Relationship between Rural Development and Migration in Turkey

Abstract

The definition of rural development is regarded as growth of a rural region with respect to economical, social and cultural sides. It can be clearly seen that it is not integrated part of development with respect to economic, social and cultural aspect. 5 years development plans which launched in 1960’s have been implemented up to now. Also, in addition to that, in the regions having GDP per capita less than 75% of EU average, rural development projects and regional development projects have been implemented for stopping or alleviating the migration from underdeveloped regions, Eastern Anatolia, South Eastern Anatolia, Northern Black sea to the western part of Turkey, creating new job opportunities, facilitating the investments made for education, health and infrastructure. When analysed the main structure of the migration theme, it is not out of the question to clearly see the political side behind economic side of it. The migration has increased since 1980’s. The migrated people were those who have to deal with main agricultural products and animal husbandry. In rural areas, life expectancy, GDP per capita, social environment, unemployment level must be considered to stop migration from those places to urban areas. The aim of this study is to find out the reasons which result from migration and that have some assumption for how EU rural development funds will lessen the out-migration from villages to districts and cities after being taken into account of all aspects of the situation.