Is Rural Out Migration Constructive for Sustainable Development? A Case of Mountain Community of Kıbrıscık, Turkey

This paper investigates the relationship between environmental degradation and out migration in mountainous area of Kibriscik district, Bolu Province, Turkey. Primary data was collected through personal observations and in-depth interviews with residents of different age groups and representatives of civil society organizations. Furthermore, secondary data was collected from Turkish Directorate General of Forest, Turkish statistical Institute and District Agriculture Office, Kibriscik. Results revealed that population of the research area have decreased significantly in recent years due to lack of employment opportunities in the area. Out migration has proved beneficial in terms of environmental stability. On the other hand, decreased number of young people resulted in abundance of economically inactive older ones. As a result, serious decrease in livestock and agricultural activity is observed in the area. Similar situations in most of mountainous areas of Turkey has affected the country`s overall demand of dairy products.