Post-pandemic shifts and economic pressures have prompted a push to transform Turkish villages into sustainable, full-time centers for production and social life.
Key facts
- •The government revitalized 3,500 village schools into Village Life Centers to serve as hubs for education, training, and social activity.
- •Modern greenhouse and soilless farming investments are reducing dependence on climate conditions and enabling the export of high-value crops.
- •Climate change, including irregular rainfall and frequent forest fires, poses significant risks to rural economies and ecosystems.
- •Proposed policies include providing low-interest loans to small producers, tax exemptions for cooperatives, and incentives for renewable energy adoption.
- •Integrating forest villagers into early warning and firefighting systems is identified as a priority for protecting rural lands.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Türkiye has seen renewed interest in village life as a strategy for food security and sustainable production. Experts argue that comprehensive government policies are needed to make rural living a permanent, profitable alternative to urban life, particularly as the middle class faces economic contraction and rising living costs in cities.
Overcoming Barriers to Rural Production
Many families currently maintain a dual lifestyle, working low-paying urban jobs while farming seasonally. This fragmentation prevents consistent, high-potential agricultural production. To shift this, experts suggest that agriculture and livestock must be made more secure and profitable than low-wage urban employment. Small-scale producers often struggle with high input costs and reliance on intermediaries, whereas larger, capital-backed enterprises near cities have found success in branded meat, dairy, and organic farming.
Modernizing Agriculture and Infrastructure
Technological advancements in greenhouse cultivation and soilless farming, particularly in regions like Antalya, are enabling year-round production of high-value crops like avocados and dragon fruit. However, sustaining this growth requires better knowledge transfer and financial support for small-scale farmers. Water management is also critical; climate change and drought risks necessitate the expansion of modern irrigation and rainwater harvesting systems to protect agricultural basins.
Integrated Development and Village Life Centers
The revitalization of rural areas requires a multi-ministerial approach covering education, health, energy, and digital infrastructure. A key initiative involves the 'Village Life Centers,' which repurpose unused village schools for adult agricultural training, vocational development, and community gatherings. Expanding digital access could also allow remote work, enabling the middle class to contribute to rural economies through service and knowledge sectors.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Daily Sabah.
