The World Bank has approved a $250 million financing package for Türkiye to aid the recovery of its agriculture sector in regions affected by the February 2023 earthquakes. This initiative aims to support farms and agricultural enterprises in the 'Fertile Crescent' region, helping them recover from extensive damages while enhancing resilience against future natural disasters, including those related to climate change.
The project is expected to benefit approximately 50,000 individuals, including farmers, livestock producers, shepherds, and agricultural organizations. The support will come through rehabilitated irrigation systems, access to machinery and equipment, restored infrastructure and pastureland, and training in sustainable practices. There are also measures in place to ensure that women and youth gain from these programs.
"The agriculture sector has been a backbone of the economy of the provinces impacted by the 2023 earthquakes," stated Humberto Lopez, World Bank Country Director for Türkiye. "The newly approved project aims to restore productive capacity in these regions."
The activities will cover all 11 provinces directly affected by the earthquakes as well as some adjacent areas. An estimated 25% of cultivated land in these regions was negatively impacted. Livestock breeders faced challenges such as animal deaths and reduced productive capacity due to urgent sales needed for basic needs.
Economic disruptions from the earthquakes were significant, with estimated losses exceeding $5 billion in agriculture alone. Infrastructure damages were estimated at $1.3 billion, affecting equipment, storage facilities, and irrigation systems.
Luz Berania Diaz, World Bank Project Team Leader, emphasized that recovery efforts must enhance resilience: "This operation not only addresses economic recovery but also strengthens the agricultural sector’s ability to withstand future shocks."
The World Bank's commitment includes supporting disaster risk management and post-disaster recovery efforts. Following the February 6 earthquakes in 2023, it quickly mobilized technical expertise for damage assessment and reconstruction needs. The approval of this project underscores its ongoing dedication to rebuilding infrastructure and restoring livelihoods in Türkiye's earthquake-affected regions.