Hatay Province Current Situation Analysis Summary

Hatay province, located in the Mediterranean region, has an economic structure where agriculture plays a central role alongside trade, industry and logistics. Before the February 2023 earthquake, the province’s agricultural sector was characterised by strong crop production (especially citrus, olives, field crops and vegetables), significant small-scale livestock activities and growing interest in aquaculture and beekeeping.

Hatay has a well-developed agro-industrial base that facilitates the conversion of locally produced agricultural products into value-added products, and stands out particularly in the processing of citrus, olive oil and various vegetables. In addition to these core activities, Hatay has a significant level of activity in dairy production, meat processing and bakery manufacturing. The existing agro-industrial infrastructure serves as a critical asset for strengthening local agricultural value chains and promoting sustainable rural economic development.

Effects of the Earthquake on Agricultural Infrastructure and Production

Following the February 2023 earthquake, agricultural infrastructure in Hatay was seriously damaged. The earthquake caused significant damage to agricultural infrastructure including irrigation systems, agricultural machinery and equipment, storage facilities and livestock shelters. Significant animal losses occurred and many arable lands were left fallow for a year due to capacity loss.

Labour Challenges and Market Access

An important issue emphasised by farmers in focus group discussions was the out-migration of agricultural workers and the shift of local labour to other sectors. Many producers reported difficulty in finding skilled labour, especially for sowing/planting, maintenance, cultivation and harvest activities in agricultural production.

In the post-earthquake period, fluctuations in grain production yields were observed. Declines in area and production were seen in grain and silage maize. Despite an increase in production area, vegetable production decreased, highlighting the severity of yield losses. Farmers indicated that they prioritise training in financial literacy, natural fertiliser preparation, marketing strategies and cooperative development. It was also stated that young people’s interest in agriculture could be increased through vocational training in agriculture, contract farming models and digital marketing opportunities.

Climate Risks and Institutional Needs

The province’s current agricultural structure and field observations show that citrus and olive cultivation in Hatay continues to recover thanks to favourable climate conditions and suitable soil structures. Field crop production, especially cotton and maize, has shown a relatively stable trend in recent years. Livestock is largely characterised by small-scale enterprises and offers opportunities for improvement through infrastructure development and modernisation. Beekeeping has shown a positive growth trend thanks to the province’s rich natural biodiversity and ecological diversity. The aquaculture sector is developing gradually.

Focus group discussions and farmer surveys reveal that the earthquake caused significant damage to agricultural infrastructure including irrigation systems, agricultural product storage units and animal shelters. Many farmers lost basic agricultural production tools and equipment and faced difficulties in accessing quality inputs due to disrupted supply chains and rising costs after the earthquake. Limited access to effective agricultural advisory services and technical support in pest and disease management has further aggravated this situation.

Factors such as post-disaster displacement and permanent rural migration have deepened the agricultural labour shortage. The lack of skilled workers for tasks such as pruning, grafting and control of plant and animal diseases has been identified as one of the main obstacles to sustaining productivity. Farmers’ incomes have decreased because they do not have direct market access and therefore depend on intermediaries to market their products. Bottlenecks in storage and cold chain are critical barriers in post-harvest management, especially for perishable products such as citrus and vegetables.

Overall, Hatay’s post-earthquake agricultural sector is in a recovery process where significant structural weaknesses have emerged but clear pathways for resilience also exist. Strategic investments in climate-friendly practices, capacity building, strengthening of cooperatives and associations and modernisation of rural infrastructure must be addressed together to ensure sustainable agricultural recovery.