Uplands Rural Development Programme and Investigation of the Program Process in Kastamonu Province

Abstract

There are significant threats to the security of agricultural supply from people migrating from rural areas to urban areas due to economic difficulties and disadvantages arising from a lack of extension. However, agricultural production is strategically important for Türkiye and the most important economic activity for rural areas. People who migrate to cities prefer to stay in output if agricultural subsidies are provided to encourage production. In addition to the support of the Turkish government, it is important to benefit from the work of international organizations such as the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), which works in rural areas and supports the agricultural sector. IFAD is well aware of the needs of Türkiye's rural areas with 11 projects implemented with a total cost of USD 697.91 million and IFAD contribution of USD 251.84 million. In Türkiye, Uplands Rural Development Programme (URDP), financed by IFAD, supports the disadvantaged people living in rural areas. In this study, information about IFAD and its activities in Türkiye is given the ongoing URDP of the organization in Türkiye, the studies carried out in the process of including Kastamonu province in the programme, the project acceptance process in Kastamonu province and the results of the programme in Kastamonu province in 2020 when the programme was implemented for the first time in Türkiye, are examined in detail. As a result of the research, the utilisation of the fund by taking into account the needs of rural areas and the monitoring process were found to be positive.