A Case Study on the Risk of Rural Poverty in Semi-Arid Region of Turkey: Kırıkkale Province Central District

Abstract: The aim of this research is to determine the risk of rural poverty of farms located in semi-arid regions of Turkey. To reach the aim, it was selected that representing semi-arid areas as Kırıkkale province in Central Anatolia region. The bulk of the data was collected from selected farms by questionnaires which were selected from farms in the research area by random sampling method. The risk analysis was made by simulation of stochastic values of obtained income (Gross Agricultural Income and Total Family Income). According to research results, the average farm land was 89.59 decares. 95.16 % of crop land was arid land and mainly, engaged in cereal production. Besides crop production, animal husbandry was done in the average as 2 head dairy cow, 2.19 head cow, 13.03 head sheep and 1.45 head goat. Gross Agricultural Income was $4988 in the average farm and 70.98 % of them were from crop production, 29.02 % was from animal production. Total Family Income was $5565. It was found that the risk of rural poverty was 26.66 % as to obtained Gross Agricultural Income and 17.29 % as to Total Family Income