Farmers' Willingness to Sustain Small Ruminant Production in Turkey

This study investigates the factors influencing sheep and goat farmers' willingness to continue farming activities in Turkey, focusing on the drivers behind their decisions and the challenges they face.Data were collected through face-to-face surveys with 612 producers (328 sheep farmers and 284 goat farmers) across six major small ruminant-producing provinces in Turkey.The analysis reveals that 242 respondents (39.54%) expressed satisfaction with the prevailing production conditions, whereas 370 respondents (60.46%) reported an inclination to discontinue their farming enterprises.Key factors contributing to farmers' reluctance include exorbitant feed prices, inadequate subsidy mechanisms, restricted access to and poor quality of natural grasslands, escalating input costs, and a scarcity of skilled shepherd labor.These findings highlight critical areas requiring policy intervention to sustain small ruminant production in Turkey.Addressing economic and environmental challenges, alongside improving subsidy programs and grassland management, will be vital to enhancing farmers' willingness to continue these essential agricultural activities.This study offers actionable insights for policymakers to support small ruminant farmers and ensure the resilience of this sector in Turkey