The Effect of Rural Migration on Agricultural Assets in Samsun Province

In this study, the effect of migration from rural areas to urban areas, on agricultural assets is investigated in the villages of Samsun province. Questionnaires are used to compile the data required for the study. The survey consists eight districts of the province of Samsun in 128 households in 32 villages. Town, villages and households were selected as purposeful. Majority of the houses left behind by migrants are used by them or their relatives in some periods of the year. Most of the barns and corrals remain closed while the rest are used by relatives. Most of the tractors, plows, etc. have been sold or used by them or by their children during some periods of the year. Fields, meadows and orchard lands are mainly cultivated by the migrant or by the relatives in the village. Cattle, sheep and bees have mostly been sold. The proportion of idle assets is 19-67% for buildings, 11-25% for equipments, 8% for farm land and 4% for orchards. Taking into account the sustainability of agricultural activities in rural areas to reduce the rate of migration of young people in particular measures should be taken.