This report assesses the impacts of the COVID-19 on the agrifood sector and rural areas in Türkiye. Taking a panoramic picture of the agrifood sector in the country during the COVID-19 period, the study portrays how the pandemic impact on agrifood chains, smallholders and rural economies in Türkiye. The report titled “COVID-19 Rapid Impact Assessment on Agri-Food Sector and Rural Areas in Türkiye” is an outcome of a joint study by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Türkiye.

Besides assessments on how the pandemic has affected agrifood sector, the report presents policy recommendations for sector preparedness and response, and agricultural and rural resilience. Moreover, the report sheds light on the connection between its suggestions and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Authors of this study aims to contribute to the COVID-19 Socio-Economic Impact and Response Task Team (SEIRTT) in United Nations Türkiye, co-led by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Resident Coordinator’s Office. In thematic terms, the report supports efforts to analyse socio-economic dimensions of the COVID-19 in Türkiye. Moreover, the report sets the basis for further institutional engagement with Government and other relevant partners and stakeholders in the short to medium term with respect to agriculture and food sectors.