Fig production plays a significant part in Türkiye's agricultural landscape, as it is one of the largest producers in the world. Fig cultivation is the most important production in the Aydin region, provides a livelihood for numerous farmers and their families, and creates both direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Fig cultivation in the Aydin region in Türkiye faces a spectrum of socio-economic issues. Water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change and competing demands, threatens the sustainability of fig production, thus compelling farmers to balance their water consumption with the needs of other sectors. Market fluctuations cast uncertainties on fig farmers' incomes, thereby emphasizing the vulnerability of relying solely on figs as a primary source of income. Land fragmentation due to inheritance practices results in small, scattered plots, which complicates efficient cultivation and modernization. An ageing workforce compounds these issues, as younger generations are drawn away from farming. Amid the appeal of agritourism, trade-offs emerge between catering to tourists and sustaining local livelihoods. While agritourism may provide additional income, it can strain resources, disrupt traditional farming routines, and raise questions regarding the allocation of land and water. Negotiating these intricate trade-offs is becoming crucial for ensuring both the preservation of fig cultivation and the harmonious integration of tourism in the Aydin region's socio-economic fabric.
This project has received funding from the PRIMA program and European Union’s H2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 2341
Founded by the European Union through the PRIMA programme Section 1 under Grant Agreement no. 2341 . Views and options expressed are however those of the auther(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the PRIMA Secretariat. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
