Turkey's Role in Global Food Security Crisis

Agricultural production worldwide possesses the potential to fulfill the food needs of nearly 25 billion people. Despite this, approximately 1 billion people across the globe experience hunger and malnutrition, while others grapple with obesity and related health issues due to excessive food consumption. This glaring disparity underscores the global challenge of unbalanced food distribution, where surplus food in some regions coexists with severe shortages in others. A closer look at the world hunger map reveals that food insecurity is particularly severe in areas with abundant natural resources, such as the African continent. However, factors such as inadequate technological development, poor transportation networks, and underdeveloped infrastructure prevent these resources from being utilized effectively to address food shortages. In many developing countries, inefficient agricultural practices, post-harvest losses, and weak market linkages further hinder food security efforts.

Türkiye, despite being one of the world's leading producers of various agricultural products, faces its own food security challenges. The country ranks among the top 10 producers of over 25 agricultural commodities, including hazelnuts, cherries, and figs, yet issues such as inefficient supply chain management, fragmented land ownership, and climate-related risks threaten its agricultural sustainability. Additionally, rural-to-urban migration and an aging farming population pose further challenges to Türkiye’s agricultural sector. Addressing these issues through modernization, infrastructure improvements, and better resource management is crucial for ensuring a secure and sustainable food supply in the future.

The Paradox of Food Distribution

Food insufficiency has historically been a catalyst for social unrest across the globe, as seen in the uprisings in Tunisia, where food shortages and exorbitant prices ignited widespread public dissatisfaction. This imbalance in food distribution—where one segment of society enjoys abundance while others face dire scarcity—breeds a sense of injustice and fuels social and political instability. Such scenarios underscore the critical importance of equitable food security.

In Türkiye, while food security is relatively better than in many African nations, the country is not immune to the risks of food insufficiency. Agriculture accounts for approximately 5.5% of Türkiye's GDP and employs around 16% of the workforce, yet the sector faces numerous challenges. Climate change, fluctuating water availability, and increasing input costs have strained agricultural productivity. According to the World Resources Institute, Türkiye is among the countries facing high water stress, which poses a significant threat to its agricultural output.

Moreover, inflation has contributed to rising food prices. In 2023, Türkiye experienced food inflation rates of over 55%, disproportionately affecting low-income households. Rural populations, which rely heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods, are particularly vulnerable. The disparity in food access and affordability could lead to heightened socioeconomic tensions if left unaddressed.

Policymakers and stakeholders in Türkiye must prioritize investments in sustainable agricultural practices, improved water management, and food supply chain efficiency. By addressing these vulnerabilities, Türkiye can mitigate the risks of food insufficiency, ensuring both social stability and economic resilience in the face of evolving global challenges.

Türkiye's Agricultural Landscape

Türkiye stands out as a global leader in agriculture, ranking among the top 10 producers of 25 different agricultural commodities. The country is the world’s largest producer of hazelnuts, accounting for approximately 70% of global production, as well as leading in raisins, figs, and cherries. Türkiye's favorable climatic conditions, diverse topography, and fertile soils make it an agricultural powerhouse, contributing about $55 billion to its GDP and employing over 16% of its workforce.

Despite this robust production capacity, Türkiye’s share in global agricultural trade remains underwhelming. In 2022, Türkiye’s agricultural exports stood at approximately $30 billion, a modest figure compared to its production potential. Structural challenges within the sector, such as outdated farming practices, insufficient technological adoption, and fragmented land ownership, hinder efficiency and productivity. Additionally, logistical issues and inadequate supply chain integration reduce Türkiye's competitiveness in international markets.

High post-harvest losses, estimated at 10–15% for fruits and vegetables, further limit the profitability of the sector. Limited value addition also curtails export potential; for instance, much of Türkiye’s hazelnut production is exported raw instead of being processed into higher-value products.

Moreover, global competition and fluctuating trade policies pose barriers. For example, Türkiye’s agricultural products face significant competition from European and American exporters, who benefit from more advanced market integration and trade networks.

To fully capitalize on its agricultural strength, Türkiye needs to modernize farming techniques, improve infrastructure, and enhance global market access. Strategic reforms and investments could unlock the country's potential to become a dominant player in global agricultural trade.

Challenges in Agricultural Modernization

Türkiye is one of the world's largest apple producers, ranking among the top five globally with an annual production of approximately 4.5 million metric tons. The country's diverse climate allows it to cultivate a wide range of apple varieties, including Starking, Golden Delicious, and Amasya, prized for their distinct flavors. However, Türkiye's fragmented production practices significantly limit its competitiveness in the global apple market.

Small-scale orchards dominate Türkiye's apple production landscape, with most growers managing less than 10 hectares of land. This fragmentation prevents economies of scale, leading to inefficiencies in cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest processing. Consequently, Türkiye struggles to produce apples in the standardized quality and large quantities demanded by international markets. In contrast, countries like China and the United States, the leading apple exporters, leverage large-scale, mechanized operations to maintain consistency and reduce production costs.

Another challenge is the lack of advanced cold storage and efficient supply chains. Post-harvest losses in Türkiye's apple industry are estimated to range between 20% and 25%, significantly reducing the volume available for export. Furthermore, inadequate branding and marketing strategies have hindered Türkiye’s ability to establish a strong presence in lucrative markets such as the European Union.

Modernizing the apple industry through cooperative farming, mechanization, and investment in storage and processing infrastructure could transform Türkiye’s global competitiveness. By adopting large-scale, standardized production methods and leveraging its high-quality apple varieties, Türkiye has the potential to significantly increase its share in the global apple trade and enhance export revenues.

Agricultural Trade and Export Potential

Türkiye's agricultural exports have experienced steady growth, reaching approximately $30 billion in 2022, driven by advancements in technology and government incentives for specialized agricultural zones. These zones, designed to enhance productivity and sustainability, focus on high-value crops such as hazelnuts, figs, and cherries, for which Türkiye ranks as the world’s top producer. However, despite this progress, Türkiye’s overall share in global agricultural trade stands at just around 1%, reflecting significant untapped potential.

One critical barrier is the inability to scale production effectively. With over 3 million agricultural enterprises, many of them small-scale operations, Türkiye struggles to achieve economies of scale, which hampers efficiency and competitiveness. Additionally, the fragmented nature of production limits the country's ability to produce standardized, large-volume outputs needed to meet international market demands.

Supply chain inefficiencies further exacerbate the problem. Post-harvest losses in Türkiye are estimated at 20% to 25%, particularly for perishable goods like fruits and vegetables, due to inadequate cold storage facilities and outdated logistics. Moreover, limited access to modern infrastructure and export-focused marketing strategies diminishes Türkiye's competitiveness in key markets such as the European Union and the Middle East.

Strategic investments in infrastructure, such as cold storage, modern transportation networks, and digital supply chain platforms, could significantly improve Türkiye’s agricultural export performance. Policy reforms to encourage cooperative farming, incentivize quality certification, and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for exporters are also essential. Addressing these challenges will enable Türkiye to better leverage its agricultural potential and secure a stronger position in global markets.

Policy Initiatives and Government Support

The Turkish government has implemented various initiatives to bolster the agricultural sector and tackle food security challenges, recognizing the sector's critical role in the national economy and rural livelihoods. Key programs include subsidies for modern farming equipment, financial support for adopting advanced irrigation techniques, and incentives for organic and sustainable farming practices. Between 2021 and 2023, government subsidies for agricultural development increased by 36%, reflecting a commitment to revitalizing the sector.

These measures have improved productivity in certain areas. For instance, the adoption of advanced irrigation systems has increased water use efficiency in agriculture by 20%, addressing the country’s vulnerability to water scarcity. Additionally, targeted subsidies for strategic crops like wheat, barley, and sunflower have helped stabilize production volumes and contribute to national food security.

However, significant challenges persist. Türkiye’s agricultural productivity, measured by output per hectare, lags behind many developed nations, partly due to fragmented landholdings and limited access to advanced technologies among small-scale farmers. Over 70% of agricultural enterprises in Türkiye are small-scale operations, which struggle to compete in modern, integrated value chains.

A more comprehensive policy framework is needed to enhance sectoral growth. This includes encouraging cooperative farming to achieve economies of scale, expanding access to modern farming inputs, and promoting sustainable land-use practices to combat soil degradation. Moreover, integrating small-scale farmers into value chains through digital platforms and targeted education programs could help bridge the gap between production and market access, strengthening both rural livelihoods and national food security.

Impact of Climate Change on Food Security

Climate change is an escalating threat to Türkiye's agricultural sector, which contributes approximately 6% to the national GDP and employs a significant portion of the rural population. Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, and increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, have begun to disrupt agricultural productivity. According to the Turkish State Meteorological Service, the average annual temperature in Türkiye has risen by 1.5°C over the past century, intensifying water stress in agricultural regions like Central Anatolia and the Mediterranean.

Drought has become a recurring challenge, with water levels in key reservoirs dropping by up to 40% during prolonged dry spells. This has severely impacted water-intensive crops such as wheat and corn, with yields declining by as much as 10-15% in some years. Additionally, the unpredictability of rainfall has created challenges for farmers who depend on traditional irrigation schedules.

To mitigate these effects, Türkiye has initiated adaptation strategies such as promoting climate-resilient crops like barley and drought-tolerant wheat varieties. Investments in modern irrigation systems, including drip and sprinkler technologies, have improved water use efficiency by up to 20% in affected areas. Furthermore, the government has increased funding for agricultural research, allocating over ₺4 billion in 2023 to develop innovative solutions for climate adaptation.

Despite these efforts, urgent policy interventions and enhanced international collaboration are needed to safeguard Türkiye's agricultural sector and ensure long-term food security in the face of climate change.

The Role of Technology in Agriculture

The integration of digital technologies and precision agriculture holds immense potential for transforming Türkiye’s agricultural sector, which accounts for approximately 6% of GDP and provides livelihoods for 17% of the workforce. Precision agriculture, leveraging tools such as remote sensing, GPS-enabled equipment, and data analytics, can optimize resource use, reduce costs, and enhance yields. Studies suggest that the adoption of precision farming techniques can increase crop productivity by up to 30% while cutting input costs by 15-20%.

Smart irrigation systems, powered by IoT devices, can address Türkiye's growing water scarcity issues, particularly in drought-prone regions such as Central Anatolia. These systems help farmers monitor soil moisture in real-time, ensuring that water is used efficiently, potentially saving up to 25-50% of water compared to traditional irrigation methods.

The Turkish government has initiated programs to promote digital agriculture, such as subsidies for modern farming equipment and partnerships with tech companies to develop localized solutions. In 2022, Türkiye allocated approximately ₺3 billion for agricultural modernization projects, focusing on digital integration.

Despite these advancements, a significant barrier remains in the form of low digital literacy among rural farmers. Providing training programs and financial incentives to smallholder farmers can bridge this gap, fostering widespread adoption of technology. Embracing digital agriculture will not only improve productivity but also contribute to achieving long-term food security and sustainable agricultural development in Türkiye.

Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Promoting sustainable agricultural practices is vital for Türkiye to ensure long-term food security and environmental resilience. Agriculture contributes approximately 6% of Türkiye's GDP and employs 17% of the workforce, making its sustainability critical to the nation’s economic and social well-being. However, challenges such as soil degradation, water scarcity, and climate change threaten the sector’s productivity.

Sustainable practices like crop rotation, organic farming, and conservation agriculture have proven to enhance soil fertility and mitigate environmental damage. For instance, crop rotation can reduce soil erosion by 25-30%, while organic farming eliminates synthetic chemicals, preserving biodiversity and improving soil health. Türkiye is among the top ten global producers of organic products, including apricots and figs, with its organic farming sector growing by nearly 10% annually in recent years.

Conservation agriculture, which emphasizes minimal soil disturbance and efficient water use, can increase yields by 20-50% in arid regions like Central Anatolia. However, adoption rates for these practices remain low due to limited awareness and financial constraints.

The government has taken steps to encourage sustainable farming, allocating ₺3.1 billion in subsidies for environmentally friendly agricultural practices in 2022. Education initiatives, coupled with incentives like tax breaks and low-interest loans, can further motivate farmers to transition to sustainable methods. By scaling up these efforts, Türkiye can build a more resilient agricultural sector, ensuring food security for future generations.

Addressing Food Waste and Losses

Food waste and losses are critical challenges in Türkiye's agricultural sector, with significant implications for food security and economic sustainability. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), nearly 30% of Türkiye's agricultural produce is lost or wasted annually, equating to millions of tons of food. This is particularly concerning given that Türkiye is one of the world's leading producers of fruits, vegetables, and grains, with annual agricultural output exceeding ₺450 billion.

The losses occur predominantly during harvesting, transportation, and storage. For example, the lack of modern harvesting techniques leads to 10-15% losses in crops such as wheat and maize. Additionally, inadequate storage facilities and outdated cold chain logistics result in spoilage of perishable items like tomatoes, citrus fruits, and dairy products. The Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry estimates that improper storage alone contributes to losses worth ₺25 billion annually.

To address these issues, the government has launched initiatives aimed at improving storage and supply chain efficiency. The establishment of modern silos and cold storage facilities, particularly in rural areas, is a key focus. Public-private partnerships are being encouraged to modernize transportation networks and introduce digital tracking systems for better logistics management.

Reducing food waste could significantly enhance food availability, bolster farmers' incomes, and reduce environmental stress. A 10% reduction in post-harvest losses could feed millions and save billions of lira annually, underscoring the need for immediate and strategic interventions in Türkiye's food supply chain.

Strengthening Rural Livelihoods

Empowering rural communities is a cornerstone for tackling food security challenges and ensuring sustainable agricultural development in Türkiye. With over 25% of Türkiye’s population residing in rural areas, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), the agricultural sector provides livelihoods for millions. However, rural communities face challenges such as limited access to credit, markets, and modern agricultural practices, which hinder their economic potential and productivity.

Investing in rural development initiatives can significantly uplift these communities. For example, programs aimed at improving rural infrastructure—such as roads and storage facilities—can reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access for farmers. Access to affordable credit remains a critical need; expanding the reach of financial institutions and microfinance programs can empower small-scale farmers to invest in better inputs, technology, and equipment.

Encouraging youth participation in agriculture is another vital aspect. Türkiye's youth unemployment rate, which stood at 22.6% in 2022 (TurkStat), presents an opportunity to channel young talent into the agricultural sector. Skill development programs focusing on agribusiness, digital farming, and value addition can foster entrepreneurship and innovation among the youth, making agriculture more attractive and profitable.

Promoting agribusiness opportunities, such as value-added food processing and export-oriented farming, can further enhance rural incomes. Increasing rural productivity and economic resilience through these measures is essential to achieving food security and fostering inclusive growth in Türkiye.

Conclusion

Türkiye stands at a pivotal juncture in the global food crisis. As a leading producer of numerous agricultural commodities, the country has the potential to play a critical role in ensuring global food security. However, challenges such as fragmented landholdings, climate change, water scarcity, supply chain inefficiencies, and post-harvest losses impede its ability to fully capitalize on its agricultural strengths.

Addressing these issues will require a multifaceted approach that includes modernization of farming practices, investment in infrastructure, promotion of sustainable agriculture, and integration of digital technologies. Equally important is the need for strategic policy reforms, enhanced value chain efficiency, and expanded access to international markets.

Türkiye's success in overcoming its domestic food security challenges will not only ensure national stability but also position the country as a significant contributor to solving global food distribution disparities. By aligning its agricultural policies with sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, Türkiye can strengthen its agricultural resilience and emerge as a key player in mitigating the global food crisis.

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization.

Mithat Direk is serving the Department of Agricultural Economics, Selcuk University, Konya-Türkiye.

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