The sustainability of sheep production; case of Izmir province

In this thesis, the demographic structure, socio-economic characteristics and the sustainability of sheep production in İzmir are analyzed. The data of the study belongs to 2018 and these data were obtained from 126 enterprises whose main job is sheep production. For sustainability analysis, 8 indicators (Economic efficiency, Labor profitability, Animal profitability, Animal productivity, Non-agricultural income, Employment, Natural pasture area, Animal density) covering three dimensions of sustainability (economic, social and environmental) were selected. By the Principal Component Analysis method the indicators have been reduced to three dimensions; the scale error was eliminated with the normalization (new values between Min-Max: 0-1) method, the indicator weights were calculated by the Analytical Hierarchy Process method and finally the composite sustainability index was calculated by totalization of the obtained component values. In addition, the SWOT analysis of sheep production is performed for overall Turkey; strategy and policy recommendations have been developed for the future of sheep production in Turkey. In the study, the average number of sheep in the enterprises is 150.74. The average age of the farmers is 49.59 year old, level of education is 5.94 years and the sheep production experience period is 31.27 years. 55.56% of the operators are 50 years or older. The rate of family labor use is 88.43%. Forage crop production is limited; technology usage level is low, pen, hayloft etc. buildings are quite worn. The highest share in variable costs is feed outgoings with 60%; 44% of the fixed expenses is composed of interest expenses. The most important income comes from lamb and sheep sales. The sustainability composite index calculated as 28.30% (economic sustainability 14.13%, social sustainability 4.76% and environmental sustainability 9.42%). According to FAO sustainability reference; the sustainability of sheep production in İzmir is at the limit. It is understood that economic factors are more effective in terms of sustainability of sheep production than social and environmental factors. Overgrazing and neglected pastures adversely affect environmental sustainability. The low non-agricultural income and the use of foreign labor are the main factors adversely affecting social sustainability. The strengths of sheep production in Turkey; pasture presence, number of sheep, experience, number of family businesses, wide range area for the activity, native breeds, etc. Weaknesses; production cost and competition, pasture weed quality, misuse of pastureland, lack of market, rural migration, agricultural subsidies, etc. Opportunities; young and dynamic population, export potential, physical and cultural infrastructure, scientific studies, public institutions etc. Threats; aging agricultural population, reluctance and indifference, ewe slaughtering, hygiene conditions etc. Sheep production should be evaluated as a whole in terms of economic, social and environmental aspects. There is a need for long-term policies that will not be affected by politics. Feasible macro scale projects (e.g. protecting pasture ecosystem, yield and improvement works etc.) must be activated. Especially for the sustainability of small-scale family businesses, market mechanism should be operated for sheep production. For accurate and reliable prices, livestock, red meat, fleece and feed exchange should be engaged. The importance of sheep and lamb meat, sheep milk and it's derivatives in human health should be explained through promotional activities (fairs, cooking programs, local products festival, etc.). Keywords: Sheep Production, Socio-Economic Analysis, Economic Sustainability, Social Sustainability and Environmental Sustainability.