What is the project about?

The project aims to improve natural resource management in rural areas and create higher added value for rural transformation, increasing the welfare of small-scale farmers and supporting their market integration. The project is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Scope and Content of the Project:

• Target Audience: Small-scale agricultural enterprises, farmers, and people living in rural areas.
• Implementation Areas: 8 provinces in the Eastern Mediterranean (Adana, Mersin, Osmaniye, Kahramanmaraş) and the Western Black Sea (Bartın, Kastamonu, Sinop, Çankırı) regions, covering 47,400 households and 294,000 individuals.
• Duration: An 8-year project implemented in two phases:
  1. Phase 1: 2018–2023
  2. Phase 2: 2022–2027
• Project Components:
  1. Promotion of Economic Development Clusters
• Encouraging small farmers to form clusters
• Strengthening infrastructure
• Developing value chains
  1. Access to Finance (Removed in 2023)
  2. Project Management

The project is a large-scale development initiative that aims to increase agricultural production in rural areas, improve the economic and social situation of farmers and support local development.

What is the situation?

Under the Project, 2,949 physical activities were planned for 2024, 93% of which were completed. Expenditures and progress are broadly in line with planned levels.

Key Achievements

1️. Physical and Financial Progress

• Component 1 (Economic Development Clusters): 2,916 activities planned, 96% completed.
• Component 3 (Project Management): 33 activities planned, 112% completion achieved.
• Total budget utilization: 68.46% spent, €12.8 million investment mad.

2️. Beneficiaries and Support

• 39,532 individuals targeted, 30,079 supported (76% success rate).
• 13,977 women beneficiaries, 8,611 young beneficiaries.
• 6,769 individual grants planned, 3,935 completed.
• 511 nomadic families received assistance

3. Economic Development Clusters (EDCs) & Multi-Stakeholder Platforms (MSPs)

• Initial goal of 80 EDCs, revised to 40 in 2023.
• As of 2024, 43 EDCs have been established (including 3 new ones in Kastamonu).
• 41 MSP meetings were held in 202.

4️. Infrastructure Investments

• €12.1 million invested in infrastructure.
• 450 water troughs and 10 shepherd shelters built.
• Completed/ongoing projects include animal markets, milk collection centers, fruit/vegetable markets, and irrigation systems.

5️. Demonstrations & Training

• 442 demonstration activities completed.
• 54 farmer training sessions conducted (exceeding the target).
• €1 million spent on demonstration activities.

The project is progressing successfully overall. The majority of physical activities have been completed and financial expenditures are close to planned levels. The number of women and youth beneficiaries is high and targets have largely been achieved. Infrastructure investments are ongoing and significant progress is being made. Economic Development Clusters and Multi-Stakeholder Platforms are working effectively. Irrigation projects, marketplaces and rural infrastructure are ongoing.

By 2024, the URDP has performed well, achieving the majority of targets and delivering tangible improvements in rural areas.

What is our mission?

The main mission of the URDP is to increase the welfare of small-scale farmers and agricultural enterprises in disadvantaged rural areas. It aims to support sustainable development and strengthen agricultural value chains to boost the rural economy.

Main Objectives:

• Improve Natural Resource Management: Ensure sustainable use of agricultural and pastureland.
• Establish Economic Development Clusters: Enhance competitiveness by bringing together small farmers.
• Strengthen Value Chains and Market Access: Enable small producers to reach larger markets.
• Facilitate Access to Financial Services: Encourage small farmers to access credit and financial support.
• Develop Rural Infrastructure: Construct irrigation systems, markets, milk collection centers, and livestock infrastructure.
• Increase Women and Youth Employment: Promote the active participation of women and youth in agriculture and rural development.
• Enhance Climate Change Resilience: Support farmers in adapting to changing climate conditions and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

The project provides economic, social, and infrastructure support to rural communities, fostering stronger, more sustainable, and resilient rural societies.

How are we doing this?

The project is implemented under UNDP and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, with IFAD financial support. The implementation involves local governments, cooperatives, producer associations, and farmers.

Key Project Activities:

• Organizing small farmers into Economic Development Clusters (EDCs).
• Investing in infrastructure (e.g., irrigation systems, milk collection centers, livestock markets, etc.).
• Providing training, consultancy, and technical support for farmers.
• Promoting modern agricultural techniques through demonstrations and pilot programs.
• Offering financial access support to small farmers and producers.
• Providing grants, agricultural credits, and financial mechanisms.
• Running special programs for women and young farmers.
• Supporting farmers in business planning and organization.
• The URDP is implemented in a comprehensive manner to support rural development through organization, infrastructure investments, training, financial support and monitoring and evaluation processes.

• The model, which aims to increase the production capacity of small farmers and ensure their integration into markets, has been successfully implemented economically and socially.

   

How will Türkiye benefit?

The URDP supports rural development in Türkiye by increasing agricultural production and improving the quality of life in rural areas. The project is funded by IFAD and brings economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Achievements So Far

1️. Economic Development & Agricultural Growth

• Increased production capacity of small-scale farmers
• Higher productivity through modern farming techniques and grants.
• New marketing mechanisms for agricultural products.
• Small farmers supported through Economic Development Clusters (EDC)
• Farmers were organized and made stronger.
• A total of 43 Economic Development Clusters (EDCs) have been established, facilitating farmers' access to larger markets.
• Financing support provided to rural enterprises
• Grants and credit support were provided to small farmers and agribusinesses.
• As of 2024, 6,769 individual grants were awarded, 3,935 of which were completed.
• Increased participation of women and young farmers in production
• 75% of the farmers in the project are women and 74% are young people.
• Special support was provided to women and young entrepreneurs, contributing to rural development.

2. Strengthening Rural Infrastructure

• Production processes modernized with infrastructure investments
• Infrastructure such as irrigation systems, milk collection centers, animal markets and food processing facilities have been established.
• 450 watering troughs, 10 shepherd shelters and irrigation systems were established.
• Quality of life in rural areas improved
• Critical investments such as roads, marketplaces and energy infrastructure have been realized in villages.
• Small producers' access to markets has been facilitated.

3️. Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Protection

• Sustainable agricultural practices developed to combat climate change
• Smallholder farmers have been made more resilient to climate change.
• Water management, soil conservation and organic farming practices have been expanded.
• Natural resources were used more efficiently
• Improved water and soil management in agricultural areas.
• Support was provided for sustainable pasture management and animal husbandry.

4️. Strengthening Social and Economic Balance in Rural Areas

• Poverty alleviation achieved in rural areas
• Financial support was provided to small farmers to increase their income levels.
• Agricultural initiatives were encouraged through individual grants.
• Supported women and youth participation in rural development
• Special activities were carried out for women producers.
• Agricultural initiatives of young farmers were encouraged
• Improved living conditions for nomad families
• 511 nomadic families were provided with specialized support and their livelihoods improved.

Türkiye's Tangible Gains from the URDP by 2024

• 30,079 farmers received direct support.
• A total of €12.1 million spent on infrastructure investments
• While 39,532 people were targeted to be reached, 76% success rate was achieved
• Grants, irrigation systems and infrastructure investments boosted economic mobility in rural areas
• Women and young entrepreneurs brought into agricultural production