Evaluation of the economic profile of medical and aromatic plants planning sectoral development using spatial database: Case of Tokat province

Tokat is an important geography in terms of ecosystem and flora diversity. The main aim of the study is to determine the consumption of medicinal aromatic plants (MAP) in the region and geographical locations in this way to reveal the economic value in the agricultural sector.In the theoretical part of the study, and the developing world in the production of Turkey and foreign trade has been a general evaluation. In the second stage, 40 different MAPs were found to have economic value in the region. With the help of this data set, 384 consumers were surveyed. In this study, consumer profiles were determined and consumption patterns of MAPs used as spices, beverages, cosmetics and perfumery were determined. Statistically, as the income and education levels of the consumers increased, the usage areas of medicinal aromatic plants were also differentiated. On the other hand, meaningful relationships were determined between income, education, age groups, location of purchase, attention to purchase, and the features that they pay attention to when purchasing products. Finally, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) techniques were used to perform spatial-based sectoral development planning of TABs grown in Tokat. After questioning the GIS database, locations of 16 of the TABs found in Tokat flora were mapped. The findings obtained by the strengthening of the GIS results with the help of Walter diagrams showed that the production of the plants in the determined locations has economic value. The results of the study; It is thought to be important for researchers, MAP vendors, producers and decision makers.