Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Ciencia Rural, cilt.56, sa.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Hatay province is the most significant region in Turkey’s Mediterranean area for olive production. This study selected the best districts for olive cultivation using the AHP-TOPSIS methods. Data collected from 100 enterprises in five districts of Hatay; where production is intensive and olives are of particular importance, were divided into two groups for analysis. In the first group, the analysis identified the most advantageous districts using data from all olive-producing enterprises. In the second group, the analysis focused on 63 enterprises that met the criteria of having individuals who will continue production, which was deemed crucial for the continuity of the enterprise. The rankings of the districts differed between the two groups. Based on the presence of individuals who will continue agricultural production (n = 63), Altınözü and Antakya were identified as the best districts for olive cultivation, while Samandağ and Yayladağı were the most disadvantaged. The findings suggested that the declining engagement of younger generations in agriculture is becoming a significant issue for agricultural production, potentially leading to changes in the future sustainability of these enterprises. Factors ensuring continuity in olive-producing agricultural enterprises in Hatay were evaluated according to three main criteria and 12 sub-criteria. Market relations, identified as the main criterion, accounted for 59.5%, production for 33.5%, and the influence of farm identity for 6.9%. The study highlighed the need for targeted efforts and support in the Samandağ and Yayladağı districts that lag behind in olive cultivation but are historically, socially, and economically significant production areas.