The National Rural Development Strategy is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The overall purpose of this Strategy is the development and sustainability of the working and living conditions of the rural community in harmony with urban areas. The strategic objectives of this Strategy are (i) economic development and increase in job opportunities, (ii) institutional capacity building, (iii) infrastructure development in rural areas and increase in the quality of life, and (iv) environmental protection and sustainability in rural areas. Food security will be ensured through increased and diversified agricultural production in an environmentally sustainable manner. Rural development strategies will be achieved with the participation of national and local governmental institutions, private sector, civil society organizations, and producer organizations. This Rural Development Strategy underlines that all actions taken to ensure rural development and reduce rural poverty includes rural women, rural youth and disabled groups. In order to ensure sustainable working and living conditions in rural areas within economic, social and environmental aspects, the stable development of the rural economy and the economic continuity of the enterprises engaged in agricultural and non-agricultural activities will be ensured. Measures will be taken to minimize the possible social and economic negative effects of the unemployment problem that may arise during the transformation process in agricultural structure through income diversification. Rural infrastructure will be developed to integrate rural economy with market demands. Rural poverty will be reduced by supporting smallholders and providing marketing support in the agriculture, forestry and food sectors, as well by ensuring sustainable use of water and land resources to increase farmers’ incomes through increased agricultural production. Forest ecosystems will be conserved to ensure sustainable use of forest resources in order to optimize the benefits. In addition to that, tourism activities will be expanded in rural areas to attract more tourists with respect to traditional and organic food, cultural heritage, landscapes and recreation areas. Vocational trainings will be provided to farmers and producers. Agricultural research and extension services will be improved. Thereby producers’ organizations will be supported to increase collective activities. The negative effects of economic activities on the environment, natural resources, historical and cultural assets will be monitored and prevented with inter-institutional cooperation. Effective land use management will be ensured through land classification, inventory and detailed land maps. Due to the consumer awareness-raising on food safety, food industry will be developed in a competitive manner. Furthermore food quality controls will be strengthened at harvesting, processing, handling, storage, transportation, packaging, labelling, and marketing levels to ensure consumer protection. Preventive measures will be taken against erosion, desertification, landslide, drought, forest fires, flood and biodiversity loss, through sustainable use and management of land and water resources by implementing good agricultural practices. A Monitoring and Evaluation Committee will be established to monitor the implementation, evaluate the developments, and to take measures and revise or renew the Strategy if necessary.
Türkiye · 2014-01-01