Seasonal agricultural work in Turkey occurs with temporary migrations, particularly from the eastern and southeastern regions to more fertile agricultural areas in the western provinces. Every year, many families migrate between April and October to more productive agricultural areas in search of work. Şanlıurfa is one of the provinces in Turkey where seasonal agricultural work is most prevalent; seasonal labor is a significant source of income for the region. However, this situation brings with it various problems from social, economic, and educational perspectives.
Main Problems and Challenges
Working Conditions and Wages: Seasonal agricultural workers often work long hours, receive low wages, and lack legal protections such as job security. Most seasonal workers are deprived of insurance and social security rights.
Housing and Health Issues: Most seasonal agricultural workers live in unhealthy conditions in the regions they migrate to. Their accommodations are usually temporary tents or makeshift structures, and they face serious challenges regarding hygiene, access to clean water, and healthcare services.
Educational Problems: Children of migrant families cannot attend school regularly. This results in children being deprived of education and a decline in their academic success.
Social and Psychological Problems: Migrant worker families experience weakened social ties and face the risk of social exclusion. Children in these families, in particular, may be under psychological pressure and face issues such as exclusion and discrimination.
Solution Proposals and Supportive Efforts
Civil society organizations, such as Yerelden Kalkınma Derneği, carry out projects aimed at addressing the problems faced by seasonal agricultural workers. The association develops projects in collaboration with local governments to improve the education, housing, and social rights of seasonal workers. For example, efforts are undertaken to develop educational models to reduce child labor and ensure that children can continue their education, improve living conditions for workers, and support their social integration.
In addition to Yerelden Kalkınma Derneği, various government institutions and municipalities also produce projects and develop solutions in this field.
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