World Bank Approves $250 million to Support Agriculture Sector Recovery in Türkiye’s Earthquake-affected Areas

WASHINGTON, December 11, 2024 - The World Bank Board today approved $250 million in financing for Türkiye to support the resilient recovery of the agriculture sector in areas devastated by the February 2023 earthquakes.

The Agriculture Sector Recovery in Türkiye's Earthquake-affected Provinces project will help farms and farm enterprises in the country's 'Fertile Crescent' region recover from the massive damages inflicted by the earthquakes while also enhancing resilience against natural disasters, including those from climate change.

Approximately 50,000 people-including individual farmers, livestock producers, shepherds, agricultural enterprises, and organizations-will benefit through rehabilitated and improved irrigation systems; access to machinery and farm equipment; restored on-farm infrastructure, equipment and pastureland; as well as training in sustainable land management, mechanization practices, and climate-smart practices. The project also includes targeted measures to ensure that women and youth benefit from its programs, fostering inclusive recovery and resilience.

"The agriculture sector has been a backbone of the economy of the provinces impacted by the 2023 earthquakes. Prior to the disaster, these regions collectively accounted for nearly 10% of Türkiye's gross domestic product and 17% of cultivated land, while 20% of the population in these provinces worked in agriculture, a significant proportion being women. These jobs and incomes are essential for sustaining families, communities, and local economies," said Humberto Lopez, World Bank Country Director for Türkiye. "The newly approved project aims to restore productive capacity in these regions, ensuring the preservation and improvement of jobs and livelihoods of those affected."

The project's activities span all 11 provinces directly impacted by the 2023 earthquakes, as well as targeted adjacent areas. Estimates indicate that 25% of all cultivated land in the affected provinces was adversely impacted. Livestock breeders faced severe setbacks, including direct losses from animal deaths and a reduction in productive capacity due to the urgent need to sell livestock to meet basic needs.

The economic disruptions in agriculture caused by the earthquakes were estimated to exceed $5 billion, while damages to agriculture-related infrastructure were estimated at $1.3 billion. In addition, equipment and machinery, storage facilities, and on-farm irrigation systems suffered significant damage.

"Furthermore, large areas in these provinces are vulnerable to arid conditions and desertification, with climate change expected to pose a growing threat to agricultural production and livelihoods. Recovery efforts must go hand in hand with enhancing resilience," said Luz Berania Diaz, World Bank Project Team Leader. "This operation not only addresses economic recovery but also strengthens the agricultural sector's ability to withstand future shocks, including those driven by climate change."

The World Bank is a trusted partner for Türkiye, supporting key development priorities such as disaster risk management and post-disaster recovery. In the immediate aftermath of the February 6, 2023 earthquakes, the World Bank swiftly mobilized technical expertise on damage assessment and financing for post-reconstruction needs. Today's approval of the Agriculture Sector Recovery in Türkiye's Earthquake-affected Province's project, reinforces the Bank's ongoing commitment to rebuilding infrastructure, restoring livelihoods, and driving economic recovery in Türkiye's earthquake-affected regions.