Migration of seasonal agricultural workers: (Socio-cultural and economic panorama)

Migration is a phenomenon that has transformed the social structure of both receiving and sending regions from past to present, with its economic, political, cultural, social, and psychological dimensions. Migration does not merely signify physical relocation; it also necessitates the mutual interaction between migration sources and migration destinations. Due to its geographical location, Turkey has been a country where both internal and external migration have been experienced intensively throughout history. Since 1950, there has been a rapid and significant migration movement from rural areas to cities in Turkey. Seasonal migration, a type of internal migration, primarily encompasses the movements of agricultural workers. In Turkey, the climatic features and geographical conditions allow for the cultivation of different agricultural products in every season, leading to the emergence of seasonal agricultural labor. Seasonal agricultural labor is a multifaceted phenomenon in terms of both its causes and effects. Approximately 1 million seasonal agricultural workers in Turkey face numerous socio-cultural and economic challenges during their work period. For migrants, these issues affect their living conditions in both their places of residence and their places of migration. This study aims to highlight the working conditions, social lives, and challenges faced by seasonal agricultural workers during harvest periods. Conducted within a interpretative paradigm, this qualitative research employed a phenomenological approach in Sakarya, using a type of purposive sampling known as snowball sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted with agricultural workers, agricultural intermediaries, and employers using a semi-structured interview form. Research findings indicate that seasonal agricultural workers experience problems in various areas such as housing, food, health, and wages.