Rapid Needs and Risk Assessment Project in Türkiye’s Apricot Supply Chain
The devastating earthquakes of February 2023 profoundly affected agricultural production in southeastern Türkiye, including Malatya, one of the country’s most important apricot-producing regions. Seasonal migrant workers (SMWs), who form the backbone of the harvest, faced heightened risks as their already precarious living and working conditions deteriorated further in the aftermath of the disaster. In response to these challenges, a Germany-based organic fruit company initiated a project to assess urgent needs, identify human rights risks, and develop a concrete action plan to safeguard workers’ rights and wellbeing.
Project
Rapid Needs and Risk Assessment Project in Türkiye’s Apricot Supply Chain
Project Partner
Private sector actors and public authorities
Status
Completed
The project examined the situation of SMWs and their children, profiling their migration routes, mapping their engagement across different crops, and identifying key vulnerabilities. Special attention was given to human rights dimensions, including the rights to life, survival and development; safe and adequate housing; decent and fair working conditions; protection from child labour and economic exploitation; access to health, education, and social security; and freedom from discrimination and violence. As part of the assessment activities, books and educational materials were distributed to children in earthquake-affected schools in Malatya, addressing urgent needs while also supporting longer-term educational resilience.
Implemented in two phases, the initiative first focused on preparation, supplier mapping, development of research tools, and on-site fieldwork in Malatya. Data collection through interviews and focus groups fed into a red flag report that outlined urgent risks and set the foundation for an action plan.
By proactively addressing risks in the aftermath of the earthquakes, this project seeks to foster more resilient and sustainable supply chains in Türkiye’s organic fruit sector, ensuring that the workers at the heart of production are protected and supported.