Socio - economic structure of Yavuzeli county in Gaziantep and development opportunities through agricultural extension

ABSTRACT M.Sc.Thesis SOCIO-ECONOMIC STRUCTURE OF YAVUZELİ COUNTY IN GAZİANTEP AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION Hasan Atilla ERGEN UNIVERSITY OF ÇUKUROVA INSTITUTE OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS Adviser : AsstProf.Dr.Dilek BOSTAN BUDAK Year: 2004, Pages: 57 Jury: Asst.Prof.Dr.Dilek BOSTAN BUDAK : Assoc.Prof.Dr.Aykut GÜL : Asst.Prof.Dr.A.Musa BOZDO?AN The aim of this research is to determine the socio-economic structure of Yavuzeli county in Gaziantep and investigate the opportunities of development through agricultural extension. The main material was collected with face to face interview from 78 farmers which were selected randomly from five villages. The literacy rate of men which is 55,6 % in Yavuzeli is higher than Turkey (54,3 %) while women's literacy rate which is 44,4 %, lower than Turkey (45,7%). The main economic activity in Yavuzeli was pistachios production. Majority of farmers are doing dry farming because of low irrigation opportunity. Agricultural extension is not effective in this research area because of limited personnel and vehicles. Agricultural extension services must guide to insubstantial improvements for rural people themselves, as well as increase the productivity of the agricultural sector. Extension programs and materials should be developed with taking into consideration of farmers' talent and educational level. To reach women farmers, more female extension workers should be trained. It can be concluded from the analysis that farmers need extension education to improve their living conditions. Key Words: Socio-economic Structure, Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Development II