Marmara Geographical Review

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the general characteristics of the village experienced rural migration and to demonstrate effects of migration on villages in Samsun Province in 2012. The study divided into two different Regions of the province of Samsun and a total of 32 surveys were conducted in villages in these two regions. According to the obtained results; education in the villages, health and other infrastructure facilities naturally less than in cities. The road damaged; events which reduce the quality of life such as electricity, water, and telephone failure are taking place frequently in villages. Job opportunities outside of agriculture is limited. Agricultural infrastructure elements such as pastures, forests, organization, and irrigation resources are insufficient in villages which village's economy depends largely on agriculture. The land is very fragmented and scattered, the lack of arable land per capita agricultural households and often result in problems such as loss of agricultural activities are quite common. All as a result thereof; the ongoing migration from villages to cities of Samsun and is steadily declining population of the village. Population in the surveyed villages has decreased by 33% during the period 1990-2012. Especially young people as a result of migration of rural population remaining in the average age is increasing. Some of the land and agricultural facilities remain in idle state