Pakicë

Pakicë is an Albanian term that denotes a state of deficiency, shortage, or scarcity of a resource or good. It is used in economic, social, and policy discussions to describe conditions in which the supply of a necessary item falls short of demand or need.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from pak, meaning a few or little, with the abstract noun suffix -icë, forming a noun that names a condition or phenomenon. In everyday and formal language, pakicë commonly appears with qualifiers such as ushqimore (food), energjetike (energy), ujore (water), strehimore (housing), or materiale (material), to specify the type of shortage.

Contexts and implications: Pakicë can be chronic or temporary and may reflect structural factors such as production shortfalls, infrastructure limitations, price dynamics, or governance gaps. Its effects include higher prices, reduced access to essential goods, and increased vulnerability for households and communities. In policy discourse, pakicë is used to frame issues that require public intervention, such as ensuring supply, stabilizing markets, or expanding social safety nets.

Responses and policy considerations: Addressing pakicë typically involves measures to increase supply or reduce demand pressures. Examples include procurement programs, subsidies or price support, investment in infrastructure, diversification of energy or water sources, and social protection schemes to protect the most affected populations.

See also: mungesë, deficite.