupted Market Relations in Agriculture in North Macedonia: the COVID-19 Crisis

Eastern European Countryside, 2021

The COVID-19 crisis has stressed the importance of, and need for, a stable and functional food sy... more The COVID-19 crisis has stressed the importance of, and need for, a stable and functional food system, able to provide consumers with a continuous supply of quality food at affordable prices. The pandemic has also highlighted the role of agricultural producers in the food supply chain, with small farmers being the most vulnerable category. This global crisis has actually deepened the problems faced by farmers, especially those on the verge of sustainability. The purpose of this analysis was to provide an overview of the disrupted links in agriculture, as a result of the initial COVID-19 crisis. A survey was carried out with 91 farmers in North Macedonia. Moreover, in-depth interviews were conducted with selected traders and processors. In general, farmers assessed that the crisis negatively affected their economic operations. The critical parts of the supply chain derive from the disrupted link between farmers and traders/processors, lack of field technical support resulting from th...

Research paper thumbnail of Indicators of Rural Poverty in the Republic of Macedonia - Multidimensional Poverty Analysis

Rural poverty presents an escalating problem for post-communist countries struggling with perpetu... more Rural poverty presents an escalating problem for post-communist countries struggling with perpetual transition towards market economy. As a country deriving from such economic background, Republic of Macedonia is classified as one of the poorest countries in Europe. The rural population in the country is faced with different obstacles such as: limited access to institutions, infrastructure, finances, and other aspects which not only impede these population’s living conditions but also obstruct the development and growth of the rural areas. In order to provide detailed description of the rural poverty situation as well as to identify the vulnerable and depraved group in the rural areas in the Republic of Macedonia, this paper represents an initial record of the poverty conditions in the rural areas. The poverty features are presented through the multidimensional poverty analytical tool and the indicators and dimensions of poverty on micro and macro (country) level in order to describ...

Research paper thumbnail of Supply Chains as Network - the Case of Organic Production in Macedonia

Journal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, 2018

The absence of relations between the primary producers and markets has been identified as one of ... more The absence of relations between the primary producers and markets has been identified as one of the primary problems in the supply chain for producing organic products in Macedonia. Nevertheless, the organisation and network structure of the supply chains are often responsible for the economic performance, competiveness and information diffusion between the trading firms and their partners-farmers producing organic products. In this regard, analysing supply chains through social network analysis lenses helps to identify the actors and the important factors that contribute in the information diffusion across the supply chains. The aim of this paper is to identify and map the information diffusion channels of the largest distributers of organic products in Macedonia, by mapping the structure of their social networks. The Social Network Analysis includes networks on horizontal level - farmer’s decision to get involved in organic farming, or transfer the conventional production into or...

Research paper thumbnail of Institutions and Institutional Change: What Impedes Farmers’ Cooperation in North Macedonia?

Journal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, 2020

Small farmers struggle to accomplish their best interests in environments and value chains with l... more Small farmers struggle to accomplish their best interests in environments and value chains with large and organized buyers. Farmers in general should be able to recognize their interest in joining some form of cooperative organization such as an association, an agricultural cooperative or a producer organization. However, despite the large number of agricultural operators in North Macedonia, the number and functionality of agricultural cooperatives are still very low. The historical, cultural and socioeconomic features largely influenced the way associations, cooperatives and organizations of agricultural producers in the country are formed. These features may also provide answers on the crucial conditions for these association to function. The norms of human behavior in the agricultural sector in North Macedonia are difficult to alter. The multiple changes in the social order and the negative experiences in the association of the rural population in the past have great impact on the cooperative models to this day. In this context, the paper focuses on the historical and current perspectives impeding the formation and functioning of agricultural cooperatives in the Macedonian agriculture.