Analysing the Effect of Konya Plain Project on Employment Using Difference in Differences Method: The Case of Konya and Karaman
Küçük Resim Yok
Tarih
2023
Dergi Başlığı
Dergi ISSN
Cilt Başlığı
Yayıncı
Turkish Journal of Agricultural Economics
Erişim Hakkı
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
Özet
Purpose: The study investigates the impact of the Konya Plain Project (KOP), one of the most important regional development projects in Turkey, on the employment indicators in Konya and Karaman. The continental climate of the KOP region triggers the extremely low rainfall in summer and creates an obstacle to the agriculture of the region. One of the main goals of KOP is to establish an effective irrigation network in the region and to improve the existing irrigation systems. In addition to improving irrigation systems, KOP has also put into operation projects that will revitalize the socio-economic structure of the region, such as improving the infrastructure and employment opportunities. We investigate whether all these developments and projects have the potential to directly or indirectly affect the employment of the region. Design/Methodology/Approach: The effect of the KOP on the employment indicators of Konya and Karaman between 2008 and 2017 has been estimated empirically by using the “Difference in Differences” and “Propensity Score Matching” methods. The pooled cross-section micro dataset of the Household Labor Force Survey of TURKSTAT is used in the analyses. Findings: The results show that the KOP has a significant and positive effect on the employment of the agricultural sector in the provinces, but the effect is not widespread enough to increase the employment levels in other sectors. Especially the findings for permanent employment in agriculture have shown that individuals working in the agriculture sector maintain their employment level owing to KOP. Today, it is among the policy recommendations of the study that the increase in migration of agricultural labor from rural areas to the cities can be prevented by policies such as KOP. Originality/Value: The impact of the Konya Plain Project on employment indicators in Turkey has not been discussed before in the related literature. In this context, the study is original to contribute to the relevant literature. © 2023, Turkish Journal of Agricultural Economics. All rights reserved.
Açıklama
Anahtar Kelimeler
Agriculture, Difference in Differences, Employment, Konya Plain Project
